As a varsity cheerleader, it was part of her job to show anyone around who needed help finding their classrooms or lockers.

“We’re here to keep the school spirit up and represent the school,” she explained.

For Rebekah Kale, a junior, it was a chance to adjust to the transition from Connections Academy, an online charter school.

The decision to move from Connections to Buena was made in order for Rebekah to join the swim team, said her mother, Denise Kale.

“Charter schools aren’t allowed to participate on the public school sports teams,” she said. “It’s sad because there is a large talent within the charter schools, and the public schools really miss out.”

The goal, Rebekah said, is to earn a scholarship to help her go to the University of Arizona and swim there.

While Denise Kale is excited for Rebekah to join the swim team, she says she will miss the amount of responsibility the online school instilled in her daughter.

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