From the Aloha pep rally to the concept of “HIME”, Independence has formed a variety of traditions over the years.
Originally with a graduating class size of just 325 students back in 2014, IHS has grown– in more ways than one. As the school approaches its 10th anniversary, members of the community are fondly looking back on their favorite school memories.
“It’s crazy to me that 10 years has gone by so quickly,” said Brooke Allen, a journalism teacher who’s been at the school since its inception. “When we first started, we were a small school, and that came with all sorts of responsibilities. However, as time goes on, it’s been fun to watch all of these traditions grow.”
In the school’s initial years, it only included grades nine through 11. This year is the biggest the school has ever been– with a total of 1650 students.
“That first year, it was interesting not having some of those senior traditions,” Allen said. “We didn’t have those till the next year, and we’ve grown ever since. As time passes, you get to see people come and go, and I would say this year is gonna be special, with all the newer students.”
Certain traditions, such as the Aloha pep rally, which involves saying farewell to the year’s graduating seniors, while greeting the incoming freshmen, are designed to build a sense of community within the school.
“I think that the new students get to see this whole student body and how they’re a part of it,” Melanie Schomburger, an English teacher who’s worked at the school for nine years, said. “I like the way we have designed it for them to be welcomed in.”
Many believe that what makes the school special is the family-oriented culture.
“I still remember the first graduating class,” Schomburger said. “By the end of the year, they all came together to really love this school, and that’s what makes this place special. It allows students and educators to have a voice that’s heard– where they are at the forefront of every decision.”
The school has had an impact on former students as well.
“This was the first place that I found out I wanted to teach English,” Shayna Ambers, an English teacher and graduate from one of the first classes, said. “I knew that I liked the subject, and had considered teaching it, but I was finally inspired by a former teacher here to pursue it as my major.”
Despite certain changes over the years, there are also ways the community has stayed the same.
“The vision is still there,” Schomburger said. “It’s just more entrenched in the fabric of the school itself. Personally, as an educator, it’s allowed me to grow, especially because of the emphasis that’s placed on striving to become better. None of that has gone away– we’re still exactly where we began.”
Moving forward, some feel that this is a year for improvement.
“This is a great school with an amazing community, and this is a time to not become stagnant,” Allen said. “It’s important to continue to mold with the changes, because that’s what education is always about.”
For the community, this year marks a period for reflection– but also celebration.
“It’s a celebration of everything that we’ve continued to hold important 10 years later,” Schomburger said. “I think that we do an excellent job for our staff, our students, and for the community as a whole. Let’s keep going.”
