I’m excited for the kids in my neighborhood who are going back to school. Especially Keegan and Konner Degoma, and their cousin Bella Paredes. Keegan is a senior at BHS. His brother Konner is entering Prairie Middle School as a sixth grader. Their cousin Bella is a fifth grader at Hough Street School.

These students, like their mothers, were born and raised in Barrington. Their grandparents were in service of the schools with Mary Marks as librarian at Hough Street School and Randall Marks as a football coach at Barrington High School.

What are you most looking forward to this school year?

Bella: Sports. Solving math problems and being with friends.

Konner: Sports. The track team, like my brother. Hanging out with friends during Colt Time. Explosions in science class.

Keegan: Seeing my friends for one last year before going to college. Pursuing my interest in sports medicine through health and human biology classes.

Did you do anything during summer to prepare for this school year?

Bella: I took cooking and reading classes at Roslyn Road summer school. I enjoy fiction books like “Smile”, “Sisters”, and “Diary of a Wimpy Kid”.

Konner: I went to summer school at Prairie Middle School for math, gym, and lunch. I did the walk-through there, too.

Keegan: I spent time researching colleges. I created a spreadsheet that includes tuition, location, and sports division to see if I would qualify for their track team.

What do you do to fit in, to make friends?

Bella: It’s mostly the same kids. If there’s a new kid, I say ‘hi’ and then we can do something together.

Konner: I know a lot of the kids, so we make new friends through each other.

Keegan: I treat everyone the same without judging how they talk or what they look like. That’s worked for me. I met my best friend sophomore year while working on an assignment together.

What do you do to stand out, to be you?

Bella: I like to be funny.

Konner: I’m a good team player in sports.

Keegan: I’m different depending on the season. In winter I’m crazy and humorous with track team friends. In the fall I hang out with the football guys, and in summer I chill with my close friends.

What do you think is the biggest difference now from when your mom was in school?

Bella: I know they had to write everything down with a pen or pencil.

Konner: Computers and iPads.

Keegan: There’s a lot more diversity in the student body now than when she was in school. I think adapting teaching methods can help make everyone feel involved and connected.

Whatever their grades or sports achievements, when I see these kids walking the family dog, taking the garbage out, greeting me and other neighbors, I know their future is bright. To them and all returning students, learn a lot and have fun this school year!

Note to parents: How would your kids answer these questions? Ask them to find out.