Photography has been a high demand class for years. It is quite difficult to be able to take the class, most photography students start at junior or senior year. The class is loved and admired by so many students in or hoping to be in the class because they love the art and the teacher. Mr. Ethan Kalebaugh currently teaches the Photography 1 and 2 class but word has it that next year there will be an additional class, Photography 3. Mrs.Ramirez who is currently the ceramics teacher will be taking on the class next year.
“It is an honors level course, so it will naturally be more rigorous with higher standards than either Photo 1 or 2,” said Mr.Kalebaugh.
Plans are that next year Mr.Kalebaugh will be teaching Digital Design at Olympia since it is so much closer to him than University is. He is excited for this change because it will allow for him to spend more time with his 3 year old son Avery and it will save him time and money when paying for tolls.
The new photography class will be at an honors level and will be more rigorous than the current photography classes. This is so thrilling to all students for many reasons. Some seniors are sad because they could have had a chance at taking photography for 3 years if this change had happened sooner. “I wish this would have happened sooner so I would have been able to take the class,” said senior Kelli Belcourt. But she is “Glad he’s getting the opportunity to do more than he already is.”
Others are very excited that this is happening because they are given the chance to take the class even longer. “I think it’s awesome a Photo 3 class is being added. I won’t be able to take it since I’m only in Photo 1 but I can’t wait to hear what they’ll do in the class,’ said junior Maria-Victoria Seijas.
While the students, staff and Mr.Kalebaugh are excited for this change Mr.Kalebaugh said “I will greatly miss University. I’ve made many great memories and friendships with both students and faculty but family comes first always.”
Written by Kirsten Opitz