New Year’s Eve presented students with the opportunity to celebrate year-end festivities while also embracing the coming of 2003.

January brought about not only the New Year, but also the beginning of the second semester. Many students appreciated this homework-free break and felt it offered significantly less stress than past years.

“I really enjoyed how the semester ended before the break this year,” Clayton Iest, ’03, said. “We were able to enjoy the vacation instead of dwelling on schoolwork. It also made it easier because we took the finals when the information was still fresh in our minds.”

For some, studying for finals was viewed as a stressful time of late nights and last minute cramming of information, but many found the holiday vacation as a just reward for their diligent work.

“Christmas vacation was a much needed break from the daily routine of school,” Emily Goertzen, ’04, said. “Waking up early was difficult to readjust to, and homework became a dreaded task. Although returning was tough, the vacation was well worth a few sleepy mornings.”

Starting the new semester proved difficult for most, especially after adapting to the holiday schedule.

Teachers and students often agree it is much easier to excel in school by working hard at the beginning of the semester rather than putting studies off until the last minute.

“It is important to start the semester off strong instead of slacking off,” bible teacher, Ellen King, said. “Towards the end of the semester students become tired and overwhelmed by schoolwork. They often have the mindset that quarter grades don’t count when really they are essential to building up to the final report card.”

As stated by King, earning a praiseworthy GPA requires much dedication beginning at the start of the year. The outcome of the semester cannot be determined, so starting off strong could save preventable stress.

“I am a big procrastinator, so I am planning on getting things done ahead of time instead of waiting until the last minute,” Danae Cook, ’05, said. “I will try and be more dedicated to my schoolwork, especially on tests and projects.”

Students such as Cook have made New Year’s resolutions to be more committed to school work and hit the books earlier than previous years. Their hope is to see these efforts transformed into commendable letter grades this upcoming spring.