Link Crew makes life better for freshmen

Freshmen are benefiting from peer help. photo provided

Up until this year, high school freshmen in Sisters turned almost exclusively to professional academic advisors to help with the countless issues they encounter in understanding academic policy, reaching goals and finding their personal niche within a high school social scene.

Though academic advisors have excellent experience and know-how, age differences often put them on the back burner as a resource for freshmen with questions.

Teenagers often feel that adults don't really understand. That's where their peers step in.

Sisters High School's Link Program is designed to encourage positive interaction between high school seniors and freshman.

"I think freshmen need to feel welcomed by fellow students; we usually never pay attention to freshmen, and they probably feel ignored," said Link Crew leader Rachel Eady.

Sisters High School counselor Debbie Newport agrees.

"The positive connection between freshmen and seniors really changes the dynamics of communication," said Newport.

Link is a nationwide program that 'links' seniors with freshmen to help smooth the transition from middle school to high school.

The program comes with an outline that includes testimonials from many schools claiming reductions in school violence and dropout rates.

Boulder High School in Colorado reported 20 freshmen hazings in 1997. After implementing the Link program, the school reported zero hazings in 1999. Orono High School in Minnesota reported a 45 percent decrease in freshmen cigarette use and a 78 percent reduction in alcohol use by freshmen males.

Sisters High School will crunch its own numbers on student dropout rates, drug use and incidence of violence after the program has been in place for a year.

So far, it seems to be working.

"This year we actually know freshmen by name," said Eady.

The program does come with a price tag. The cost of training for one Link Crew coordinator is $1,895; the price drops $100 for each additional coordinator. Sisters High School has two.

"We were fortunate to receive grant money that allowed this program to be put in place," said Link Crew Coordinator Michelle Herron.

Herron, also the Sisters High School Leadership/ Vocational instructor, is impressed with the results of the program.

"We have such wonderful, positive leaders and are so lucky to have so many," said Herron. "These kids are doing it all cold turkey and doing a wonderful job."

According to Heather Johnson, Link Crew coordinator and Health Instructor, upperclassmen were nominated by teachers based on their communication skills, motivation and their ability to be positive role models.

Thirty-seven students responded to their nominations, filled out applications and became Sisters High School's first group of Link Crew leaders.

"The core idea of this program is to utilize seniors' high school experience as a tool to help freshmen with their new surroundings," said Johnson. "And we have great crew leaders doing just that."

Crystal Irish, a senior and a Link Crew leader, believes the program is making her high school experience memorable.

"I wouldn't have applied for this program without being nominated, and I am so glad I was because I am making a difference in students' lives and it feels really good," said Irish. "My only complaint is that I don't see my group of freshmen enough."

Link Crew leaders are encouraged to help freshmen pursue goals and feel comfortable on campus. Ironically, the program is also helping the leaders accomplish those exact things.

"We are telling them (freshmen) to set goals and it really makes us think about what our goals are," said Link Crew leader Cherylyn Madsen.

Link Crew leaders are not always the most popular kids or the loudest kids, but they are kids with a vision and a history of high school experiences under their belts. They are the kids freshmen can relate to.

"I am usually pretty introverted, but this program gave me a chance to open up, get involved in activities and relate to other students," said Irish.

The coordinators can see relationships forming.

"It is great to watch from the outside because I can see the kids connecting," said Johnson. "It is setting a whole new tone for this new high school."

The biggest benefit seems to be that the constraining and often painful walls of social cliques are torn down within the Link program.

"This is our time to shine as leaders," said Irish.

"Social status is gone here and everyone can open up more."