Incoming freshmen receive Dawghouse Welcome

By PAMELA GRANT

Cove Leader-Press

New students to Copperas Cove High School were welcomed to get a sneak preview, led by student volunteers, to learn a bit more about their new school on Wednesday.

This year’s Dawghouse Welcome took place in two separate sessions, one from 9 a.m. until noon and the other from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. The welcome began with a presentation in the Lea Ledger Auditorium which went over rules, expectations, and more. Following the presentation, students were divided into groups and went on a student-led tour of the school wherein their guides showed them the school and focused on important areas such as the cafeteria and library. In the cafeteria, incoming students were able to check out various clubs and organizations offered within the school. In Gym 2, all incoming students could receive a free t-shirt and sign the Class of 2028 banner. They could also learn about the different student services available to them.

“It’s a whole ‘nother ball game here at the high school,” said Rebecca Garbacky, New Student Activities Coordinator. “This can be a scary school when it comes to the size of it…I think it’s a great opportunity for them to be able to come and walk the campus and see where things are.”

“I really like the way they do it here,” said Carlin Grammer, Copperas Cove High School’s new principal. “It’s an opportunity for us to bring those freshmen in. It’s a new campus for them, a new experience—this is going to be the largest school they’ve been in. We want them to become familiar with the facilities, the new teachers, staff, principals…They’re going to be nervous as it is, so we want to alleviate some of that through this.”

Grammer added that they want them to also be able to check out the different clubs and organizations to get an idea of what opportunities are available to them. 32 different groups were represented at Wednesday’s Dawghouse Welcome.

Both sessions were well attended with incoming students—and some additional family members—enjoying the opportunity to get a preview of their new school.

Kaedi Lauterbach and her husband Nino Lauterbach brought their daughter Daisy Foust (14) to the event.

“It’s for [Daisy],” said Kaedi Lauterbach. “I think it’s really cool…It’s really good to help get rid of those first-day jitters.”

Lauterbach said that she thought it was a great experience for her daughter. She liked how well organized the event was and how her daughter would have the opportunity to speak with some of her teachers and staff members.

“I’m scared and nervous,” admitted Daisy Foust. “I’m just hoping it will be a good school year.”

After checking out the high school for a bit, she was still nervous, but had talked with the criminal justice department and learned a little bit about some of the other organizations that she might be interested in joining.

Marlen Martinez (15) is an incoming CCHS sophomore who volunteered at the speech and debate booth at the Dawg House Welcome.

“I love it,” said Martinez about speech and debate. “I feel like it’s something that everyone should know about. It’s not just arguing, it’s so much more. It’s sharing stories and hearing the opinions of others…It’s something that you can use for the rest of your life.”

She said that she was first introduced to the group last year at her own Dawg House Welcome event and was there to do the same for new incoming freshmen.

“I think it’s wonderful,” said Martinez. “You get to meet so many new people, and we get to empower them.”