With the third quarter in full swing and spring fast approaching, freshmen, sophomores, and juniors are in the process of selecting their courses for next year. Many students are funneled into core classes based on requirements and teacher recommendations, but the vast array of elective courses allow students to choose whatever topics suit their interests. Many choices can leave students unsure of what courses to take, but with the right information they can be sent down the path to success.

For those interested in media, Mass Media I and II are half year courses that are good for students interested in learning about the history behind mass media and film. For students interested in eventually taking Newspaper Journalism or Yearbook, they must first complete Introduction to Journalism. All three of these classes involve writing, design, and editing.

“Intro to Journalism is nice because it will expose students to graphic design, nonfiction writing techniques, and how to use programs like InDesign and Photoshop,” Introduction to Journalism and Yearbook teacher Mrs. Lauren Tocci said. “The nice thing about the course is that it becomes a catch-all for the media courses.”

The visual arts courses provide students with full and half-year creative electives. Many of the classes are offered to all grades, but some, such as Portfolio, are grade specific. Other arts courses include Ceramics I or II, Foundations of Art, and Methods and Materials.

For the music virtuosos of the school, students can choose from an array of music courses to expand their talents. Band, Chorus, Color Guard, and Theatre are just some of the options for those wishing to pursue musical hobbies or careers. These courses can be full year or half year, and they are offered to a multitude of grades depending on the course.

“I enjoy learning unconventional skills for myself personally and being part of a group where I am needed and able to represent the school as a whole,” sophomore color guard member Kendall Chenault said.

Technology courses are excellent for those wishing to immerse themselves within the technological and engineering worlds. Students from all grades are offered an array of these full and half-year courses. Foundations of Technology, Manufacturing Technology, and Principals of Engineering can expand students’ knowledge of the STEM world.

Accountants, future business tycoons, or students looking for a way to introduce themselves to the world of accounting and business should look into Southern Lehigh’s Business, Computer and Information Technology course offerings. Classes such as Accounting I and II, and Business Law are full or half year offerings for students in all grades.

“In Accounting I and II, students are learning an actual skill that they can use in the real world,” business teacher Mrs. JoAnn Peralta said. “It also helps them when they take accounting in college because it can be difficult and this gives them exposure before going into a college level course.”

Family and Consumer Science classes are filled with helpful information about cooking, cleaning, sewing, and family care that students can utilize in their everyday lives. Concepts in Clothing, Family Living, and Independent living are three of many half and full-year courses offered to students from all grades.

Social studies electives allow students to study behavior of humans and their societies and behaviors. Psychology, AP Psychology, and Sociology are full or half-year courses offered to juniors and seniors.

“It’s an AP course so it does have its ups and downs. There are pop quizzes so you have to make sure you read for the class,” junior Sydney Dunbar said. “I would recommend [AP Psychology] because it is a fun class to take regardless if you like psychology or not.”

Southern Lehigh’s many elective offerings allow students to choose from a multitude of enriching topics to keep their minds intrigued and entertained. The program of studies provides a detailed description of all courses offered, and it is a great way to get even more information on these courses or others. Whether you wish to satisfy an artistic craving, prepare for the business world, or just explore a new topic, Southern Lehigh has you covered.