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Yorktown High School Hopes For Success in New School Year

YORKTOWN, N.Y. -- The 2014-2015 school year has begun in Yorktown.

Jenna Gammer was excited to begin her senior year in Yorktown.

Jenna Gammer was excited to begin her senior year in Yorktown.

Photo Credit: Sam Barron
Principal Joe DeGennaro enjoying the first day of school at Yorktown High School on Wednesday.

Principal Joe DeGennaro enjoying the first day of school at Yorktown High School on Wednesday.

Photo Credit: Sam Barron
Seth Altman helps run the Big Buddies program which makes it easier for freshmen to transition to high school.

Seth Altman helps run the Big Buddies program which makes it easier for freshmen to transition to high school.

Photo Credit: Sam Barron

Yorktown High School had its first day of school for all students on Wednesday Sept. 3. Freshman began the year on Sept. 2. The school was filled with students and faculty happy to be back.

"I am super excited to be a senior," class president Jenna Gammer said. "I am hoping for a great school year."

Gammer said she was looking forward to the school formal, homecoming, pep rallies and senior prom.

"There are so many different events," Gammer said. "With this being my senior year, it's a little bittersweet. But I am looking forward to having a great year."

The senior said time has flown by since she entered the school as a freshman. 

"This year will go by even faster," Gammer said. 

Gammer said she was looking forward to taking AP Calculus and AP Statistics. While she hasn't picked a college yet, she hopes to major in business and finance. 

Gammer is part of the Big Buddies program which pairs freshmen up with senior mentors to help them navigate their new surroundings.

"It's a great program," Gammer said. "We are there for them if they have questions and can give them information. 

Seth Altman, a social studies teacher, runs the Big Buddies program at the high school. The program was established 20 years ago.

"It helps them ease the transition from middle school to high school," Altman said. "It helps make the high school less intimidating and more accessible."

The program has grown and seniors have to apply and be selected. The school also has 8th grade orientation and gives freshman their own first day to help them get acclimated.

"It's not as traumatic," Altman said. "They find it helpful. Seniors enjoy it because they like to show off their school."

YHS Principal Joe DeGennaro said he was enjoying the first day of school.

"I love to see the building full with students," DeGennaro said. "You spend the whole summer preparing for the first day. We are off to a great start."

DeGennaro said he hopes students perform to their fullest potential and are given the resources to do that. 

 

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