Sammi Carr's The Jaguars' Spot column for Wed., Sept 03, 2008

High school myths ... busted!

Freshmen, I bet you’ve heard some interesting horror stories about high school this past week. Some of them are true and some of them, well, not so much. But have no fear! I went around and asked seniors what things freaked THEM out when they were freshmen and which ones turned out to be worth worrying about.

1) “Freshman year doesn’t count towards your academic GPA.”

FALSE. Freshman year is calculated into your overall GPA just as much as any other year -- so don’t get a false sense of security about your grades.

2) “Someone gets into a fight almost every day.”

FALSE. Our high school is very safe. There are hardly ever any fights, and if the occasional scuffle does occur, security breaks it up before it can escalate.

3) “Students aren’t allowed to bring cell phones or iPods on campus.”

HALF TRUE, HALF FALSE. You’re allowed to have cell phones and use them during breaks, they just can’t be on during class. However, iPods or other media players are NOT allowed on campus under any circumstances ... that’s to reduce theft. Besides, Principal McCowan has all the iPods he needs!

4) “Seniors are super-mean, and freshmen get thrown in trash cans.”

FALSE. Our senior class is really nice. Sure, there are some mean kids, but there are mean students in every grade and I’ve never heard of a student getting trash-canned at VCHS.

5) “You HAVE TO take showers in PE every day.”

FALSE. Students are allowed to take showers if they want, but there’s absolutely no rule saying they have to. It’s an option left for students to decide.

Phew! So, all those aren’t true ... but the rumor about the guy who pushed the “Free Perfect SAT Score!” button, located in the library next to the book “Why Am I So Gullible for Dummies,” and fell into the secret underground compartment where he is still living off pizza crusts and the last drops from juice boxes ... now, THAT one’s completely true!

Next time, some advice from VCHS counselor Andie Cesmat and school prez, Natalie Dewindt.

Will it be a hat trick?:

This Friday night a monumental sports event will take place at VCHS. The day will begin with a special Pep Rally featuring minimal lighting in the gym. Then, after school, the festivities will continue with a Girls Varsity field hockey game, followed by a JV game and a Varsity game. It’s also the first time we get to show off our brand new turf field. After the final game we’ll all head back to the gym for an ice cream social. Let’s win all ‘em all, Jags!

Here’s something I betcha didn’t know:

As I mentioned earlier, the Pep Rally will be held with minimal lighting. Can’t say why; I’ve been sworn to secrecy (I don’t want to end up in that bear pit!) but my prediction is this could go down in history as one of VCHS’ best Pep Rallies. So bring all your school spirit!

Know something I don’t know? Catch me on campus or send me an e-mail at sammi@carrfamily.com.

See ya. Sam.