Excitement filled the air at the San Benito Veterans Memorial Academy gymnasium as incoming freshmen students participated in various full-filled activities at this year’s Fish Camp.
During their middle school years, these students attended classes either at Miller Jordan Middle School, Berta Cabaza Middle School or San Benito Riverside Middle School. Because the freshman level is a crucial point for students transitioning to high school and career planning, Fish Camp provides an opportunity for students to get to know one another and learn about expectations.
Gilbert Galvan, first year principal at the school, explains that not only is the event designed to be a fun event, it also helps students learn about testing requirements, rules, grades, career planning and future goals, such as making the transition to high school and eventually, college.
“My priority is their education. We really need to keep them focused,” he said. “We want them to stay positive and motivated,” Galvan said. “They are the future leaders. They are going to be the best freshman class we’ve ever had!”
Galvan added that school leaders will help students with their goals and the school will work diligently on the (testing) accountability.
Incoming freshman Gilbert Montemayor said the event proved to be informative and fun.
“We learned about expectations for this coming year,” he said. “The event was fun. I met a lot of new friends.”
Montemayor said that at one time, the three middle schools may have been considered rivals, but this year, the students are all bonding with one another.
“These are the ones that will be our friends for the next four years because we will all be together,” he said.
His fellow classmate, Natali Hernandez, expressed similar sentiments.
“I thought it was fun. It educated me about what’s coming up this school year,” she said. “The event was one filled with activities and one filled with interaction with students.”
Hernandez said her favorite part was being able to socialize with friends.
“I’m excited to see what their mindset is about school and the possibility of being their friend,” she said.
The campus will be home to over 800 freshmen this year. VMA also serves as a special interests academy, with career opportunities for students in the following areas: health sciences, law and research, engineering and technology and fine arts.
