DEMOPOLIS – On August 10 some students rushed into the hallways of their perspective schools, while others are dreaded the morning they had to wake up and get back to the books.

Markelle Smith and Alyxshae Lomax are some of the few who were ready to go back to school.

“The summer is boring and there’s nothing to do,” Lomax said. “I’m ready to go back and be with my friends.”

“I’m ready to see everybody and all my friends are coming back,” Smith said. “Oh, and I’m excited about all the new changes and new stuff like the courtyard, all the incoming new people and the dual enrollment program.”

For those who don’t know, Demopolis High School has teamed up with the city’s Alabama Southern campus to create a program where DHS students could earn both high school and college credits. And 16-year-old Smith said he plans to take advantage of the opportunity.

Once back in school, Smith said he will continue to fulfill his positions as treasurer of the Beta Club and press secretary of the Key Club.

Although Smith already has his extracurricular activities mapped out, 15-year-old Lomax isn’t too sure about what she wants to do during her sophomore year at DHS.

“I might join the city council, the yearbook club and maybe the Anchor or Key Club,” Lomax said. “I might try out for volleyball too.”

Although Lomax spent the rest of her summer talking on the phone and figuring out what college she wants to attend, Markelle’s younger sister, Ashlee, wasn’t as excited about beginning her first year at DHS.

“I just don’t want to go back,” the 14-year-old said as she shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t even know if I am joining any clubs.”

However, Ashlee and the rest of those who weren’t excited had to face the music-or in this case, the bells – once they began to ring again yesterday, August 10.