It’s been just over a month since the new school year started, and already a lot has happened with plenty more to come. The freshmen have settled in with help from our Link Crew, clubs are up and running, play rehearsals are underway, sports tryouts have wrapped, Friday Night Lights has returned, and most importantly, our Condors are back!
Let’s rewind to Freshman First Day. Some students walked in excited, others nervous, but everyone knew high school would be a big change. To make the transition smoother, Link Crew once again hosted the Freshman Tailgate before the first football game. With free food, activities, and free game entry, it gave new Condors a warm welcome to Cal High.
At the tailgate, I met a group of freshmen: Genesis, Andrea, Hailey, and Giselle. When I asked them how they liked Cal so far, they immediately answered in unison: “It’s way better than middle school.” Many others agreed. Later, I asked 29 freshmen what they hoped for in their next four years. The answers were as unique as they were: one boy said, “I want to make varsity basketball,” another said, “I really just want to graduate,” while one girl shared, “I want to have a boyfriend.” Whatever their goals, we wish them all luck.
The Welcome Back Assembly also kicked off the year with cheer, band, choir, and performance groups taking the stage. The most memorable moment? When the head of our mascot, Joe Condor, fell off mid-assembly, sparking laughter across the gym. Students also got a preview of the fun games and challenges planned for future pep rallies.
On the field, our football team is off to a strong 3–2 start. And yes, that’s three wins, not losses, a big improvement from last year. Another change this season: the removal of official FNL spirit days. Students quickly adapted by creating an Instagram account to set their own themes, starting with a “Blackout.” By game night, the student section was packed with Condors in all black, proving school spirit is alive and well.
Meanwhile, the arts are in full swing. Cast lists for the fall play, Zoot Suit, are out and rehearsals have begun. Auditions for the spring musical, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, also wrapped, with the consideration list posted. Soon, rehearsals will be underway for that as well.
Clubs and organizations are also gaining momentum. MLB (Men’s League Board) and GLB (Girls’ League Board) recently held informational meetings, Performance Club kicked off with their first meeting and a performance at Club Rush, and more groups will be welcoming new members throughout the semester.
It’s been a busy start, and with so much more ahead, you can count on the Condor Insider to keep covering it all.
