As anyone who has experienced it can tell you, the first day of school at FHS can - to say the least - be overwhelming.
This year the administration aimed to ease this transition by establishing Aug. 28 as a day dedicated entirely to sophomores.
"Sophomore Day helped (me adjust) because I got a chance to look around the school," said sophomore Jack Long.
The day consisted of a "kickoff" assembly featuring recent graduates, staff, community members and current students as guest speakers.Other activities included a scavenger hunt to help students get acquainted with the school, a slide show, spirit activities and learning the school song.
"I loved the spirit groups," said sophomore Emily Johnson. "I thought they started things off on a positive note."
However, not all students viewed the day with as much enthusiasm.
"It's not fair that we had to go to school on the first day and (the upperclassmen) didn't," claimed sophomore Jayann Chipman.
While opinions varied, the overall response appears to be positive.
"I think the reaction most people had was we should have been doing this for every class," said speech and drama teacher Greg Adkins, who helped coordinate the day. "And I hope we do."
"I could see the difference on the faces of the students the next day," said principal Cathy McDevitt. "They were (visibly) more confident."
Said sophomore Jasmine Gardner:
"I would recommend it again for next year."