Story by Joseph Moronez and Guadalupe Robles
Staff Writers
Mr. Richard Beck welcomed 403 freshmen, his first class as principal, to Bishop Amat High School on Tuesday.
In his welcome speech Mr. Beck emphasized to the students that time goes by real fast.
“It may seem that 2016 is far into the future, but take my word for it, the time it takes to go from this morning to graduation day will go faster than you can possibly imagine,” said Mr. Beck.
Confusion and excitement were the main emotions played out during the orientation.
Tochi Nwosu, ASB president, made sure to note the freshmen’s fears in his welcoming speech.
“I noticed during the entrance ceremony a lot of you guys were looking really shy, ducking your heads so we wouldn’t see you,” said Nwosu. “Some of you were even sneaky and came in through the side doors like I did.”
Amat’s sports team will be increasing their numbers thanks to the great interest of the freshmen.
“I am looking forward to playing softball this year,” said Angelica Escelera, “I basically grew up in this school because my dad is a baseball coach so I’m not too nervous, and beyond anything I am very excited.”
Other students came to Amat for athletics such as Ulrick Sanglay for baseball and football, Frank Bocanegia for track and basketball, and Christopher Corrales for baseball.
Although students came for the athletics, some students came to Amat for the academics too.
“I wanted to come to Bishop Amat because of the academics and most of the graduates go to college because of these academics,” said Bocanegia.
The teachers at Amat were very excited for a new class of Lancers especially since their first day has arrived.
“I am so excited for the new students. I feel renewed and invigorated,” said Spanish teacher Rodolfo Hernandez.
Some students were just as excited for their first day as well as some of the teachers.
“I was so excited about my first day I couldn’t sleep last night,” said Bocanegia.
The excitement of the students and teachers cannot compare to that of the parents.
“I’m really excited for her. I want her to get the most she can out of this school, a good education with great religious emphasis,” said Maria Ramirez about her daughter Nicole. “She’s a social butterfly. I know she’ll do great in volleyball, soccer, and any sports she tries.”
