Going off to high school for the first time can be a nerve-racking experience. Even though you have other kids in the same situation you’re in, you likely have numerous questions and maybe even a fear or two.
You might want to know things like where your first class is, what supplies you are allowed to bring on campus, who to talk to if you’re struggling in a class, what your options are for extracurricular activities, and so much more.
Yes, the list of questions you may have could be long.
Then, there is also the matter of doing all you can to fit in amongst your peers.
At Patrick Henry High School, many upperclassmen are there to make the transition from middle school to high school a little less daunting. The Patrick Henry Link Crew works with the ninth-grade students from the day they first set foot on campus and beyond.
Patrick Schoettler teaches history at the high school and is also a Link Crew advisor.
“The Patrick Henry Link Crew has been around since the early 2000s,” Schoettler said. “It is a nationwide program practiced at schools throughout the San Diego Unified School District. Every year, the size of the Link Crew varies, but generally speaking, it is about 20 percent of the size of the incoming freshmen class. This year, 138 Link Crew leaders were junior and senior students.”
Bringing ninth-graders into the fold
The Link Crew was in action earlier this month when the school held its annual freshman orientation.
Patrick Henry High School recently welcomed the ninth-grade class to campus. (Photo by Dave Thomas)“The day starts with a rally and then each group of 10 freshmen goes with two Link Crew leaders to a classroom to participate in icebreakers, games, team-building, etc.,” Schoettler said.
“Then we return to the gym for a closing ceremony and anoint the incoming freshmen official high school students. Throughout the year, the Link Crew runs academic support labs (tutoring) after school on Tuesday through Thursday. Each leader is required to mentor the freshman from their group for the whole school year – inviting them to football games, basketball games, school dances, and other events of note.”
According to Schoettler, approximately 200 older students apply to be mentors for their younger classmates.
They must be a junior or senior, a leader on campus, have a 3.0 minimum required GPA, and two recommendations from past teachers.
“There are monthly meetings and within Link Crew, there are smaller committees who do much of the work behind the scenes,” Schoettler said. “We also have a Link Crew commissioner who is part of the Associated Student Body class. This year’s commissioner is Allyson Mangahis.”
Invaluable experiences to soak in
According to Mangahis, the experiences that come from being a Link Crew member are invaluable.
“As a member of Link Crew since my sophomore year and now serving as commissioner, I have had the privilege of witnessing the positive interactions between freshmen and upperclassmen,” Mangahis said.
“My role involves facilitating freshmen orientation, school tours throughout the year, and providing academic support to all students through Link Labs, which are free tutoring sessions led by Link Crew leaders across various subjects, including physics, English, math, Spanish, and French.”
As Mangahis sees it, Link Crew has afforded her and over 150 fellow leaders invaluable leadership experience and opportunities for personal growth, all while strengthening the Patrick Henry community.
“It serves as a platform for all students to express their individuality, empower their peers, and ultimately feel empowered as leaders to give back and help their community,” Mangahis added. “I highly encourage all sophomores and juniors who are interested in leadership to apply.”
In closing, Mangahis said she is particularly excited about the upcoming eighth-grade tours in the spring, where students from Lewis and Pershing middle schools will visit Henry for a day.
“This event not only allows us to showcase our school but also to inspire the next generation of students,” Mangahis said. “I look forward to continuing our efforts to foster a supportive and inclusive environment throughout the remainder of the school year.”
Fellow senior Lyanna Sanchez is equally excited to be a part of the Link Crew.
I joined Link Crew my sophomore year of high school in preparation for my junior year,” Sanchez said. “What I enjoy most about Link Crew is the community. The environment and people in Link Crew are very friendly and welcoming, which was amazing for me because it helped me make some of my current friends.
“Additionally, I appreciate another aspect of Link Crew, which has significantly improved my leadership skills. Being an events chair pushed me to be more of a leader by getting me out of my comfort zone.
“For the future link leaders, definitely challenge yourself by putting yourself out there and try to be more of a leader, because not only will it benefit others, it will also benefit you.”
When it comes to bringing students together, the Patrick Henry High Link Crew is proving to be an unbreakable link.
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