Eighth Graders Get Inside Scoop on High School

Approximately 400 Hermiston eighth graders got a sneak peek Friday at what high school life will be like for them during a tour of Hermiston High School.

The visit to Hermiston High School was split into two half-day sessions. Eighth graders from Sandstone Middle School visited the high school in the morning, followed by Armand Larive eighth graders in the afternoon.

Hermiston High School Assistant Principal Dusty Porter said the high school tour gave the students a chance to get an up-close look at some of the classes that will be available to them next school year.

“The tour is designed to provide incoming students with information regarding our elective classes and programs,” Porter said.

Students attended 10-minute mini-sessions in each of the high school’s elective classes. Each student group was led by a current Leadership student at HHS, said Porter. In addition to the information students received about individual classes and programs, Porter said the eighth-grade students had the opportunity to participate in several of the classes and watch current students perform and showcase what types of activities and learning experiences are available at HHS.

Hermiston High School senior Ashton Earl spoke to students about art programs at Hermiston High School. Sandstone and Armand Larive students also were treated to a performance by HHS band and choir students on Friday. During a visit to the HHS Ag Room, senior Amedy Vanderkooy quizzed the students about animal science.

Some of the eighth graders said they were looking beyond classroom activities for next year. Kaden Caldwell, Slade Gritz, Antonio Montgomery and Andrew Dayton, all Sandstone students, said they were looking forward to playing sports for the Bulldogs next year.