High school class of 2013 ready to go

Before school starts at Canyon Crest Academy on Sept. 1, members of the new freshman class had a chance to get their bearings at the school’s Raven Readiness Days, which was held last week.

“I think you’re going to love this place,” Principal Brian Köhn told a theater full of anxious freshmen and even more anxious freshmen parents.

Köhn said that while high school can be overwhelming and stressful at first, Canyon Crest’s teachers are ready to get in the trenches with their students and guide them through their first year.

At orientation, the class of 2013 learned from current students about what Canyon Crest is - academically, in athletics and in arts - but also the more than 90 student clubs join.

“Get involved, take advantage of it,” Köhn said. “This is an amazing school.”

The Associated Student Body executives also gave the freshmen a warm welcome.

“We’re really excited to have you here,” said Brian Doyle, the school’s student vice president. “You’re like a breath of fresh air into the school.”

Incoming freshman Phoenix Becker stood in the parking lot with her mom, Margie. She was ready with her new Canyon Crest T-shirt in the school’s black-and-red colors.

“I’m not ready for summer to be over,” said Phoenix, who is coming in from Earl Warren. But she said she isn’t nervous about being a freshman.

“I think I’m more nervous than she is,” said Margie Becker of her oldest child. “It’s hard to believe she’s a freshman.”

On the steps outside of orientation, Sarah Wilkerson and Brontë Alverde went over their new schedules. The girls, who both attended Carmel Valley Middle School, said they chose the school for its focus on arts.

“I want to be a designer and I like theater, acting and I love to draw,” Brontë said.

“I like to sing a lot and I love to write; I have a huge imagination,” Sarah said.

The girls said they are kind of nervous about remembering their schedules and finding their classrooms.

“As long as we stick together, we’ll be fine,” Sarah said.

The first day of school

Monday, Aug. 31

• Del Mar Union School District
• Solana Beach School District

Tuesday, Sept. 1

• San Dieguito Union High School District