LUFKIN, Texas — Students across East Texas are returning to class as summer ends and the 2024 school year begins.
Lufkin ISD saw students returning from their summer energized and ready to learn. Julie McManus, principal of Lufkin High School, said the staff is excited to have their students back in class.
"First day is exciting, just seeing everybody walk through the doors of Lufkin High School and just happy to have everyone back," McManus said. "We work through the summer with various staff here, and the building gets quiet. So we're happy to see excitement and students coming and arriving and ready to."
James Hockenberry, superintendent of Lufkin ISD, said the district's spirit and community's support sets it apart from other schools in East Texas.
"It's amazing. I've never been in a place that rallied around their school, where the kids seem so engaged and excited to be a Lufkin panther, and the kindness that's on display every single day," Hockenberry said.
There are roughly 6,500 students in Lufkin ISD, with 2,000 of those enrolled at Lufkin High School. For many students, this was their first day as freshmen looking forward to enjoying the high school experience for the first time, while seniors had mixed emotions knowing it’s their last year as a Lufkin panther.
Case Shockley, a senior and captain of the school’s drumline, said this year is a little different now that it's his last year in high school.
"And as a senior, standing here, I feel like I just don't want to let it end," Shockley said. "You know, it's bittersweet that time has to move on. So I'm going to make it last as long as possible."
And it wasn’t just the students who were feeling the emotions. Senior Kate Amend said her parents were also getting choked up about this being her last year.
"I was a little emotional leaving my house, my mom started tearing up," Amend said. "But getting here, I'm so excited to see what the year brings. I'm excited to be big man on campus, and I'm just really excited for senior year."
As for what students and administrators are looking forward to most this year, there was one resounding answer: Friday night football.
"It’s always a great day to be a panther!" McManus said.