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Schools

A Night for Friends and New Beginnings at RHS Freshmen Barbecue

Incoming 9th graders came out to enjoy some hamburgers and hot dogs at Rye High School as a meet and greet for the 2010-2011 school year.

For Rye's 9th graders, the small gathering outside of their new campus marked a milestone—entering the doors of Rye High School for the first of four years.

The introductory barbecue Tuesday evening helped kick off the new school year, which began that morning.

The night was brimming with friendly faces, freshly printed school calendars informing students and families about upcoming events, and of course, trays of barbecued goodies.

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This ode to the end of warm weather and the beginning of autumn was welcomed by incoming freshmen and faculty alike, as the herd collected on the grassy knoll in front of the main entrance with hamburgers, hot dogs, and drinks.

Students entering the building for the first time were filled with both nervous anticipation and excitement about starting the school year.

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Brooke Stetler, a new first-year student to the district, was greeted with all the familiar pangs of making it through a first day of school, but lived to tell the tale.

"My first day was a little overwhelming at first," the Port Chester native admitted. "I did make it to all my classes fine, though."

But Stetler said she was excited for what's to come.

"I'm really looking forward to getting into different activities and clubs," she said. "I'm enjoying it so far."

Although most kids are perpetually sad to see their summer vacations end each year, the fall season brings new clothes, supplies, and friends. For those who have been with the same kids for years, sustaining old relationships while creating new ones will be what makes 9th grade a little bit easier.

Elena Germani said the barbecue allowed her to get acquainted with her classmates without the hectic nature of different classes and busy schedules.

"My first day was fun; I got to see a lot of old friends," she said. "Plus, I'm looking forward to making a new start and meeting new people."

 "[The barbecue] has been cool. I get to see a lot of kids I may not have seen in school," Germani added.

Kara Webb, another freshmen, agreed the event was a good way to get to know the school, and to interact with faculty.

"We get to see teachers outside of school, which doesn't happen often," she said.

The barbecue may have allowed freshmen to calm their first-year jitters, but with four years ahead of them, there's plenty more to worry about.

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