To welcome new freshmen each year, Link Crew holds Freshmen Freeze-Out. The tradition has remained unchanged throughout the years, providing treats for the students.
Link Crew members, typically upperclassmen who are familiar with the school, interact with freshmen and help them adjust through freshmen orientation as well as other events. Early Childhood teacher Julia Kemp noted, “It brings freshmen out of their shells.” Most of Link Crew participates at the event and creates a lively atmosphere for the students. Additionally, they set up the tables and clean up any leftover trash after the event.
The time of the event is also crucial. Instead of scheduling earlier in the school year, it is intentionally held over a month into the school year. By the middle of the quarter, freshmen are settled in and have already formed friendships with their peers.
Link Crew also can create bonds with freshmen. Senior Bailey Hatzky noted, “I’ve said hi to a few of the people that I met at freshman orientation, so it’s really nice to know that they have an [upperclassman] that they can talk to.” It is typical for upperclassmen and freshmen to get to know each other from these interactions.
The turnout at the event is high and a majority of the freshmen class attend Freshmen Freeze-Out. Teachers are prepared for shorter classes and are notified the week of the event. It continues to be well known and popular among students, but the current senior class never had a Freshmen Freeze-Out due to Covid. Kemp pointed out, “We did ask if we could do a senior one.” Unfortunately, the idea was rejected.
Overall, the tradition has remained consistent and the only aspect that has changed is the type of popsicles each year. Kemp said, “ Just depends on what we can buy in bulk.” However, due to the heat, the popsicles melted quickly despite the lower temperatures.
While summer usually stays in the 100s, this Friday went down to the 80s after a cold front and rain. Hatzky said, “The popsicles are melting in my hand but I think the rain is just a bonus.” Luckily, the rain remained at a drizzle and did not affect the event.
Freshmen generally seemed to enjoy Freshmen Freeze-Out, socializing among upperclassmen and each other. Freshman Mia Thiel admitted, “I do like getting out a little early. I get to talk to other people [and the weather] is the nicest thing.” Students are released from class 15 minutes early, missing only a little bit of class time and with the summer season coming to a close, the weather is finally cooling down.
In the future, Kemp revealed that Link Crew is potentially planning for more events. Their efforts to welcome students every year has made the transition from middle school to high school a little bit easier. Through this club, freshmen are able to celebrate the next step in their education and their new friendships.
