You might have seen the wave of blue tie-die shirts going around campus and are confused about what club this is, whether you should join, and what they do. They are a part of Quartz Hill High School’s very own Link Crew Club, a club focused on making the transition to high school easier.
But what is it, exactly?
Link Crew is a multi-period class and club comprised of upperclassmen on campus who have already undergone the arduous transition from junior high to high school and want to foster a stronger sense of community and inclusion for incoming students.
From QHHS Link Crew Leader Frankie Orellana, “We help out current freshmen and incoming freshmen by getting them more involved in the school and just making them feel right at home.”
How does Link Crew get freshmen students more involved?
Link Crew leaders are expected to lead the new freshmen around by radiating positivity and hosting activities starting with freshmen orientation.
QHHS Link Crew Leader Sofia Gomez described this while leading freshmen orientation: “I remember intentionally pulling freshmen into a group activity, cheering them on when they were hesitant, and making sure they knew it was okay to be awkward.”
They also help share how to be active and successful on campus. This includes joining clubs, participating in sports, and being a better student overall. Finally, once the school year starts, Link Crew helps the new freshmen with last-minute welcoming activities like the Freshmen Dance!
The efforts of the Link Crew do not stop after orientation. Each Link Crew Leader has an assigned freshman to assist them during the school year. This is when Link Crew Leaders feel more connected and can provide direct assistance to new freshmen.
Notably, QHHS Link Crew Leader Ambree Ausby says one of her most fulfilling moments was, “During January, I checked up on one of my freshmen. He struggled in biology, and I helped him throughout the second semester. It was very sweet seeing him get better as time went on.”
The assistance does not have to be purely academic, though. Link Crew leaders are excellent at providing personal advice, can be an outlet when things become overwhelming, and can be that friend when needed. Ever want to go to school events or sports games but have no one to go with? A Link Crew leader will be there for you.
Overall, should you join?
Outside of significantly impacting our school campus, you will experience immense growth in your skills!
With QHHS Link Crew Leader Julyan Merino, “I’ve noticed ever since joining, I have become more extroverted and more willing to volunteer and help others. I’m looking forward to helping future link crew members and the new freshmen we will see in just a few months.”
What do the freshmen themselves think? Do they appreciate the support, or do they think it’s way too cringy?
Link Crew Leaders Sofia Gomez said, “A week after orientation, we saw the freshmen we were with., They approached us, said hi, and told us how much orientation helped them feel more comfortable starting high school.”
Although applications for the class are now closed for the 2025 – 2026 school year, there are many ways to get involved and positively impact: joining the club during club rush, joining next year, or even lending a hand to incoming freshmen! Remember, the role is not just about being loud or leading activities but also about ensuring everyone feels seen in the most difficult time, freshman year.
