What would a school be without its after-school activities?  Have you- students, parents, teachers, and counselors- ask yourselves this question?  Without the amazing extracurricular opportunities that we have, East High would not be the same.
After school activities are very important for the development of every teenager.  For every child, it is our escape from the real world, it is where we can clear our mind and for a moment think that our performance is not going to determine whether we graduate or not.
I have been involved in five different clubs at East that have shaped my views and enriched my wisdom. YMCA Youth and Government program, Mock Trial, East Debating Team, East Student Government, and East Golf Team have each helped me understand our society. These are just a few of all of the extracurricular activities that East offers and I know that there are many more, including Book Club, Newspaper Club, and Yearbook Club.
Extracurricular activities can also provide us with the opportunity to make real change.  For instance, did you know that the law “turn right on red” came from a national club at the YMCA called Youth and Government that we have this club at East? Get involved if you’re interesting in making changes that matter!

​Hanzell Carrillo

There is a new class offered to seniors this year called “Making it Real.”  This is a class that helps seniors plan for the future and the real world. We do things from researching our career clusters/majors to signing up for SATS. We talk about things like personal values and why it’s important choosing a career based on your personality. We’re also learning about S.M.A.R.T. goals and the decision making process. Classes like these motivates scholars to come to school knowing that if we use this new system right, can only improve our chances at reaching our goals. Many scholars don’t have certain resources or help at home and now it’s offered to us in school.
Going into the second year of the U of R partnership with East High school as a senior, they seem to be doing their best to make sure seniors walk the stage with their class in 2017. Although I have to admit I was very skeptical and unaccepting of U of R taking over East at first, they have completely changed my opinions. Not only are they focused on what’s best for the seniors, they’re making ways to make sure the lower school scholars have a smooth and stress-free high school experience. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to experience that but I can definitely say that I will have the rewarding senior year thanks to the University of Rochester. 

Sonyalice McGrew

The best part about October is finally approaching: the Pep-Rally! The pep-rally will be held on October 14th in the gym and everyone will be sitting by their class grade. This is an event that happens every year since the early ages of high school. The class of 2017 will be involved as well as senior class advisor Ms. Floyd. They will be announcing king/queen, games will be played, music too. There will be dancing and singing and cheering. We will also be announcing sport teams and having FUN. Seniors will have to choose what games will be played and send them to Mrs. Blocker to see if she approves of them. Seniors have to pay for their shirts ahead of time to be able to wear them for the pep-rally. If you want your senior shirts, make sure to turn in your money to Ms. Floyd. If you'd like to help design the shirt, make sure to talk to Ms. Northrup Floyd. Make sure to turn in the money for the shirts in early.  Don't forget seniors! Remember that this is for us to get together and have fun. So please don't bring drama so everyone can enjoy this special event! 

Mariangely Cotto