**The media below contains the opinion of an individual student and therefore does not represent or speak to the values of Vestavia Hills High School and Vestavia Hills City Schools**
Everyone knows Vestavia is the best, but curiosity struck when pondering which school would take second place. To find out, eleven students were surveyed from each grade; the results were not what was expected.
Some students assessed schools based on the quality of their campus.
Junior Tina Gao noted the Hoover campus was “huge and has a nice courtyard.” Additionally, junior Krish Chintareddy acknowledged the larger size of the school as well as the “huge” courtyard. Sophomore Charlie Graveline admired the quality of the facilities at Mountain Brook, and senior Nico Moreno commented on the Indian Springs campus, stating, “the school has a good campus and a good soccer team.” It’s interesting to consider physical benefits rather than abstract benefits – particularly community.
In addition to the physical attributes of local high schools, other students recognized their academic prosperity.
Junior Dylan Clarke remarked Indian Springs’ “high rank in the country,” their “enriching education,” and his family ties to the school. Several other students, including seniors Brayden Wang and ZhuZhu Wang, based their opinions on the “achieving academics” and “student involvement” at Indian Springs. One anonymous 11th grader researched local high schools’ proficiencies and decided on John L. LeFlore Magnet High School due to their 2% math proficiency rate, determining, “I‘d want to improve it.” The more intellectual approach of examining local schools’ proficiency and academia does showcase a deeper consideration, but true quality lies in the sense of community.
Finally, many students based their opinions on the community surrounding the school.
Senior Ellie Robicheaux discerned that Homewood’s “student body has more of a community.” She also deferred to the grandiose commercial center because “all we have is Highway 31.” Juniors Adi Sheelavant and Krish Chintareddy acknowledged Hoover’s “diverse population” and "multifaceted student body with a blend of different backgrounds.” Also, junior Nola Mitchell noted, “Briarwood is so small, and you’d really know everyone by graduation.” Finally, junior Ceci Johnson recognized Homewood’s “fun environment” and how everyone seems “really close.”
Whether it be campus qualities, academic excellence, or cohesive communities, every school has something different to offer. The results designate Homewood High School as the second best with 33.3% of the votes. It’s important to keep in mind that just because another school has something we don’t does not make them better. There lies deep nuances between every school system and their culture. I believe our strength as a school lies in our unfeigned and universal school spirit, something that trumps in importance all other qualities. Never forget: even though our student body had lots to say about other schools, there is only one Rebel.
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