In its second year, Link Crew, a student leadership program at Selma High School, has been especially active in connecting freshmen with mentors and campus activities. The program is dedicated to connecting freshmen with upperclassmen mentors who guide them through their first year and assist in making the transition into high school more manageable.
Alexis Aguilera, a senior and Link Crew leader, said she joined with the goal of ensuring freshmen wouldn’t feel nervous starting high school.
“I also wanted to encourage them to start off their years by being involved so they would have more fun experiences,” Aguilera said.
So far, Aguilera’s favorite part has been Freshman First Day.
“We get to meet our freshmen we lead throughout the year and tell them about SHS. We do fun activities to get to know each other as well, so if there is someone in the group they have something in common with, they have a new friend.”
Freshman Aniah Salinas shared her perspective on the impact Link Crew has had on her first year of high school.
“They helped me figure out where all the classes were located and they were super nice,” Salinas said.
She noted, “Something that stood out to me was how welcoming everyone was, including students and staff.”
Salinas continued that her Link Crew buddy made the transition easier by showing her different sections of the school, which she found very helpful.
“Of course, one of the biggest benefits is the Freshmen First Day activity, where the incoming freshmen are not only introduced to Bear Nation but also mentored by a Link Leader who has chosen to be an integral part of their initial introduction and a support system throughout the year at Selma High,” Mrs. Lambert said.
Link Crew’s program is supported by advisors Mrs. Quintanilla, Ms. Lambert, Mrs. Garcia, Ms. Sultenfuss, and Mr. Montemayor. With both advisors and student leaders guiding the way, Link Crew continues to support freshmen as they begin their first year at Selma High.
