At 5 p.m. RBHS was as alive as any school day is. Students passed in and out of the corridors, talking loudly, dragging their  parents in tow. These are the future ninth and tenth graders that will make up RBHS’ first generation of the four-year high school experience.
Tonight, these soon-to-be Bruins talked with faculty, volunteer students and their parents about what courses they should take next year.
Ninth grader Katherine Sarafianos, who currently attends West Junior High School, was excited about the course fair and said she found a few history classes and English classes she thought she would be interested in. Although she said she’s looking forward to coming to RBHS, she is also nervous.
“I think [RBHS] is different because it’s bigger and a lot more intense. … There are seniors and people a lot older than you and more mature, they know what they’re doing, and you’re kind of clueless, so you have to figure it out,” Sarafianos said. “It’s definitely intimidating, but you know that if you ask questions and you’re looking and planning for your future – you’ll get through it.”
RBHS Personal Finance teacher Susan Lidholm said the course fair was extremely helpful for the younger kids. She said it gave them an opportunity to get excited about classes they may not have even thought to take. Lidholm said next year will be a transition, but she thinks it will go over smoothly.
“I’m excited for the new opportunity and the change and to be involved in it.  I think the district is prepared and planned for [the increased number of students],” Lidholm said. “We have systems in place with the new high school, and I think we’re prepared. … It’s been a process and we’ve thought of all the ins and outs.”
Alongside teachers, several current RBHS students attended the event to promote various courses to the incoming students. Senior Whitney Cravens, who volunteered at the course fair, said although she won’t be attending RBHS and seeing the changes first hand, she felt the underclassmen’s excitement in the few hours she helped out.
“I feel like it’s a good opportunity for incoming freshmen and sophomores to really take a look at everything Rock Bridge offers,” Cravens said. “And I think they have a good span of things that need to be looked at. It’s nice to be able to talk to the teachers.”
The fair this evening offered a small taste of what next year will be like: a bit busier halls, a lot of energy and a lot of learning.
“[The course fair] is always great, the counselors do such a wonderful job giving you information,” Lidholm said. “Next year will be interesting.”
By Maria Kalaitzandonakes
This is part of the Preparing for Battle ongoing special report. For more information on the changes occurring, check Bearing News biweekly for a transition update.