The Chelan High School Link Crew is off to an amazing start! Link Crew is a highly successful program in place at numerous high schools around the U.S. The program operates by organizing a group of selected campus leaders (seniors and juniors) who act as mentors and positive role models for freshmen students. A few weeks before school began, the Link Crew leaders met for an intensive 2-day training. Between games, advice, fun, and seriousness, the CHS Link Crew was ready to lead the activities during the interactive freshmen orientation on the first day of school. The transition between 8^th grade and high school has already begun; although it may only seem like a few steps to the other side the school building, the “other hallway” can be very intimidating for the 9^th graders. This is where Link Crew steps in with their expertise: supporting the younger classmen in academics, helping them make new friends, opening their view to many of the school’s awesome activities, and keeping them pumped up with school spirit.

In order to be a Link leader, one must be a junior or senior nominated by the high school faculty, fill out an application, and submit an essay explaining why they would make an excellent Link Crew leader. The selected crew this year consists of Brenda Alcala, Bianca Alcala, Monica Avina, Kaylee Robelia, Zane Sandum, Katlyn Straub, Rachel Yaun, Katelyn Peer, Sara Horlebein, Breanne Hanson, Tucker Cool, Alisha Love, Daisy Lujano, Annie Nelson, Jamie Brunner, Jera Martin, Cindy Avila, Dan Campbell, Darby Jenkins, Diadira Galvan, Kacie Rahm, Kim Harter, Sam Flaget, Shaylie Brooks, and TJ Sandum. The elected officers are, President: Katlyn Straub, Vice President: Rachel Yaun, Secretary: Daisy Lujano, Treasurer: Brenda Alcala, and Personal Relations Officer: Katelyn Peer. Advisors are Mary Parsley and Joe Harris.

Link Crew leaders traveled to Bellevue for a state-wide conference in October to learn from, and meet other high school’s Link Crew leaders. They learned new ideas such as how to be more positive and successful as a school role model. After the high-energy conference, the leaders were buzzing with new ideas for Chelan High School. Late in the month of November, advisor Mrs. Parsley suggested adopting a family for Christmas from the Women’s Resource Center in Wenatchee. The Link leaders immediately sprung to the idea, and are currently in the process of buying winter clothing, wish-list items, and non-perishable food for a single mom with five children. This is the perfect opportunity for Link Crew to come full-circle, and really give back to the community. Keep your eyes out for more events, as Link Crew has many new and exciting plans for the rest of the school year!