Dwyer High School's school year started with a brand-new dress code and a banner on the front of the school declaring, "Welcome to Dwyer, an A School."

After entering the school, students gathered in the courtyard, which became a sea of maroon, navy, gray, and white. Dwyer's population seemed to transform from typical teenagers dressed in denim to uniform-clad, dress code abiders. Dwyer students must now wear certain color polo shirts paired with knee-length or longer khaki, navy, or black skirts and pants. Though many had grumbled about the dress code endlessly, it seemed that the majority of Dwyer's students had grudgingly complied.

"It's not as bad as I thought it would be," said freshman Matt Adamowicz. "I think it [dress code] looks better." Sophomore Jocelyn Rozanski agreed. "I thought it was pretty cool to see everyone dressed in uniforms," Rozanski said. However, she believes that the dress code is, "Too broad. It gives people more of a chance to change it." Students have managed to let their creativity show by making the dress code reflect their personal styles. Some double up polos and pop the collar, while others dress up the look with accessories.

Aside from the newly-instated dress code, students also had the luxury of attending an A-rated school. Principal E. Wayne Gent, along with administrators and teachers, continued to welcome students back to the only A-rated high school in northern Palm Beach County throughout the week. On Friday, most teachers and staff wore t-shirts that exclaimed, "Simply Stated A-Rated."

Teachers weren't the only ones satisfied with the A. "It gives you a sense of pride knowing that you helped let people know that Dwyer can be a top-rated school, despite all of the negative remarks and doubts from all the other schools and parents," said junior Tyler Kirkwood.

Upperclassmen weren't as phased by the dress code, school grade celebration, and constant reminders of school rules and lunch scheduling. "It was a long three days," said senior Brandon Binstead. His views upon being a senior, however, were different. "It is great," Binstead said. What excites junior Ashley Ritter most about being an upperclassman isn't the typical free period privilege. "It feels good [to be an upperclassman] because now I can drive to school."