This point in your life is a big deal. The choices you make in eighth grade will decide the next four years of your life. I am currently a senior at Ledyard High School, so I am going through a similar decision. My whole life, I have been within the Ledyard school district. I went to all four schools: Gallup Hill, Ledyard Center, Gales Ferry/Juliet Long, and Ledyard Middle School. This being the case, I came to high school familiar with many people around me, not only in my grade but in the ones above me. I didn’t look into any other high schools. I am not enrolled in the AG program, but that’s not all the school has to offer. Although many students are a part of AG, either way, Ledyard is a great school. 

Besides being here my entire life, joining the soccer team helped me adjust to going to high school. Fall sports have optional conditioning over the summer where you can start to meet more people, and these people can become your friends/acquaintances. A sport will take up a lot of time, but, in my personal experience, they help you to branch out, learn time management, and other skills that are important as you make your way into the real world. 

However, sports are not everybody’s jam. The school offers a lot of different clubs, and all you have to do is reach out and show up. Getting involved is something I highly recommend, whether you come here to Ledyard or choose a different school. Take a step out of your comfort zone and try new things. In my freshman year, I tried outdoor track and enjoyed it. Sophomore year, I tried out for the tennis team, even though I had never played before, and found something new that I love. Branching out has led to many new friendships and hobbies that I  never would’ve discovered had I stayed in my nervous shell. 

The school has a large pool of interesting electives. In the humanities section, there are classes such as, 20th-century American Culture (pop culture), African and Latino Studies, Anthropology, Journalism, Ceramics, Art, Drawing, Sculpture, Painting Studio, Child Development, Interior Design, Culinary, Sewing and Fashion, Sports Psychology, Guitar, a variety of choirs French, and Spanish. The STEM area of electives offers Marine Biology, Metals, Woods, Aquaculture, Horticulture, Neuroscience, Anatomy, Forensics, Accounting, Marking, Human Biology, Intro To Engineering and Design (IED), Computer Science Principles (CSP), Principles of Engineering, Power mechanics, Civil Engineering and Architecture, and many more such as many AP classes. 

That being said, good luck wherever you find yourself!

Lia Day, Staff Writer

Senior Lia Day is a staff writer for the 2024-2025 Colonel Newsmagazine. She likes to play with her dog and cat, read, play soccer and tennis, and play games