Buena’s elective fair, which took place Wednesday, Jan. 15 in the quad during lunch, featured Buena’s many different electives. The lively buzz of conversation was prominent, as students chatted with their peers about future classes. The windswept quad was packed full with tables and the posters and displays fluttered in the breeze. Its main goal was to showcase electives for current students who are registering for classes at Buena in hopes that they will sign up for them next school year.  

The fair was a success, with students flooding the different booths, the most popular ones being the practical and performing arts tables. Students and teachers lavishly decorated their tables, either setting out objects that students made, photographs, awards or flyers with information about the program out for display.

“The master schedule of classes is based on student requests, so it is essential to get accurate student requests for courses to make sure that we continue to offer those courses in the future,” assistant principal Tiffany Dyer said in an email. “We want to make sure that students make informed decisions when they complete their registration forms.”

The marine science table had photographs of the Channel Islands and students on various field trips that the class takes.

“I hope that when students choose marine science they develop a better understanding about our marine life and marine organisms that surround us in our everyday life,” student representative and senior Dominique Neathery said.

Along with learning about different marine organisms, students in the class also have an opportunity to go on a whale watching field trip. They have the chance to see some of the animals they are learning about in person.

“We had to go out pretty far, actually,” Neathery said. “We saw two whales, some dolphins swam against the boat, and then we had to do a little summary about the field trip.” 

The clothing booth was on the opposite end of the quad, with pieces of fabric laid out on the table, as well as a mannequin with examples of clothing items that students made. Representatives from Clothing 1 and 2 were present.

“You learn a lot of life skills from it, instead of having to hire someone to fix your clothes for you, you can just do it yourself,” senior Aurora Phillips said, “It’s easy, but you can challenge yourself too.”

The choir booth, right next to the band and orchestra table, had the most people manning it. Trophies and awards from previous years, as well as photographs and the annual “Not-So-Silent-Night” albums were on display.

“It’s a really great opportunity to make new friends and try something new because you don’t need to have any experience to join,” junior Tegan Farnsworth said.

Buena’s choir goes to festivals around Calif., produces the “Not-So-Silent Night” album and performs in concerts. They will also be going on a brand new field trip this year to the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles.

The art booth was also on the same side as clothing and choir, and had simple but well-put together decorations. Behind the table with a welcoming smile was senior Ashley Jourdain, ready to give curious students the information they sought.                  

“Art is me being able to express my personality and creativity through paper,” Jourdain said.

For prospective artists out there, Buena’s art program is a great way to hone your skills through a variety of different mediums.

All in all, Buena’s first annual elective fair was a hit, with most of the school’s many electives being able to showcase what they have to offer to current freshmen, sophomores and juniors. Student representatives from those classes were able to draw in fellow peers and proudly advertise their favorite classes. 

“I hope that people can find their space in [their chosen class] because [it] will help you grow, not [just] in your own personality, but also in your skill,” Jourdain said.