Starting high school can be a nerve-wracking experience. Navigating a new building, adjusting to a different environment, and figuring out the basics—like finding the right classroom or which way to walk in the hallway—can feel like a lot all at once. That’s exactly why Link Crew, a student-led transition program, exists: to help make the transition to high school less intimidating.
Link Crew is designed to help ninth graders smoothly adjust to high school life. Not only does the program create a culture where every student, regardless of grade, feels like they belong, but it is an opportunity for upperclassmen to develop and sharpen their leadership skills.
Programs like Link Crew can positively impact academic performance by creating a supportive environment where students feel connected and engaged. With guidance from upperclassman mentors, ninth graders are more likely to build strong study habits, stay motivated, and overcome challenges, leading to improved academic success. Additionally, leadership opportunities for juniors and seniors, like those offered through Link Crew, help develop essential skills including communication, responsibility, and empathy.
Preparing ninth graders on Orientation Day
Juniors and seniors who wanted to become Link Crew leaders applied and went through an interview process. Those selected completed intensive training throughout the spring and summer in preparation for ninth grade Orientation Day in August.
During Orientation Day, Link Crew leaders facilitated team-building activities to help ninth graders feel more comfortable with high school life. The small group setting created a strong sense of community and belonging, offering an ideal environment for building relationships.
For ninth grade student Amaite Hernandez, attending Orientation Day was a huge relief in helping her ease the first-day jitters. Her Link Crew leader helped break the ice with conversation and led her group through activities in a fun, engaging way.
“[My Link Crew leader] was talkative, and it made me want to talk too,” Hernandez said. “She seemed comfortable around us already, so it made me feel like we should be comfortable too.”
Building connections and developing leaders
Led by teachers Mitchell Schank and Derric Johnson, Link Crew is designed to be more than just a one-day introduction—it’s an ongoing support system. Not only do ninth graders get to know their peers, they also develop relationships with older students who can provide guidance and mentorship throughout their high school years.
“We want to make this a year-round program with tangible benefits,” Johnson said.
Link Crew leaders regularly meet with their ninth grade small groups throughout the year. In their most recent meeting, they checked in on how students are adjusting to their courses and provided an overview of the upcoming Homecoming week festivities.
Ted Strasburg, a senior Link Crew leader, enjoys not only being a guide, but also building impactful relationships with incoming students.
"I like interacting with [the ninth graders], even outside of Link Crew," he said. "I've been in their shoes, so I know how meaningful it is when an upperclassman just says 'hi' in the hallways.”
Senior Rosie Eckert didn't have the support of Link Crew when she first entered high school, but she knows she would have benefited from it. Inspired by her own experience, Eckert became a Link Crew leader to be the kind of mentor she wished she had during her first year of high school. She loves helping new students feel welcomed and connected while fostering school spirit.
“Link Crew is all about energy and fun,” she said. “I wanted freshmen to come in excited.”
Future of Link Crew
Looking ahead, Link Crew is set to become an essential part of Hopkins High School’s culture. As Johnson and Schank continue refining the program, they are confident that Link Crew will not only make the transition to high school smoother for ninth graders, but also create a deeper sense of connection and leadership throughout the entire student body, leaving a lasting impact on the school community.
“We won’t see the full effect until four years from now, when these freshmen are seniors,” Johnson said. “By then, the program will have transformed the culture of the entire school.”