A new school year brings new students to Blue Valley Southwest. Each year, Southwest grows and acquires more and more new students. These new students come from many different school districts and backgrounds.

Most new students came from neighboring Blue Valley schools with many different goals in mind. Junior Lauren Browning transferred from Blue Valley High to further her theatrical career and really focus on her goals in the future.

“I plan to learn as much as I possibly can in order to become a better actress and hone in on my future career in theater,” Browning said. “Transferring to Blue Valley Southwest is the best decision I’ve made.”

Junior Sam Kalmus also transferred from Blue Valley High and is enjoying Blue Valley Southwest as well. Sam’s goals are to make an impact on the theater department and enjoy his junior year.

“I’m liking Southwest very much,” Kalmus said. “It’s pretty and luxurious.”

While some of the new students are from other Blue Valley schools, there are also students who transferred from other districts. Laura Fotovich, a Sophomore from Gardner Edgerton High, transfered to Blue Valley Southwest. At Gardner, every day excluding Monday is a block day, unlike at Southwest where there are only two block days. Gardner also does not have a late arrival, or early release days.

“Block days are long and tedious, so I definitely enjoy having only two of them,” Fotovich said. “And shortened days give me more time to sleep and get ready in the mornings and look presentable for school.”

Southwest not only gained new students, but new teachers as well. For example, Sandy Buntin, the new choir teacher, transferred from Paola. Paola was a smaller school than Southwest, and Buntin noted that there were only two choirs there, opposed to the four at Southwest. Buntin now has the chance to teach choir all day instead of just teaching two choirs.

“The outstanding reputation of excellence is what drew me to the school,” Buntin said.”I loved the opportunity to be a part of such excellence and opportunity to see the choirs grow in enrollment and reputation.”

While each new addition to Southwest may have different goals and views, the idea of Southwest being a great school stays the same.

“I love Southwest,” Buntin said. “It’s so supportive and enthusiastic, everyone strives to be the best, and transferring has definitely been a valuable decision.”