Although the end of winter break is the bleak reminder school is back in session, it also is a blissful halfway checkpoint for the rest of the school year.

As January ensues, freshmen are finally beginning to settle and get comfortable with the atmosphere high school brings.

Josh Wirth, freshman, is eager to finish this year with the same spirit he started with.

“As a freshman, this year has been really good so far, and if I need help there is always someone there for me. I am looking forward to meeting new people, learning and trying new things out,” Wirth said.

Being new to a school can be daunting, but like Wirth, Austrian exchange student Nele Van den Herik, junior, knows that good people and new experiences are the key to making the school year enjoyable.

“My exchange year has been pretty awesome as of now, because I’ve met some amazing people over my time here. My favorite memory so far must be from the summer when we went jet skiing, Homecoming and Christmas, even though there are a lot more,” Van den Herik said.

Although the halfway point is a reminder to look ahead to the rest of the year, for some, it alerts others, like seniors, that their high school career is coming to a close.

Olivia LaFond, senior, reflects on the first four months of her ending high school career.

“My favorite part of senior year so far is having stress-free classes that don’t require much effort and have little tests. I will miss some of the friendships I have made throughout high school. Otherwise I won’t miss much, I’m more excited to graduate and more on to the next chapter,” LaFond said.