On August 14, 2023, MV saw the return of its student body.

Alongside freshmen, transfers, and foreign exchange students also kicked off their first year at MV. The welcoming energy of MV filled the hallways as students saw familiar faces of their friends and teachers.

Many returning MV students are filled with high anticipation and expectations for the 2023-2024 school year.

“I’m honestly excited to see what I can accomplish this year. Every day is a new day with new opportunities,” stated Morgan Payne, ‘26.

Not only does the MV student body have high hopes for this school year, but anticipation and expectations are just as high for this year’s sports seasons.

“[I’m excited for] the upcoming sports seasons!      I’m so ready to bring the energy and loudness into the Kage,” shared Melaina Zedalis, ‘25.

“I can’t wait for volleyball season with my girls!” commented Hannah Lowery, ‘24.

“I have a lot of high hopes for this year’s cross country and track season,” said Jayden Jones, ‘27.

Over the summer, MV administration announced controversial rule changes in the handbook, one rule being that students are to only carry school-distributed, MV-emblazoned, cinch bags along with their Chromebook carrier cases.

     “If we all get metal detected and our bags get searched every morning, it shouldn’t matter how we carry our supplies,” commented Nolan Mast, ‘26.

In a company with the just as controversial backpack ban rule update, MV administrators decided to eliminate semester exam exemptions, effectively making semester exams mandatory for every student to take.

“Students that are passing their classes or performed well on the MAP test shouldn’t have to take semester exams,” stated Alana Anderson, 26.

“[But] the exams, despite being annoying, will help students prepare for college exams,” continued Mast.

With the kickoff to 2023-2024, comes the wind-down of the class of 2024’s high school careers. The Class of 2024 is experiencing many final experiences such as football season and Homecoming.

“It’s a little sad knowing that I only get one last day of school, soccer season, Homecoming, and any other high school experience. This puts into perspective how fast time flies and that you have to make every second count,” shared Parker Reynolds, ‘24.

“I feel kind of overwhelmed and bittersweet that my time at MV is coming to an end,” said Makenly Miller, ‘24.

Many seniors shared that they are feeling sad that they only have one year at MV remaining, but they are equally excited about the endless opportunities they have post high school.

“After high school, I want to study Pre-Veterinary Medicine and get my doctorate in Veterinary Medicine,” commented Olivia Baumhoegger, ‘24.

“When I graduate, I want to go to college to become a teacher,” added Reynolds.

However, the 2023-2024 school year marks the very exciting beginning of the Class of 2027’s high school career and a year full of first experiences.

“I am ready for what my first year of high school has to bring for me and my classmates,” stated Taytum Taylor, ‘27. “I’m also very excited for Homecoming and participating in clubs and sports,” Taylor added.

Embarking on a new journey such as freshman year can be a challenging adjustment, but every other class at MV has “been there, done that,” and has advice for the Class of 2027.

“My advice would be to not be scared to take chances,” shared Sara Barrett, ‘25.

”Don’t run from one class to another, and make sure you walk on the right side of the hall,” said Julia Jee, ‘25.

Many sophomore and junior class members mentioned that their past year or two at MV have flown by, and can’t wait for what this new school year has in store for them.

“I can remember the day I told myself that these were going to be the longest four years of my life. Here I am, already a junior who can barely remember freshman year,” commented Zedalis.

“I am already a sophomore, and this really puts into perspective how little time we have here, and how soon we’ll be seniors taking our next steps,” added Mast.

The hype and excitement surrounding the 2023-2024 school year has been vibrant and apparent, and everyone at MV is hoping for a great school year!