Back to school: Eighth-graders ready to lead in Cranbury

In final year in Cranbury School, students say they plan to be role models for younger peers.

By: Madeleine Johnson
   The school year began in a burst of energy as students carrying book bags and their camera-wielding parents filed into Cranbury School on Wednesday, all abuzz with excitement and anticipation.
   Slowly, the hub of all the hustle and bustle migrated into the school’s hallways, where the newest batch of eighth-graders organized their lockers in preparation for their final year at Cranbury School.
   "It’s exciting and scary," Insia Zaidi said. "In eighth grade, the teachers really make you work to get ready for high school."
   Many of Insia’s classmates feel the same way, welcoming their eighth-grade school year with warily open arms.
   Other students were simply too eager to let anything bother them.
   "I’ve been going to this school since kindergarten. I’ve been waiting my whole life to be in eighth grade because my older sisters both told me it was their favorite year," James Lindberg said.
   The eighth-graders do have some special treats in store for them, which help the students feel a little better about the upcoming school year.
   "There’s more privileges than before. There’s a class, broadcasting, that’s only a class for eighth-graders. It’s a club for everyone else," Elizabeth Jacobi said. "I’m really looking forward to the New York trip."
   Toward the end of the May, eighth-graders at Cranbury School take a trip to New York City to see a Broadway show and explore the city’s offerings.
   "I’m looking forward to the trip to New York," Preston Kung said. "It’s a little bit more of a fun field trip. This one is just about fun not schoolwork, like other field trips are."
   Eighth-graders are also the only students who are allowed to hold Student Council positions, whereas the rest of the classes have homeroom representatives. James is the Student Council secretary.
   "It’s one of the most important things I have to try and do because I was elected by a lot of students to be Student Council secretary and I want to live up to what they thought I would be," he said.
   Another important aspect of being an eighth-grader is that it’s the students’ last year to get ready for life beyond Cranbury School, which motivates students to be more strict about their academic performance.
   "I want to be prepared for high school," Preston said. "I want to concentrate on my studies and do the best I can."
   James also plans to focus more on his performance in school.
   "I want to concentrate more on my schoolwork. I just want to make sure I do my schoolwork well," he said.
   And while they’re focused on their work in the classroom, the eighth-graders also are concerned about their status as role models to the younger members of the Cranbury School family — and it’s a responsibility that they take very seriously.
   "I thought it would feel cool, but now it’s scary," said Preston. "If I make some mistake, people might think I’m a bad kid. I’m not used to having people watch me."
   Other students just want to emulate the positive examples they’ve observed in previous eighth-graders.
   "I’ve always tried to look up to the eighth-graders. I want to make sure younger people follow our good examples," Elizabeth said.
   "I really want to set a good example," Insia added. "I looked up to the eighth-graders last year."
   Cranbury’s eighth-graders do have some advice that they hope will help their younger schoolmates.
   "Do well in your schoolwork and have fun," James said.