Today marked a powerful tradition at our school—welcoming the next generation of Saxons through our annual Freshman Orientation, hosted by the incredible student leaders of Saxon Link Crew, part of the nationally recognized Boomerang Project. This wasn’t just another day on campus; it was a day full of connection, mentorship, and school spirit.

Incoming freshmen arrived with nervous energy, unsure of what to expect. But from the moment they were greeted with cheers and high-fives from their upperclassman mentors, they knew they were entering a supportive and inclusive community.

So why do we do this?
Because high school can feel overwhelming, new classes, new people, and a big new campus. Our goal is to ensure that every freshman starts their journey feeling connected, supported, and confident. Link Crew exists to build a bridge between upperclassmen and freshmen, helping incoming students see that they belong here, right from the start.

Throughout the morning, freshmen joined their Link Leaders in small groups and participated in fun and purposeful team-building games, everything from icebreakers that helped them learn their peers’ names to challenges that encouraged teamwork, listening, and trust. These activities are more than just games; they’re designed to create a sense of belonging and ease the transition into high school life.

Students toured the campus with their leaders, locating classrooms, learning shortcuts, and discovering hidden gems like the library, accounts office, and favorite hangout spots. Leaders also shared helpful tips—from how to balance academics and extracurriculars to which electives and clubs might align with their interests. Whether it was learning about student government, the arts, athletics, or niche clubs, freshmen walked away with a deeper understanding of the opportunities ahead.

And of course, no Saxon welcome would be complete without snacks, smiles, and selfies to capture the memory.

As the event wrapped up, our Link Leaders, juniors and seniors who once stood in these same freshmen shoes, gathered to reflect on the day. They discussed what went well, shared ideas for improving the experience, and celebrated the connections they made. It was a powerful moment of student leadership in action.

A big thank you to our dedicated Link Crew advisors, Ms. Keilty and Mrs. Oh, for all their hard work in planning and executing such a meaningful day. Their guidance makes this program possible.

The Saxon legacy continues, one connection at a time, and this is just the beginning. Be on the lookout for more Freshmen events throughout the year, organized by our amazing Link Crew leaders and Link Crew Officer, Michael Rito.