Memories of attending a new high school

By Berk Haan
Sun Newspapers
(Created 5/23/01 9:29:00 AM)

Eastview graduation

Ceremony: Friday, June 8

Where: Eastview football stadium

Time: Commencement starts at 7:30 p.m.

This year’s graduating seniors at Eastview High School had an unexpected visitor during their first day as ninth-graders.

Students crowded the gymnasium to hear a motivational speaker, but they screamed and ducked when they saw a bat flying in the room.

A teacher did a belly flop while trying to catch the bat with a garbage can.

Perhaps the nocturnal creature learned some things at Eastview.

But sooner or later, it was time for the bat to venture back out.

Just as eventually, high school students leave their school to spread their wings.

Eastview senior and Eagan resident LeeAnn Rasachak, who considers the bat incident as a laughter-inspiring ice breaker, says she experiences mixed emotions when looking back on her four years at the school.

“This is the end,” said LeeAnn. “But it is also, at the same time, the beginning of new experiences and challenges.”

Eastview’s Class of 2001 is the first class to complete four years at the school, which opened when this year’s seniors were freshmen.

“When we came in as freshmen, there were no seniors,” said Josh Mundahl of Apple Valley. “We had to make our own traditions.”

But in the midst of making traditions, students were also busy learning.

“I think of a great learning experience, both academically, and with life,” said Kelsey Oie of Eagan. “If you don’t get involved, I don’t think you learn as much about yourself.”

Kelsey remembers a developmental psychology class, during which she and her fellow students worked with middle school kids to teach them about the dangers of drugs and alcohol.

Her experiences in that class showed her how much the younger students looked up to the Eastview students, she said.

Kelsey also remembers playing forward on the basketball team, and last year’s state tournament, when Eastview placed second.

“It was just a huge feeling of togetherness,” she said. “We had so many fans who were supporting us.”

A challenging class for Josh was an advanced class called college in schools composition. In that class, students wrote papers on topics such as trend research and review of artwork.

Additionally, Josh remembers the flash news broadcasting class, during which students produce a news program for the school.

“It’s more than a class,” he said. “It is really a full-time activity.”

LeeAnn said she learned a great deal from serving as student council president.

“It improved every aspect of my life, including relationships, the community and working with adults and my peers,” she said.

The three seniors also mentioned the spirit of competition at the school. Although students compete, they also help each other.

LeeAnn said both she and Josh auditioned to be the senior speaker at graduation, but Josh also helped her with her speech.

“We take even more pride in congratulating each other,” said Josh.

Next school year, Josh plans to study communications or education at Gustavus Adolphus College. LeeAnn wants to major in international business and marketing at the University of St. Thomas. Kelsey is interested in the business administration program at the University of North Dakota.

Although she is thinking about the future, LeeAnn also has advice for freshmen that will start high school this fall.

“Take a risk and get involved,” she said. “Be able to look back at high school and say, ‘I’m glad I don’t regret not doing something.’”