The group of senior students starting their final year of high school is the biggest class in Southeast Valley School District history with 95 students.

Members of the Farnhamville American Legion Post 510 lined the sidewalks of the Farnhamville Elementary School, and, alongside new Gowrie Police Chief Molly Anderson, high-fived and hugged students as they entered the school building for the first time this year. The students also helped to raise the school’s exterior flag during an annual ceremony.

On the opposite side of the district, at the Dayton Elementary School, parents and students crowded around a large Back To School photo backdrop and snapped memorable photos together before students entered for their first day of classes.

“This is the most exciting time of the year,” said Southeast Valley School District Superintendent Brian Johnson. “I get to see new faces and how individuals have changed over the summer. It’s a fresh start for everyone. I love it.”

-Photo by Julie Vinsand, The Gowrie News
Southeast Valley High School senior Paige Holmes takes a photo of fellow seniors Hailey Rees, Chloe Lambert, Anna Corell, and Mila Johnson at the annual Senior Sunrise event Friday morning.

Southeast Valley School District has nearly a dozen new teachers this year, as well as a new principal, Jennifer Stattelman, at the Farnhamville Elementary School.

“It’s going to be a fantastic new school year,” said Johnson. “I’m excited.”