For many incoming freshmen, starting at a new school can feel overwhelming. To ease those pre-high school jitters, MVHS Ambassadors and ASB collaborated to make the transition smoother – and into an event that won’t be forgotten by the class of 2029.
On Tuesday, Aug. 5, rising freshmen from middle schools, including Blach, Graham, and Crittenden, as well as others, attended MVHS’s annual Spartan Start event.
With 563 students attending, freshmen were split into 50 pods, each led by two to three student ambassadors. The day first started with a large group assembly, then with pod-based activities and interactions, stations for schedule and textbook pickup, and concluded with an ice cream social and additional games, according to junior Ambassador Lydia Kim.
“[This event] is really important because the jump from middle school to high school is so big – even though it’s one year,” said Kim. “ It’s a change of campus, a change of environment, and the feeling you get is so different from the start.”
For freshmen Emma Carter and Kelary Kopels, before attending orientation, both said they were “horrified” and “scared” due to not knowing anyone. However, after the start of the event, both added that they felt more welcomed to the school and the transition.
“I’m actually really excited for the first day of school and [Spartan Start] made me feel much more comfortable going into high school,” Kopels said.
Through the experience, Carter added that on top of learning about the school schedule, she was also able to learn and get a sense of what the students in her grade were like.
“I’m now excited to meet new people, explore academics, and learn new things,” Kopels said.
Both freshmen also added that they look forward to experiencing high school due to its differences from middle school.
“My freshman orientation inspired me to give back and help others feel more comfortable,” Kim said. “It was so wholesome seeing people from all grades come together to welcome the freshmen.”
Kim added that the most important advice she gives to incoming students is to embrace the uncertainty.
“Be comfortable with the uncomfortable,” she said. “Throw yourself out there and don’t stop yourself from doing things because you’re worried or you’re scared or you’re unsure.”
