Yet again, another batch of freshmen have arrived at M-A to start a new chapter of their lives. While many enter the halls fearful and uncertain, high school offers an abundance of exciting, new experiences to look forward to. Here’s what some of the freshmen have to say about their first few days.
Avery Moeller
After her first week of freshman year, Avery Moeller has slowly gotten comfortable. Moeller, who attended Hillview Middle School, was eager to begin this new chapter. “My first few days have been chill—I’ve enjoyed myself so far,” she said. “M-A has definitely gone way beyond my expectations in every aspect.” Moeller is looking forward to attending M-A’s wide range of sporting events—especially football and basketball games—and taking advantage of the athletic opportunities M-A offers. She is playing Varsity water polo this fall season.
Giovanni Barragan
Giovanni Barragan is attending M-A after graduating from East Palo Alto Charter School. “I made some new friends. I love it so far,” he said. Barragan especially enjoys his Biology class, taught by Crystal Gillfilan. Looking forward, he is excited to attend football games and try out for the basketball team this winter.
Ella Marks
Ella Marks is a recent graduate from La Entrada Middle School. When stepping on campus for the first time, Marks was shocked by the size and student population of the school. “It is definitely different from my middle school,” she said. Marks has also found the pacing of school very tiring. “I was really shocked by the pace each class is going. It seems like most units are only two weeks long, which could be a lot,” she said. Marks is looking forward to partaking in the many social events M-A hosts, particularly the Homecoming dance in October. Additionally, as a swimmer, Marks is excited to be part of a high school team for the first time.
Noah Granville
Noah Granville is another fresh face at M-A who graduated from Kennedy Middle School. “The first few days I did get lost, but I’ve started to figure it out,” he said. “I am currently playing football, so I’m excited for that as well as the Varsity games. They are always spirited.” He didn’t expect much from high school, but he has enjoyed his first few days at M-A and is excited for more.
Elijah Andrade
Elijah Andrade is joining us at M-A after recently graduating from Hillview Middle School. “I’ve really enjoyed reconnecting with some of my old friends and also meeting new people,” he said. “It’s a lot bigger than I thought it would be, so I have to rush a bit to get to my classes.” So far, his favorite class is Spanish with [Michael] Mueller.
Desmond Miller
Like many freshmen, Desmond Miller didn’t know what to expect stepping on campus but has been pleasantly surprised. Miller’s favorite part of M-A so far is the food. “I’m not kidding, the food here is a lot better than it was at my old school,” he said. “My classes have been steady, but we do get a lot of homework.” Besides playing basketball in the winter, Miller is excited for the football season and school dances.
Chalissa Mems
Chalissa Mems graduated from Cesar Chavez Middle School this past year. For her, M-A has been a great experience so far. “I like all of my classes, especially English with [Erin] Walsh and Biology with [Erica] Woll,” she said. “I had pretty high expectations, but I have actually been impressed. It is pretty crowded though.” This year, Mems hopes to succeed in her classes and meet new people from other middle schools.
Angel Leon
“The first day, I was lost for ten minutes just trying to find my classes,” Angel Leon said. Leon, a newly arrived student from La Entrada Middle School, has had to adjust to the size of M-A’s campus. “My Biology class has been the best because I like [Crystal] Gillfilan, she is nice,” he said. He has enjoyed spending time with his friends at school and has liked his teachers so far.
Alex Chipres
Nativity School graduate Alex Chipres has enjoyed his first few days at M-A. “I really like it so far,” he said. “I expected it to be pretty fun, and so far it has been.” Chipres has also found the environment to be very welcoming. “It’s also inviting because of all the people I have met,” he said. Chipres is excited for his first season on a high school football team.
