Welcome messages

IOWA CITY - The steps leading up to City High School's main entrance say it all: “Welcome back City High students.”

The colorful welcome was among dozens drawn on the school's sidewalks in preparation for today's first day of classes.

“It's about doing something positive for students and for staff, getting them excited about going back to school,” said senior Sophie Neems, 16, a co-president of City's Interact service club.

The club sponsored the Chalk the Walk event, at which group members and fellow City students created messages of hope, inspiration and just plain fun - such as, “You can never have too much Bacon.”

John Bacon is the school principal.

“This is so nice,” he said as looked over the sidewalks. “These are just the best kids.”

Other messages included “Run, don't walk, to City High” and “The journey is the reward.” There also was a chalk outline of a body with a conversation bubble proclaiming, “I'm dyin' for school.”

This is the second year Interact Club has decorated the school's sidewalks to create excitement for a new academic year.

D.J. Martin, a senior, said he heard about the event from Neems and decided to pick up some chalk after cross country practice.

“I volunteered once or twice for Interact, so I was like ‘Yeah, let's do this,'” Martin, 17, said.

Sophomore Cassidy Bringle was excited to do her part to help this year's freshmen class.

“I definitely feel more assured this year,” Bringle, 15, said. “A lot of older students helped me, so I'm ready to give ninth-graders advice, if they want it.”

Some tips? Bringle stresses wearing a backpack, staying organized and writing everything down in a planner.

Senior Hailey Klabo, Interact's co-president, encourages all students to get involved and find something that enhances their school experience.

“Have fun,” Klabo, 17, said. “You only get to have the high school experience once; make the best of it.”

Jacob Simmons, 16, agrees.

“Get involved, whatever it might be,” Simmons, a junior, said. “Just get out there and be part of the school so that you are more than a student.”