Walking through the halls of Seattle Prep, you may notice some brand-new faces, however, not all of these unfamiliar people are freshmen. From being 100 percent online, to 100 percent in person, the class of 2024  are taken by, “A whirlwind of changes,” as Sophomore Maya Salazar described it.  

Many would agree with Sophomore Class President Daniel Soto Parra that, “The first week was overwhelming in the sense that it was our first real week of high school. The positive change from virtual to in person has made it much easier to learn, socialize, and finally get the Prep experience.”  

Speaking of the “Prep experience,” sophomores agree that their first back-to-school dance exceeded expectations. The combination of beach balls flying everywhere, and Mr. Chism capturing pictures of the students made for a fun night. One of the sophomore class’s favorite moments this year was their first football game in the student section. The students showed off their blue outfits, and lost their voiced from shouting so much. We also can’t forget the sophomores’ fabulous dance performance to We’re All in This Together at the very first assembly of the year. In other words, the sophomores are showing off their inner Panther Pride!  

Although this adjustment for the sophomores is exciting, it is not always the easiest. Salazar said, “It felt so weird at first to be back on campus and sitting in a classroom with people, who, only days before were pixelated faces on a screen. As a sophomore, I feel like I should know my way around the school, but this year I still felt like a freshman. I felt so small.”

 Last year, it was especially hard for sophomores to make new friends through the virtual environment. However, the Class of 2024 is taking advantage of being in person, making new connections with each other, and getting to know the campus together.  

Along with the idea of feeling brand new, the class of 2024 faces the incredibly hard change of starting school at 7:45 am rather than 8:15 am. Not having the option to wake up ten minutes before class or attend school from the comfort of their homes is something the sophomores are slowly adjusting to.  

As students move through the school year, the class of 2024 will be looking forward to dances, school events, and a full sports season not affected by Covid. Sophomore Leyla Nabie, who is on the girls’ Varsity basketball team said, “This year I’m especially excited to bond with my team and enjoy having more freedom due to fewer Covid precautions – for example, riding the bus to games together.”  

Sophomore Jadon Archer said it best, “To me, being in school with all of my classmates has signaled an end to quarantine and the wall between Covid and expressing our Panther Pride.”

The Seattle Prep Class of 2024 continues to look forward to experiencing new things within the school and community, and the best part is, it’s only just begun.