Jim Grant/Nevada AppealLink Crew leader Tommy Champion, center, a senior at Carson High School pumps up a group freshmen for the new school year during freshmen orientation on Monday.
Although he's going to be a senior this year, Joey Bowers, 17, still remembers how hard it was to be a freshman, and wants to help ease the transition for those following him.
"I remember my freshman year," he said. "I struggled a lot."
Bowers joined fellow Link Crew leaders Monday in hosting an orientation for incoming freshmen.
"I wanted to help them figure it out easier," he said.
The Link Crew, established seven years ago at the high school, pairs older students freshmen to help them adjust to high school.
"It gives the freshmen a sense of belonging," explained Rachel Robison, Link Crew adviser. "It's definitely increased the participation in school activities and sports and gotten them excited about school."
Link Crew leaders met with about 10 freshmen each for a series of games and activities designed to help them get to know one another.
In Name Tag, members of the group told their names and how they got them. Link Crew leader Clarissa Munoz, 16, told her group that her parents named her after the woman who helped her mother cross the border from Mexico.
Bianca Luna, 13, was named for a soap opera actress.
"My mom got my name from a novela," she said.
Nesby Villegas, 13, was grateful for the opportunity to get acquainted with the school and an upperclassman before school starts Monday.
"You know some sophomores and juniors and seniors that help you so it's not so weird," she said. "Instead of yelling, 'Go home, freshman,' they'll know you."
It will help also them navigate the unfamiliar hallways.
"You won't have to look like a dork looking at all the doors," said Cindy Ortiz, 14.
Brandon Mondoki, 15, knows he's in for a big change.
"In middle school, you were in the high grade, but now you're going to be at the bottom," he said.
But Corrinne Defilippi is still looking forward to the new experience.
"I'm excited for the more advanced classes and more opportunity to get to learn different things," she said.
All Carson City School District schools on the traditional calendar begin Monday. For a list of start times and open houses, go to carsoncityschools.com.
