Welcoming over 600 eighth graders, Krop hosted its annual Lightning for a Day on Jan. 10, offering students from feeder pattern middle schools a glimpse into life as a Lightning student.
The day kicked off promptly at 9 a.m., with Krop’s Student Government Association (SGA) board, led by seniors Talia Robbins and Uziel Isman, greeting buses as they arrived. Students from Highland Oaks Middle, Aventura Waterways and Madie Ives K-8 were ushered into the auditorium by JROTC students, where they were presented with a short seminar highlighting the diverse offerings at Krop.
The presentation commenced with a glimpse of the Theatre Magnet’s award-winning production, “Once on This Island,” followed by presentations from the orchestra and choir. Following the Magnet program, Activities Director Michelle Russell and Principal Lee Krueger gave a short speech welcoming the incoming students.
“Lightning for a Day is beneficial for our school because we have an opportunity to feature all of the amazing programs offered at Krop,” Russell said. “In today’s day where students can choose anywhere to attend school, I believe that we have a product at Krop that will help the students in this community be the best version of themselves.”
Following the auditorium presentation, student leaders from various interest clubs volunteered to lead campus tours for the eighth graders. These tours covered all aspects of Krop, ranging from visits to SECME labs in Science teachers Todd Thompkins and Lolithia Otero’s classes to elective activities such as gaming with Technology teacher Monica Nartey and cooking with Chef Lubin. During tours, the middle schoolers had the opportunity to get to know the student leaders and begin to find their way around the building.
“I loved seeing the campus and meeting so many Krop students,” eighth-grader Samuel Redondo said. “The building seems really big and difficult to find my way, but I’m excited for my coming high school years.”
To conclude the tours, prospective Lightning students explored a club fair in the library, featuring over 20 tables of service and interest clubs showcasing their schedules and upcoming events.
“When I first heard of Lightning for a Day just a month ago, I immediately signed up for a table for Key Club,” Key Club President, senior Evan Seder said. “I’ve had a really rewarding experience as the acting president and I hope that the next generations of Krop students will too.”
The club fair tables were decorated with poster boards and interactive games for the students to catch a glimpse of Krop’s extracurricular activities.
“I think the Gaming Club really took it to the next level with their VR setup for the kids to try out,” senior Valerie Bautista said. “ROTC always looks so well put together and the Athletic Training Club as well.”
To finish off the day, students and administration organized a mock pep rally, led by SGA members juniors Nia Simpson and Sean Bah. The pep rally began with a performance from the drumline, followed by a performance by the cheerleading squad and dance team, finishing with the ROTC students’ Presentation of Colors.
The event provided eighth grade feeder school students with a comprehensive introduction to Krop Senior High School’s academic and extracurricular offerings, fostering anticipation for their coming.