'Shining with Uniqueness' Geochang Yeongeuk High School's Unconventional Entrance Ceremony... United through 'Circle'

Last Year Opened... Ceremony Welcoming 29 Second-Year Students This Year

Geochang Drama High School is holding circle entrance ceremonies by grade.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Choi Soon-kyung] On the 2nd, when the long tunnel-like vacation period ended, an unusual entrance ceremony took place at Geochang Drama High School, located in Janggi-ri, Wicheon-myeon, Gyeongnam, a small village.

Opened last year and welcoming its second batch of students this year, 29 freshmen gathered closely in the multipurpose hall (1st floor Wicheon Hall) on that day. One by one, they introduced themselves and shared their expectations for the school, their determination, and future career plans, exchanging glances with each other.

At the same time, second-year students who enrolled last year gathered in the choreography practice room on the 2nd floor and shared their joy with friends on the first day of school in the same way.

What the freshmen and second-year students performed as a rite of passage that day was the school's unique class feature called the 'Circle.' All members sit in a circle to discuss a topic, listen attentively, and understand each other in a discussion class.

Students who met by grade held a 'Whole Community Meeting Circle' attended by all students, where seniors and juniors exchanged warm encouragement and hopeful words as a form of blessing.

In the afternoon, under the student council's supervision, the 'Welcome Freshmen' event included various activities such as the 'Newcomer Game' for continuous relationship recovery and trust-building centered on students, and creating a small themed performance within 30 minutes.

Geochang Drama High School is an art-centered alternative school newly established on the site of Wicheon Middle School, which was closed due to the limitations of the small village. The school is small, with only four classes currently, two classes per grade (15 students per class).

Located where the Geochang International Theater Festival is held, this school conducts classes focusing on theater and musical specialized curricula and art experience activities, making the most of the region's characteristics.

After the entrance ceremony and opening events, the student council president said, "Through this unique welcoming event where both freshmen and returning students come together and shine with uniqueness, not only have relationships strengthened, but an atmosphere of respect and consideration has been formed."

Principal Seo Yong-su stated, "This year, as we welcome new students, we have set three operational policies: 'Respect each other, recover, and challenge.' We will do our best this year to create a school atmosphere without discrimination and fear of failure."