The school year is in full swing as St. Dominic’s newest freshman class has made a successful transition into high school. Adjusting from grade school into a new school with many fresh faces was a big change for many freshmen. However, the underclassmen seem to have transitioned smoothly into the whirlwind of high school.

Allie Otten:

Allie Otten attended St. Joseph in Cottleville for grade school. Like every other freshman, she was nervous for her first day of school, but the guidance and wisdom of her senior advisors helped her to feel more at ease. As the weeks have passed, finding classes and meeting new people has become easier for her. Otten’s favorite class this year is Revelations with Mr. Winklemann.

“I like that class a lot and he just makes it fun,” said Otten.

Otten has already become involved in the school and even made the varsity volleyball team. She is also looking to join the outreach and Ambassadors clubs to help her meet new people and be more familiar with the St. Dominic community.

Abbey Roberts:

Abbey Roberts attended a much smaller school than Otten: St. Paul. The transition to St. Dominic was slightly more difficult for her because of the size difference; however, Roberts is becoming involved in many activities. She has already joined the cheer squad, Pro-Life Club and Outreach Club. Roberts believes that Freshman Orientation and the Advisory program have made her transition into high school much easier.

“Advisory helped me whenever I had questions and Freshman Orientation helped a lot to see what a normal day is like,” said Roberts.

Her favorite class is Mrs. Overberg’s literature class because she makes learning fun with her energetic personality. Roberts enjoys seeing all of her friends at school and is looking forward to the rest of freshman year.

Tyler Torluemke:

Tyler Torluemke went to Immaculate Conception of Dardenne. He was ready for high school and was surprisingly not nervous for his first day. Torluemke finds that his hardest adjustment from ICD to high school is the change from paper and pencil to using the iPad in every class. However, Torluemke found that everyone is very helpful with his iPad questions and concerns. His favorite class is biology with Mr. Schlenke because he is really funny. To up his involvement in the community, Torluemke made the freshman soccer team. He has really enjoyed the first weeks of freshman year.

“My favorite part of school is soccer and playing Super Stick Man Golf 2 with my soccer team after school,” said Torluemke.

Torluemke looks forward to the rest of the soccer season and hopes for a great freshman year.

Kyrie Padberg:

Kyrie Padberg went to both Wentzville Middle School and St. Patrick. She wanted to attend St. Dominic to learn more about God and better her education. Coming to St. Dominic was a challenge because she only knew a few students out of the large student body. Transitioning from a public school background was especially hard for Padberg.

“I felt like the school work was lot more difficult and I had to work a lot harder to keep the As I wanted. When I was in public school it wasn’t difficult for me to make straight As,” said Padberg.

Despite the harder work load, Padberg enjoys the great environment and friendly people that St. Dominic offers. Her favorite class is also Revelations with Mr. Winklemann because he is always talkative and funny. To meet more people and become involved in school activities, Padberg made the JV softball team and plans on trying out for lacrosse in the spring. She is excited for what the rest of her freshman year holds and is happy to be a St. Dominic Crusader.