Searcy, AR (LP) – Some students feel Searcy High is probably one of the most depressing schools to go to. Some argue and say there is a small glimpse of potential in the school. Teachers with constant pursuit of grading and helping students. Students being overloaded with schoolwork, work and their sports/clubs. Imagine the stress of having to deal with both worlds. A school is a place that some people take for granted and waste time before it’s all gone. Traditionally, a high school has four grades that lasts four years. Those nine weeks turn into quarters to semesters into a school year. Before you know it you’re walking a stage to receive your diploma. What could someone change to make school better? What’s the solution? Could it be freshman Fiona Donaire in high school and unfamiliar with Searcy Schools. Luckily she knows very little about the little drama and chaos of Searcy High. With that she said, “I didn’t have a lot of set expectations for it because I know of a lot of different experiences.” She mentions she is from California where it was a lot bigger and somewhat more chaotic. Besides the contrast of Arkansas to California is pretty major instead of one component. What does the school spend its money on? “The school focuses on athletics more than other extracurricular activities.” Student council is a program in most schools where students function and hold events for the school such as prom and homecoming. She is aware of the program and feels like students have little say in where the money goes. For an example, a new arena is being built and to be completed in 2024. The operation is worth about twenty million dollars. It’s meant to host conference games and capture some amazing highlights. However in other electives like theatre the “students have to support themselves and purchase their own equipment,” she said. If you have ever saw their shows you would be surprised how they pull it off.
Haley Tancinco is a sophomore this year and is the tenth grade president. She wants to have more events than just prom and homecoming. “Something to honor the students that have made accomplishments,” says Haley. She has a lot of expectations and goals for the sophomores. She knows that a lot have a different opinion on what the school should have. “I haven’t met or interviewed anyone that doesn’t want a pep rally or some other event but I wish to bring more light to the school than the previous,” she says. She is aware of the arena Searcy is building up and says, “That money should go to tennis courts and the money that is mostly spent on football could be evenly spread out to other extracurricular activities than just one sport.” However this is not the case. In order for a club or sport team to be funded is based on the amount of people in that specific area. Since there is a lot of football players the school funds that sport the most to accommodate the amount of people. Unfortunately, the school spends roughly tens of thousands of dollars on the team alone. Not to mention basketball or soccer. Haley believes she could change the whole function, “I would have a lot more clubs, special days like flex Friday, and more dances.” Hopefully, the school board and the members could come to a decision to bring light into every school and make the atmosphere for everyone at school. Who knows? In the next two or three years Searcy High will have decorated walls and everyone could get along. In the hands of Fiona Donaire and Haley Tancinco? It should be possible.
