The seventh graders are going to choose their classes for eighth grade soon. There are a lot more classes to choose from in eighth grade. Students can choose drama, journalism, or even debate! Of course these aren’t the only elective classes. “They can choose from honors art, Spanish, computer apps 3, and computer apps 4 too,” said Mrs. Pass, counselor.
    Maggie Peterson, 8, said she joined debate because it sounded fun and it could prepare her for future jobs. If the student is able to go up in front of a class and make a speech, debate might be an option. “No one wins by just playing offense or defense. You have to play both to win. Debate is the same way. Offense is like coming prepared with your arguments and your research completed on the topic”, said Mr. Beard, debate teacher.
    Drama class is one other elective students can take as an eighth grader. Jonathon Williams, 7, said that he joined drama because he likes to be around people. Mrs. Fowler, drama teacher, has been doing drama for awhile. She said thatthere can be a lot of different reasons to join drama. “It’s not an easy A. You have to come in and be prepared to do work,” said Fowler.
    Journalism is also an elective that they can choose. Ms.Balentine, journalism teacher, is the yearbook and newspaper supervisor. She has been in journalism for about 24 years. Leigh Gustafson, 8, said that when in journalism a student has to have good time management and be outgoing because she had to go up to people that she didn't always know for quotes or a picture.  “Students should only take journalism if he or she likes to write and has mature and appropriate behavior,” said Balentine.
    There are a lot of eighth graders that students can talk to if they have any questions. Students can also ask counselors and teachers for advice on which electives they should choose.