Change can be frightening. We’ve all had to experience it some time in our life, big or small, and it always helps to have somebody there for support.
Luckily for Burroughs freshmen, they have Link Crew, a volunteer organization of sophomores, juniors, and seniors dedicated to supporting students’ transition into ninth grade. The message they want to send? “We’ve got your back.”
On Monday, Aug. 5, the Link Crew Leaders and co-advisors sent that message loud and clear, welcoming the students for Orientation.
At Orientation, freshmen were exposed to BHS school spirit, as they participated in fun activities, a school tour, and personalized interaction with Link Crew leaders, faculty, and administrators who are “fluent” in the Burroughs way and know what it takes to be successful and make the most out of the high school experience.
The event kicked off in the gym, with Link Crew Co-Advisor Bob Hope leading the freshmen and Link Crew Leaders in fun activities designed to make them feel comfortable and begin to think about how they want their high school years to go.
Freshman Talen Houck said he was impressed by Hope’s welcome in the Gym.
“His speech was motivational,” said freshman Talen Houck. “It did a good job at preparing us for the new school.”
After the whole-class meeting in the gym, small groups of freshmen joined their Link Crew Leaders in different classrooms for more advice and information, before going on campus tours and learning their way around campus.
To become a Link Crew Leader, returning BHS students had to undergo trainings during summer and receive a letter of recommendation from a teacher verifying that they would be able to make a positive connection with new students.
“This year’s crop of leaders was one of the finest groups we have worked with,” said Link Crew Co-Advisor Bob Hope. “They created posters, organized materials, put together leader bags and water, persevered through our two training days, and showed up at dark thirty to set up and conduct this year’s orientation.”
Overall, Link Crew received extremely positive feedback, with a majority of the participants and staff thinking it was a really positive experience that will make a difference.
Link Crew Co-Advisor Alex Grogman called the event a success.
“Kids had fun and hopefully made lasting connections,” said Grogman. “The leaders were able to integrate the freshmen into our school culture. The small groups I observed were able to forge connections and help freshmen take their first steps here at BHS.”