Throughout the training, students are repeatedly reminded of the responsibility they have to set the tone for our freshmen. Their role is not simply to help new students find their classrooms or understand how high school works. They are there to help freshmen feel welcomed, connected, valued, and confident as they begin a new chapter of their lives.
The activities are intentionally designed to create meaningful connections. Through icebreakers, conversations, teamwork, and small-group experiences, Link Crew students learn how to make others feel included and how small moments of encouragement can have a lasting impact. The message is simple but powerful: you matter, your experience matters, and you belong here.
Link Crew also gives our upperclassmen the opportunity to model the culture we want to see throughout our campus. Our school's PRIDE core values are not simply words displayed on a wall, they are values we want students to experience in the way they are treated and in the way they treat one another.
At the heart of Freshmen Link is the belief that every day of high school has value. Students have a choice in how they spend their time, the relationships they build, and the experiences they create. We want our freshmen to understand from the very beginning that high school is more than grades, schedules, and activities. It is an opportunity to grow, connect, take risks, make memories, and become the person they want to be.
While freshmen were engaged in their orientation activities, families gathered in the auditorium for an overview of what to expect, staff introductions, and the opportunity to break into smaller groups to ask staff members specific questions, share concerns, and discuss what they are most looking forward to as their student begins high school.
Principal Leandrea Slayton shared her reflections on the event:
"I love every opportunity to partner with parents and to have authentic conversations. I appreciate the amazing turnout and appreciate the engagement in their student's journey at Liberty."
Together, our Link Crew leaders and Liberty families are helping ensure that every freshman starts their high school journey feeling seen, supported, and ready to shine, because at Liberty, Be a Light isn't just a theme. It's the Patriot Way.