Summer is on the horizon and Grizzlies are getting ready for two months without school. From exciting trips to next year’s preparations, there are plenty of different plans to be made. And with the usually dreary Washington weather, many students can’t wait for some fun in the sun. Students like Gabrielle Louthan are planning adventures to make the most of their summer. “Me and my friends were talking about wanting to take a road trip up to Olympia and then go to some of the shops on the road there. And then we want to go on a hike to Devil’s Punchbowl and then hang out there for the day,” said Louthan.
Other students are getting ready for trips abroad. Armand Porcincula, who has family in Indonesia, plans to make the long flight there for a visit. Because the trip is so far, Armand is prepping to stay for a while. “I’m going to visit my grandparents sometime in August which is kind of surprising because that means I’m only gone for a month. Usually, I’m gone pretty much the day school ends until I come back,” said Porcincula. The length of these trips also gives him some trouble when it comes to completing summer assignments. “For example, the summer assignment from a year or two ago, I had to do the day before school because I came back right before school started,” Porcincula said.
Depending on the classes they are taking, many students also have to manage summer assignments to get ready for next year. AP classes especially are known for giving demanding tasks over the summer so that students are well prepared for the course work. In other cases, students like Claire Butler already have their schedule set, but still want to take some extra classes between June and August. “I might take a couple classes over the summer and I’m mostly just doing my college applications. I might take Spanish four just because I can’t get it to fit into my schedule,” Butler said.
Jobs and sports also are a priority on some students minds this summer. “I’m mostly just diving this summer and I’m traveling a bit for some competitions I’ve qualified for,” said Butler. Other students plan on making the most of the free time to earn some money. “I’m planning on probably getting a job this summer. I’m not really sure where. There’s so much to think about,” said Will Kucuk-Powell.