Eighth graders have numerous high schools to choose from. Whether it’s North, Central, Marian, or Bryan; whichever the school, the decision is life altering for most students. They don’t want to loose their friends, or they don’t think the school is right for them. And they still have the worry about the school, and once they get there what it will be like. All the eighth graders just got comfortable at McMillan and now they have to choose their next school.
North is a magnet school. Which means it is filled with mathematics, science, engineering, and technology. Austin Mead, 8, has been playing softball for ten years. And with North’s baseball team, he can get a jump start for possibly playing baseball in college. “I’m going to North for engineering, but I’m mainly excited for baseball,” said Mead.
Central doesn’t specialize in any one subject or activity, but it’s centrally located which attracts a lot of students. In fact, its enrollment is 2,500 students. Next year, Kaitlyn Tonack will be part of Central high school. Tonack, 8 said, “I’m going to Central because it’s a cool school and my sister goes there. I’m excited for high school in general, but overly excited for the new people and a new place to be.”
Marian is a private all girls’ catholic school. It specializes in college prep, and making sure that girls come first. It costs about 6,000 dollars a year to go to this high school, and it goes up every year. Leigh Gustafson, 8 said, “I’m going to Marian because I know people that are going there and it will give me great opportunities to go to the colleges I want. I’m excited for the activities and to interact with the cute boys at Creighton Prep.”
Benson is also a magnet school like North is. It specializes in academic research and innovation. It’s and older school and is located by Monroe. It is also one of the high schools to host the math competition every year. Sandra Jimenez, 8 said, “I’m going to Benson because my friends are going there. And I’m exited to get out of Middle School.”
Creighton Prep is an all boy’s Catholic school. It specializes in college preparation especially for Creighton University, and making boys come first. It costs around 8,000 to go to Creighton Prep and goes up by 500 each year. Evan Berry, 8 said, “I’m going to Creighton Prep because it’s the best school for me and I need the extra focus. I’m mainly excited for baseball.”
It is easy to see students from McMillan are going to a variety of high schools spreading throughout Omaha. A lot of the students have gone to school together since elementary school, and this will be the first time they’re getting split up. A lot of the friends have made pacts to remain friends. For instance, Fred Cooperwood, 8, said he will keep in touch with his friends by hanging out on the weekends, and talking on the phone and over MySpace.