On August 11th, while the rest of the student body enjoyed one final day of summer vacation,  the Class of 2029 was officially welcomed to Grandview during Freshman Orientation, a long-standing tradition.

Designed to help students transition into high school, orientation is a full day of excitement, curiosity, and school spirit – led by Grandview’s very own Link Leaders.

Orientation begins with a high-energy assembly in the main gym, where students are welcomed with music, cheering, and messages from staff and student leaders. From there, students are broken into smaller groups, each led by two or three Link Leaders. 

“The assembly was cool, the cheers and dances were nice. And I liked playing games with everyone; it was fun,” Kyan Hack (9) said.

Gallery • 9 Photos

Zachary Muniz

High spirits, higher balloons! Students bring the energy and teamwork to new heights during the pep assembly balloon challenge.

For about two hours, each group gathers in a classroom to play games, review schedules, and talk through common first-day worries. Link Leaders also take their groups on a personalized tour of the school, helping freshmen find their classrooms ahead of time.

“I was scared I couldn’t find my classes. [Freshman Orientation] helped,” Hack said.

They also talked through tips for navigating high school: how to manage passing periods, find help when needed, and get involved early. 

“A Link Leader is an upperclassman who takes the time out of their schedule to volunteer to help incoming freshmen transition into high school,” Link Leader Cortney Gomez (12) said. “We’re often one of the first people to make an impression on the incoming class, so it’s important that people feel comfortable and encouraged, and that they leave with a really positive impression.”

Becoming a Link Leader is a process – students apply in the spring, write personal essays, get teacher recommendations, and more. Once selected, Link Leaders go through training that teaches them the necessary skills to be a Link Leader. 

“Prior to training day, we had a kind of play day where we got to meet all the other Link Leaders and connect with them, as well as our sponsors. On the actual training day, we practiced the activities we’d be leading and learned our roles on a deeper level and how important they were to make sure the freshmen feel good about entering high school,” Gomez said. 

Freshman Orientation ends with a simulated school day, where students follow their actual class schedules, find their classrooms, and meet teachers – helping them feel one step ahead before the first real day of school.

“We got two practice days, and that really helped. I liked that the orientation had leaders everywhere to show me around too,” Hack said.

Throughout the day, Link Leaders are more than just guides – they’re mentors and friends.

“It’s kind of like being an older sibling. You connect with freshmen in a way teachers can’t, because you know what it’s like to be in high school right now. You bring energy, make it fun, and create a positive experience so they feel comfortable and excited and not bored or nervous on their first day,” Gomez said.

“I became friends with my Link Leaders. It’s nice to know someone who knows a lot about high school,” Hack said. 

Hack recommends freshman orientation to future incoming freshmen, so they can learn early on what it’s like to be a wolf. 

“I’m excited and scared for this year, but orientation made it more on the exciting side,” Hack said.