Aaron Alger stands on top of Paine Mountain after hiking to the summit last week with a group of students from the STAR program. Aaron believes STAR has given him a new life. The Northfield High School Star Program is off to a good start this year with a new group of students.

Here at STAR there are part-time students in the afternoon and full-time in the morning.

We come in the morning for our class; we finish our work and sign out when we are done.

The teachers here give a wide variety of classes. Examples include Life and Physical Science, Math, World and American History, Comp and Lit and Health. They break it down into one subject a day. This makes it easier for someone who might have trouble in big classes and/or when left to work on their own.

People like me can really make a change here, and I certainly have.

Everyone really loves the activities here. It gives all of us a break from school to go out and enjoy the town safely. On Tuesday, Oct 6, the entire morning group went on an early hike up Paine Mountain and then participated in a scavenger hunt which all enjoyed. The trails were full of mud, but that didn't stop the group from tromping through it all. The scenery was something to be admired also. The teachers and the students have combined and brainstormed ideas for future activities such as community service, hikes and minor field trips.

Besides all the fun that goes on here, it is still very serious. Kids who attend here full time must either participate in community service or have a job. Only a few students have jobs, but others do community service. Everyone at the STAR Program works as one; we all care and worry about each other. We help each other with assignments. We love to push each other's buttons, but that's what helps everything work out.

I came to STAR anticipating the easy way out but have 110 per cent turned my life around. I get good grades, I have a job and I don't have problems with behavior.

I'm grateful for the teachers here at STAR and certain that everyone who attends the Northfield STAR Program respects and thanks the help of Judy Lusk and Judy Knapp.