With the start of a new school year, students have to get used to their new classes, new teachers, new memories, and, possibly, new friends that are made.

Five sophomores share their experiences this school year.

Koltin Amaya

How does it feel not to be the baby of the school anymore? Do you feel more experienced?

“It feels great to be a sophomore because I can walk around with a sense of pride and know my way around the school,” Amaya said. “I don’t feel as anxious as I did last year.”

How has sophomore year been so far? Any challenges that have occurred so far?

“I feel great about this year so far, and it’s been a smooth ride,” Amaya said. “I’m hoping to keep it this way for the rest of the year.”

Who does your group of friends consist of this year? How did you meet them?

“My group of friends consists of Carter Arntz and Dylan Young,” Amaya said. “I’ve casually met them through passing them in the hallway, but we didn’t start being close until we took choir together. Now I talk to them on a regular basis.”

Jaden Mullaly

How does it feel not to be the baby of the school anymore? Do you feel more experienced?

“I like feeling that I have more authority in this school because I’m not the fresh meat this year,” Mullaly said.

How has sophomore year been so far? Any challenges that have occurred so far?

“It’s been great up to this point,” Mullaly said. “The classes are definitely harder this year, but things like this always happen in life. You have to work hard to come up on top.”

Who does your group of friends consist of this year? How did you meet them?

“My friend is Carter Arntz, and we met freshman year at homecoming,” Mullaly said. “We’ve been friends since then.”

Kamryn Palka 

How does it feel not to be the baby of the school anymore? Do you feel more experienced?

“It doesn’t feel much different from last year to be honest,” Palka said. “I do feel more experienced though. I know the ropes and rules this year.”

How has sophomore year been so far? Any challenges that have occurred so far?

“Thus far, sophomore year has been pretty smooth, but my classes are definitely harder,” Palka said. “I’m taking Advanced Placement World History and it is hard. I’m still not used to all the work that is needed for the class.”

Who does your group of friends consist of this year? How did you meet them?

“My group of friends consists of Skyelar (Herriman) and Sydney (Walker). Skyelar and I have been friends since sixth grade,” Palka said.  “Sydney and I have played basketball together since fifth grade.”

Tarryn Whitman 

How does it feel not to be the baby of the school anymore? Do you feel more experienced?

“I went from questioning where to go to knowing where I need to be,” Whitman said. “It’s a really good feeling.”

How has sophomore year been so far? Any challenges that have occurred so far?

“I feel like everything this year has gotten harder: the work, the tests and quizzes, and the projects.” Whitman said. “I also feel as if it’s gonna get harder as high school continues and leads to college.”

Who does your group of friends consist of this year? How did you meet them?

“My friends consist of Skylar Craft, Nathen Warren, Brandon ‘Gibby’ Gibson, Joe Yorks, and Gerald Balcer,” Whitman said.”I met most of them by swim or just accidentally running into each other in the hallway. ”

Molly Taber 

How does it feel not to be the baby of the school anymore? Do you feel more experienced?

“For some reason, I don’t feel any older,” Taber said, “I know my way around the school, but I still feel young.”

How has sophomore year been so far? Any challenges that have occurred so far?

“I think it has been going OK so far. I walk down the hallway with my head high because everything will be all right,” Taber said.

Who does your group of friends consist of this year? How did you meet them?

“My group consists of Melisa (Wheeler) and Joe (Judd). I met them when I was in seventh grade and they have always been there for me whenever I needed it,” Taber said. “I honestly don’t think we’ll break apart.”