High Life : A WEEKLY FORUM FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS : High Schools Where the Grass Looks Greener to Some Students

Though school spirit seems to be a crucial factor in upholding the reputation of the student body, there is always going to be some discontent.

Perhaps the curriculum is too easy or too hard, maybe the campus is too small and too crowded, or the athletic teams always finish last. Heck, maybe the school colors clash.

Given a chance to make a change, Hot Topics wonders, “If you could attend any other high school in Orange County, which would it be and why?”

“Santa Margarita, because it’s going to have the best soccer team next year.” David Nakasone, 16, senior, University

“Mission Viejo, because I have a lot of friends there.” Joanne Holder, 14, sophomore, Laguna Hills

“Irvine, because it’s newer and they have a bigger campus.” Ryan Davis, 15, sophomore, Capistrano Valley

“El Toro, because they have a good sports program.” Arpna Patel, 15, sophomore, Trabuco Hills

“Mission Viejo, because that’s where my friends go.” Leanne Grover, 15, sophomore, El Toro

“Capistrano Valley, because of all the cute guys.” Amber Quigley, 15, sophomore, Trabuco Hills

“Irvine, because it’s bigger and better than most schools.” Matt Hernandez, 14, sophomore, El Toro

“Mission Viejo, because it has a nice campus, bigger fields, and some of my friends go there.” Summer Ramesh, 14, sophomore, Laguna Hills

“Anaheim, because that’s basically where all my friends go.” Rhonda Young, 15, freshman, Laguna Hills

“Mater Dei, because they have better sports.” Brandon Jones, 14, freshman, Trabuco Hills

“El Toro, because I went there one summer and I like the campus and the people.” Edward Biagiotti, 17, senior, Tustin

“University, purely because of the academics.” Omar Ahmet, 17, senior, Irvine

“Anywhere but University, because our school looks like a war zone right now.” Susan Chen, 17, senior, University

“Irvine, because it has a nice campus.” Wade Agin, 17, senior, Dana Hills

“Dana Hills, because we’re track league champions, we have good colors, and we have the best football team and bleachers.” Poppin Chantarasompot, 17, senior, Dana Hills

Next Week’s Hot Topic: How do you feel about the distribution of birth control devices through high school health clinics?