Low roars from hundreds of conversations filled the commons area while students waited for gym doors to open. When they did, LINK members and staff waited on the other side to welcome incoming Freshmen through a “gauntlet” of thunderous applause.

“I’m getting excited, because I only have four years left,” said freshman, Lucas Faller.

Freshmen Orientation takes place at the beginning of each school year to help students get to know their surroundings, meet some of their peers, upperclassmen and teachers. Orientation starts with freshmen nabbing their first trimester schedule and chatting with LINK members before they separate from their parents to enter the gym. A sea of teal blue and navy blue shirts greet them – the gauntlet. Two lines face each other, allowing the freshmen to pass through the center accompanied by applause, fist pumps and high fives.

“I was kind of surprised,”said freshman, Jacob Rath, “I didn’t expect to see people cheering; it was surprising.”

After watching the presentation in the gymnasium the new students were off for a mock day of their first trimester classes. During the five minute “classes,” LINK members explained the school rules. Link and staff made sure every corridor was filled during “passing time” to assist the freshmen find their classes.

“I’m excited because it’s a new building, a new school and new people to meet,” said freshman, Morgan Nyara.

Getting freshmen better acquainted with the halls was one of the many goals of Orientation. Another was allowing them to start making friends before school began, get acquainted with teachers and learn a bit about their teaching styles. Parents had similar goals for the night.

“Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Know your student’s counselors,” said freshman parent Colette Baker.

Although this advice intended was for parents, many senior students in LINK said similar things when asked. Asking questions seemed to be a theme for the night, whether it was asking for lunch pin numbers or about the curriculum. Everyone, from parents to students, had questions to be answered and they seemed to get answers from a knowledgeable staff member or LINK member with a smile.

“Overall, I definitely feel it was successful. We had students getting to their classes, meeting their teachers, getting information about the school, but the important thing is just getting in this building,” said LINK adviser, Jill Engquist. “To see what it’s like and get used to finding their way around; for the most part I think the freshman were able to do that.”