Link Crew
When I was in high school, I was a Link Crew leader. When I was nominated, I was shocked. I took the job, as my brother would be a Freshman on campus.
Link Crew, to me, is a way to combat hate. It's a way for Senior and Junior high school students (there is a middle school program, too) to connect with Freshman students. Seniors and Juniors give up two weeks of summer to put on a Freshman orientation. They also connect with a select group of Freshman students monthly and create events at school where Freshmen can become a part of the community.
The leaders I worked with at two different high schools dealt with heavy subjects such as suicide, being new to campus, and feeling isolated; I was so proud of their leadership at those times. Seeing how many students wanted to be leaders after having positive experiences as Freshmen was also thrilling. Watching the friendships bloom between a Senior and Freshman on campus warms my heart.
Below are several pictures of Orientation Day, when Seniors and Juniors run an assembly at the start of the year. It's such a beautiful feeling watching them lead the school year with excitement and kindness.
Dance Club
As I talked with students at Truckee High School, I found that many had professional dance experience. Student Lucia Pellegrino, now a professional dancer, started asking students on campus if they would like to create a Dance Club. Kristie Pellegrino, Lucia, and myself founded the Truckee Dance Club. The students performed at school rallies, football halftime shows, and basketball games.
It was a great experience learning how to start a high school club. It was a BEAUTIFUL experience watching these very talented dancers choreograph routines. They inspired other high school students to pursue dance, created a level of celebration at school events that had not previously been found, and were inclusive with their tryouts.
Senior Farewell
Five hundred people are seated in the gym. Families have flown in from around the United States and more. Some families are celebrating the first person to graduate in their family. Some are celebrating their last family member to graduate. This evening holds meaning, beauty, tears, smiles, and giggles at moments that are now titled "hometown" or high school memories.
The duties included collecting ten pictures from each senior of various years and talents. The production includes sound clips of seniors thanking friends and family, a loop of music representing their teenage years, and me on the mic as the M.C.
Thankfully, I had GREAT seniors Carly Bertken and Celeste Valentino to help create a playlist and chase down seniors for pictures.
One year, in particular, my seventh graders at a charter school, I taught them again as freshmen and seniors. Being able to run Senior Farewell for that group was very special. Another year, I started a chant for all the Grandparents in the stands. Finally, Senior Farewell during Covid, Rory O'Farrell with Channel 6 played Senior Farewell so every family could participate from home. Those seniors I will never forget. I love their strength, empathy, and resilience. I'm sure they will be the next great leaders in the world.
My boss, Logan Mallonee, saw something in me. She handed me the mic for Link Crew & Senior Farewell; thank you, Logan, for helping me feel at home on stage.
