Student reflects on jump from elementary to Queen Creek’s Crimson High

The transition from elementary school to junior high can feel intimidating, but for seventh grader Emily Powell, Crismon High School quickly became a place where she found confidence, connection and her voice as a leader.

“When I first got here, I was really scared,” Emily stated in a Queen Creek Unified School District press release.

In sharing her story with Crismon High’s school resource officer, Brenton Shipman, Emily stated that Crismon is so much bigger because it is a junior high and high school.

“It was like, ‘Woah,’” Emily stated. “Everything was new, and almost everyone felt new.”

Despite those initial nerves, Emily soon realized Crismon was a welcoming place. One of her favorite parts of being a seventh grader is the campus environment.

“I just like being in junior high and being with all the kids,” she stated in the release. “And since it’s also a high school, I get to see my siblings, which makes it feel more comfortable.”

Getting involved helped Emily feel at home right away. She is an active member of student council, where she helps plan spirit weeks and attends home football games.

 “Student council is my favorite,” Emily stated. “I like being a leader. When someone asks, ‘Who wants to be the leader?’ I’m always the one to volunteer.”

She encourages incoming sixth graders to jump in and not hold back.

“Be yourself,” she advised. “You’re going to be nervous, but it’s really just school with more kids, harder work and more opportunities.”

A message Emily lives by is Crismon’s Rattler mindset.

“Always remember to strike first,” she stated. “Be kind, show integrity and don’t be afraid to take the first step. Once a Rattler, always a Rattler.”

Emily also makes it a point to welcome new students.

“When there’s a new kid, I always want to be the friend,” she stated. “If someone wants to be involved, I want them to feel involved.”

Her advice to future seventh graders is simple and reassuring: “You’re going to do great. I know you will.”