Gallery • 4 Photos

Lindsey Smith

As you peer out the window of the bus, you are met with the massive sign in front of the school reading ”PEMBROKE PINES CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL.” Suddenly, the bus comes to a jolting halt as you arrive in the bus loop. In an instant, all students are met with a combined haze of fear: you are now on the high school campus.

Guided by the members of Student Government Association (SGA) and a few National Honor Society (NHS) members, the soon to be freshmen, were guided to the River of Grass Auditorium to “meet” their future school. As soon as all students calmed their nerves and were seated, they were met with the voice of the SGA advisor, Ms. Alongi. Welcoming the students into their next four years of high school, the mic was then passed to Ryan Romero, or more famously known as “DJ Romi.” Soon, the events of the morning would commence.

The festivities of the morning began with a routine performed by the Latin Dance Team. When the music began, everyone watching immediately began to sing along with the Spanish lyrics of the songs. With their matching outfits and their synchronized moves, the group’s audience was mesmerized. Following the cheers and screams after the Latin dance sequence, it was time for the Cheer Team. The Cheer Team caused the entire crowd to erupt into cheers as they performed their practiced routine full of many tricks and surprises. For the finale, it was the long-awaited Dance Team. With their sharp movements and passionate moves, they left the crowd in absolute awe. Eighth grader Kylie Sergeant excitedly expresses, “I thought they were really good. I would have to say the Dance Team was my favorite because I’m a dancer myself, and I found it really good and I think I would want to join.”

After the excitement of the morning performances was over, it was time for the school tours. The eighth graders were split up into groups led by a few high school students. They were taken to see all of the classes and buildings that Charter has to offer. Students were even allowed to go into their future teachers’ classrooms to really grasp the feeling of being in high school. 

Upon entering one of the several classrooms, teachers would either explain what their class has to offer, or they would hand it over to their students! Students would give advice for a multitude of subjects, whether it be what classes you should and shouldn’t take, how to manage time properly, and tips on taking tests. One eighth grader, London Rivera, comments, “The campus is really big, like honestly it’s way bigger than Central. I’m probably going to get lost a lot. I’m excited to come to high school, but not for the classes, I feel like they’re going to be hard.”

When the tours ended, students were guided back to the auditorium for a question-and-answering segment of the orientation. They were allowed to ask the high schoolers any questions that they would like to know about the high school, and where they would be for the next four years. All of the seniors were able to pass on their wisdom to the incoming freshmen, who were once in their exact shoes.