Click.

The phone camera sounded as my sister took a picture of me in front of my high school. My heart pounded, high school. I was in high school. The most romanticized, but hardest years of grade school. 

Walking into Denmark High School for the first time at the beginning of my freshman year I felt like my backpack had rocks rather than binders and my hands clutched the straps, hoping to give myself support. I was nervous, yes. I had applied for an out of district school and knew no one. It was like I was walking into a completely new world. Though as I continued down the halls trying to find my way to my first class, I saw faces of smiling students, teachers, administrators and even the principal; the adults were all willing to help.

Once I arrived at my first period, I quickly found my seat and settled down. Mrs. Oliver then welcomed everyone from the summer. To finish the announcement, she stated, “It’s always a great day to be a dane.” Something struck me as those words were spoken.

Thud.

My mother’s SUV door shut as I got to the front of the school building, excitement swelling. After an uneventful summer, an opportunity to find new interests presented itself again. It was a rather uncommon opinion I had about school, but I enjoyed coming to school. My friends, teachers and even learning new material; it was all part of the equation that equaled being a student. 

Sitting in my first period of this new year, I heard Mrs. Oliver discuss the different events coming up, such as the pep rally. As always, the last sentence heard by the speaker was, “It’s always a great day to be a dane.” A smile rose on my face as I heard that. Though every student hears it everyday, do we ever consider what it means? What makes everyday a great day to be a dane? 

To me, our school and people are what makes it a great day to be a dane. No matter who a person is, they can find a place here in Denmark. Whether it is working on a project in the art classroom or spending time with the animals at our barn. Here, there is a diverse number of clubs, ranging from science focused to mental health focused clubs. Personally, I’ve found my place in a program tied to our veterinary program, the Future Farmers of America (FFA). Though this may be a biased opinion, FFA includes so many unique people and allows students to experience competing to being allowed in a business setting at a young age. 

Not only is there a place for students, but when you are having a down day

there is always someone or some place you can go to for support. The teachers, counselors, and administrators here are always willing to help. If talking to someone is not what you need, then there are many locations where you are able to find comfort. This can be the barn, hanging out with animals and nature, the art classroom to express your inner feelings in a physical form, or within the library losing yourself in a fantastical world. 

So, to answer the question: What makes it a great day to be a dane?

Well, that’s Denmark in itself: the place, the people, and the programs. That’s what allows students to have a great day being a dane every day. And to you, rising freshman: If you don’t get settled in right away, remember there is always somewhere for you. And remember it’s always a great day to be a dane.