While spring break has yet to arrive, eighth-grade students have already submitted their course requests for their freshman year of high school for the 2026-27 school year. Before doing so, the future Class of 2030 received support not only from Ferndale High School counselors but also from their high school peers, who offered firsthand insight into the choices and opportunities ahead.

In March, eighth-grade students from Vista and Horizon middle schools, along with homeschool students, were welcomed to FHS for the annual eighth-grade tour.

“The eighth-grade tour is a huge project that takes a lot of preparation, but it’s something many students are passionate about participating in as CTE (Career and Technical Education) students,” said Maddy King, FFA president.

Split into multiple groups, eighth-grade students were guided across campus by FHS student tour guides, visiting 15 CTE classrooms and stations. At each stop, student ambassadors explained what each course covers and highlighted potential post-graduation pathways.

CTE teacher Tony Torretta recalls how the idea for the event began after returning from the Washington state FFA convention one year.

“I shared a story with some of our members about a student who signed up for my agricultural science class because his mom knew he would enjoy it,” Torretta said. “On the first day of class, he thought we would be learning about eggs all semester because ‘egg’ sounds similar to ‘Ag.’”

That moment sparked the idea for an eighth-grade tour, which has now been held annually for the past 15 years.

Today, the tour is student-planned, with a student coordinator selected each year. This is the second year Emily Heinrichs has coordinated the event through Torretta’s Special Projects/Advanced Agricultural Leadership class. Three years ago, she walked the same halls as a visiting eighth grader.

“As an eighth grader, I was in awe of how many classes were offered and excited to try a lot of them,” Heinrichs said. “The tour was very helpful because the following week I had to sign up for freshman classes, and it gave me a lot of input to help make those decisions.”

Planning for the event begins months in advance and requires coordination with teachers and administrators, selection of student ambassadors, and collaboration with transportation services to ensure students arrive and return in time for lunch.

“It always feels so rewarding knowing that the time and effort put into this event has come to life,” Heinrichs said. “Kids are always so excited about getting to high school, and that makes me happy.”

This year, visiting eighth graders began in the Performing Arts Center, where the FHS counseling team welcomed students and provided an overview of course offerings and graduation requirements. Students were then divided into small groups and led by FHS students through classrooms across campus.

The peer-led format gave eighth graders an authentic look at life as a Golden Eagle while centering student voice.

Later in the week, FHS counselors spent full days at Horizon and Vista middle schools, supporting students as they selected classes and completed course requests in Skyward.

FHS also hosted an evening showcase March 4, giving eighth-grade students and their families an opportunity to learn more about the transition to high school and explore available programs together.

Looking ahead, the Class of 2030 will be invited back to Ferndale High School for ninth-grade orientation in August. Families and students can expect an invitation once the date is finalized.