Leadership enthusiastically welcomed incoming Bears to campus with an action-packed freshman orientation the day before school officially began.
The day kicked off in Ayers Gym, where the bear mascot riled up the crowd by tossing free shirts and candy to new students. This was followed by a punchy routine by the dance team. The energy only amplified after the football team performed a ceremonial dance known as the Haka. After a short speech, Leadership organized the bright-eyed freshmen into small groups on the upper turf field, where they would be sent off on campus tours.
New freshmen were guided across the campus, exploring M-A’s various mental health resources, creative spaces, and classrooms. Leadership students, who doubled as the tour guides, introduced the freshmen to some traditions awaiting them this school year, including the Canned Food Drive and seasonal Club Rushes.
“I’m really excited to meet new people,” freshman Vanessa Polly said. “My middle school was pretty small, so I’m ready to branch out and make new friends.”
After completing their tours, the groups reconvened in the PAC Cafe for a lively presentation on school spirit and culture. They got a taste of campus life, including fun dances, thrilling football games, and the wide variety of clubs that define campus life. Each student also received a goodie bag filled with M-A merchandise.
“I’m really excited to develop my skills by joining the track team later this year,” said freshman Diya Mahadevan, inspired by the slideshow.
Following the presentation, the freshmen received their schedules and took their ID photos. They then regrouped to work on locating their first period classrooms on a map. To ease first-day jitters, tour guides personally escorted the students to their classrooms, ensuring a smooth and stress-free transition into the new school year.
“My favorite part of freshman orientation was definitely the campus tour, because I now know what to expect tomorrow on the first day,” freshman Bradley Portillo said.
After a full day of activities, students and staff gathered around the bear statue, where Leadership gave a final spirited “M-A, U Know” cheer. To wrap up the day, everyone enjoyed free popsicles and socialized with their new classmates.
