Touring over to a new generation

Alyssa Miller, Features Editor

Prior to coming to CHS, eighth graders take tours of the campus to learn about being a Lancer and what kind of experience they may have if they attend the school. Current students give these tours with the help of counselor Ms. Penrod.

Seniors Hailee Harway and Alia Manuel are two of the students who have given these tours.

“I remember taking the tour when I was in eighth grade,” Harway. “I had an older sister so I already knew about the school, but I liked going into freshman year knowing what the campus looked like. I never really thought about going to any other high school, but my parents still wanted me to take the tour so I could experience it for myself.”

I can see how they would be really helpful with the switch into high school. You also get to know your tour guides so you know them too going in.

— Alia Manuel

They highlight the main points of the school. The tours are designed for the upcoming students to have an idea of where their classes may be and what the layout of the campus looks and feels like.

“We show a little bit of everything on the tour,” Manuel said. “We start in the new gym to give them an introduction, then we all start the tours at different places in the school. I like showing them some of the classrooms that I was in my past years.”

Inside the rooms, the tour guides try to give a general description of what class is in the room. They may say who the teacher is, the type of students who take that class and what to expect if the course is taken.

“We tell them as much as we can about the classes,” Harway said. “A brief description is given of what it is and why they would want to take it, we can’t talk too long so sometimes parents will come up and ask specific questions after. I like telling them about the classes, especially the ones I have taken or really like.”

The tours intend for students to understand how the school works before going there. They are not mandatory, but highly recommended by the administration to make the transition from middle school to high school easier.

“I really hope most of the eighth graders do the tours,” Manuel said. “I can see how they would be really helpful with the switch into high school. You also get to know your tour guides so you know them too going in.”