Sandy Upanasak, 6, jokes with Anna Scott, 6, while Kvian Smith, 6, and A’viana Andrews, 6, wait for the assembly to start on their first day of first grade at Trinity Episcopal Day School Thursday in Natchez. (Nicole Hester / The Natchez Democrat)

Scott Gwin, 10, Huddy Lees, 11, and Jacob Smith, 11, at the end of the assembly give each other a sign of peace on their first day of school. (Nicole Hester / The Natchez Democrat)

Kaitlyn Lees, 16, talks with her friends, Maura Stump, 16, and Katie Borum, 16, on their first day of their junior year at Trinity High School in Natchez. “We’re ready because we’re almost seniors,” Borum said, “That’s my motivation.” (Nicole Hester / The Natchez Democrat)

(Nicole Hester / The Natchez Democrat)

(Nicole Hester / The Natchez Democrat)