People to watch

Sierra Dickerson has plans to make her last year at the Out-of-Door Academy a memorable one.

She has been the senior class president since August, and the cheerleader, soccer and lacrosse player, and member of the school's honor council, wants to improve communication between students and school faculty members. 

"I'd like to have these huge meetings that anyone in school could go to, regardless of grade level," Dickerson said. "They can voice their opinions there about things they would like to see changed. I don't think a lot of students know where to go if they have a problem or suggestion."

Dickerson has had conversations with teachers about starting up the Town Hall-style discussions this school year.

"We're getting there, slowly but surely," Dickerson said.

A smaller accomplishment, but one she said would boost morale on campus, would be getting a Valentine's Day dance added to the list of school activities for 2016.

ODA only has had homecoming and prom dances, and only juniors and seniors can attend the prom, Dickerson said.

She hopes the dance will continue after she graduates in June.

"Students really enjoy going to dances and other events we have at school," Dickerson said. "It's something fun for the whole school to participate in and a way for us to show school spirit. I'm really into school spirit, so I try to support that and get other kids excited about ODA."