3, 2, 1, Happy New Year! We have finally made it to 2023 and during Winter Break many students celebrated this milestone. From traditional celebrations such as setting off fireworks and watching the ball drop in Times Square, to just simply spending time with family and friends, we all said a final goodbye to 2022.

Senior Tyler Dixon participated in these traditions. He said, “I hung out with some of my family and I also blew up some fireworks. It was fun and everyone had a good time.”

Even though most students tried to stay up till 12am, some unfortunately were too tired to do so. “I slept through New Year’s, I wasn’t even up,” said Freshman Layla White. At least you could say she entered 2023 peacefully.

Along with starting the new year follows a common tradition, the creation of New Year’s resolutions. This is the time people make goals and plans for their future.

Some of the more common resolutions include exercising more, eating healthier, doing better in school, and learning new skills. Even though it may be hard to follow one of these resolutions, it’s still fun to make them. Dixon also stated that, “I don’t really do New Year’s resolutions, but if I did they would be to have better time management, be better about my school work, and spend more time with family.” I’d say those are some relatable resolutions.

As we ring in the new year, we prepare ourselves for new adventures. There is so much to be looking forward to with each and every one of them. For Durant students, some of those adventures include Graduation, Prom, hanging out with friends, seeing teachers, and the best one of all, Summer Break. Freshman Madison Pyles said she is only looking forward to that one thing. “I just want it to be Summer,” said Pyles. I think we can all agree that we’re looking forward to this.

That is a wrap for 2022 and now is the beginning of something new. This is the time for us to explore bigger and better opportunities. So as we dive into this new year, Durant Cougars, let’s work together to make 2023 the best school year yet!