On a warm Wednesday morning, the high school welcomed its Class of 2018 for the first time, smoothing their transition via the annual freshman orientation on Aug. 27. The event proved helpful and instructive, providing the incoming ninth-graders with a sense of the building’s layout and a wealth of information on topics such as student activities, graduation requirements and guidance counseling. At the end of the program, the new freshmen found their lockers and took a tour of the building, guided by older students.

“One of the nicest aspects of freshman orientation is the number of upperclassmen who volunteer their time to help the freshmen become acclimated to the building,” said James Cummings, the high school’s principal. “It speaks to the respect that the students have for their school, and that they have a vested interest in the new students being successful.”

In speaking to his new charges, Cummings emphasized getting involved right off the bat, encouraging them to pursue activities, clubs and sports. “Students who are active members of their school community are more successful academically,” he said.