By Lisa Carolin
The start of school for a freshman entering high school can be daunting. That’s where Chelsea High School’s Link Crew can make a big difference.
Link Crew Leader Lillian Lantis says she was greatly helped by Link Crew when she was a freshman and wanted to “pay it forward.”
“A few days before school started I was using my handy iPhone to text the girls in my group about their first day jitters,” says Lantis. “We exchanged our first day outfits and went over schedules, and locker combinations.”
“By pairing groups of 10 freshman with two Link Crew leaders, they have two positive role models that they go to with questions or concerns throughout the year,” explains Chelsea High School Principal Mike Kapolka.
“I want everyone to have a good time in high school like I’ve had, and if Link Crew helps out with that, I want to be part of that,” said Lauren Bass, a Link Crew Leader.
She says that she’s tried to break the divide between upperclassmen and underclassmen.
The Link Crew program was started at the high school six years ago. Link Crew leaders are both juniors and seniors and must go through an application and interview process with Link Crew advisors—Bil Arons, Adam French, Heather Conklin and Rachael Wismont.
Conklin says that the selection process to become a Link Leader is very competitive.
“Chelsea’s Link Leaders are chosen based on their leadership abilities, strength of character, personal experiences and kindness,” says Conklin. “Link Leaders are motivators, leaders, and mentors who guide the freshmen in discovering what it takes to be successful in the transition to high school.”
Conklin says that the Link Crew’s goal is to give students a structure in which to make connections with each other.
“It is built on the belief that if freshmen are supported and guided by strong mentors, they will have increased success throughout their high school careers,” says Conklin.
“It is to provide a positive and welcoming environment and experience for our incoming freshmen class not only the beginning of the year, but throughout their transition to high school,” says Kapolka.
Besides orientation, the Link crew offers term study sessions and seminars during testing day for students, as well as special lunches during the year to support their “crew”.
