compiled by Adina Fleeger
With new shoes to buy, fresh haircuts to show off, and perfect first-day outfits to pick out, there is a lot of anticipation surrounding the first day of school, and just as much mourning over the last days of summer break. Southwest residents — adults and children alike — share their highs and lows of the approaching school year.
“What’s the best part … and worst part … about going back to school?”
“I am excited about finding out who my new teacher will be this year. I am also looking forward to helping out with the Kids Who Care program at Palm Lake Elementary and getting to visit Brookdale Senior Center.”
Gates Valines
Dr. Phillips
“The best thing about going back to school is getting to see all of our friends again.”
Ashley, Kyle & Ryan Drewes
Westminster Landing
“The worst thing about going back to school is that I won’t be able to play with my cousins as often as during the summer.”
Cassidy Marshall
Turtle Creek
“I just finished my master’s degree, and I am excited about teaching at Valencia and Rollins colleges.”
Michelle Mailhot
Dr. Phillips
“The worst thing about the new school year is having to get up early every morning.”
Kam Smith
Gotha
“I am looking forward to learning Spanish this year in middle school.”
Michael Kuehnel
Silver Woods
“I am looking forward to school this year, because I get to go on a field trip to St. Augustine. I’ll miss going to summer camp at the YMCA.”
Lucca Bertuccelli
MetroWest
“I’m looking forward to my children being back in school, because I know they will be stimulated and learning new things. The worst thing about the new school year is the expense of buying school supplies and uniforms.”
Dianna Broyles
Ocoee
“When school starts, I will be happy to play volleyball again and see my teammates.”
Indya Jimerson
Southwest Orlando
“I am looking forward to the new school year, because I enjoy the structure and routine, and I will have more time to myself. Also, this year my son will be in middle school and riding a bus, so I won’t have to drive him to school.”
Julia Daniels
Bay Lakes
“We will be happy to see our friends again, but we don’t look forward to having homework and taking tests.”
Amelia & Sienna Smith
Gotha
“I am starting kindergarten this year, and I am happy that I will be learning how to read.”
Ross Purnick
Dr. Phillips
“I will be happy to see my favorite teachers again.”
Julie Kuehnel
Silver Woods
“I am looking forward to wearing a uniform to school this year, so I won’t have to pick out my clothes every morning. I will miss getting to go to the swimming pool at the YMCA.”
Laylah Broyles
Ocoee
“When the school year starts, it’s nice to have free time to myself, but it’s difficult having to deal with homework and lots of different schedules.”
Jeannette Drewes
Westminster Landing
“The worst thing about going back to school is having to take tests.”
Christian Vivaldi
MetroWest
“The best thing about the new school year is being on schedule again and having the house to myself for a few hours every day.”
Rhoda Gray
Dr. Phillips
“The best part about school starting is seeing my old friends and meeting new friends at my new school. The worst part is I don’t really know what to expect going from a Catholic elementary/middle school to public high school.”
Mia Plaugher
Winderlakes 💓