Legend High School Link Crew Welcomes New Students Back on the First Day

School is in session! With the first day back, there are always plenty of mixed emotions. Some students are entering their first year of high school, while some are starting at a new and unfamiliar school. Between both nerves and excitement a lot is going on for students at the beginning of a new academic year. Many DCSD schools, such as Legend High School, have a Link Crew program – a club of peer leaders that supports freshmen and new students on their first day of school. 

On Wednesday, August 13, Legend High School opened its doors for the 2025-2026 school year. However, the only students in attendance were incoming freshmen, those new to the school and an amazing group of Link Crew representatives. This specific day served as a welcoming transition to get familiarized with Legend and build connections with peers. 

The incoming class was divided into a morning and afternoon timeslot. At each of these sessions, the same schedule was followed. As students were being dropped off, Link Crew members were eager to greet them and make them feel welcome. Upperclassmen were holding signs, giving high-fives and walking incoming students into the building. A perfect start to the day at Legend High School! 

“I started out on the lower lot, greeting the kids and making them feel welcomed the minute that they stepped onto the pavement,” shared senior Maren Hall.

To continue building the energy, students were gathered in the gym, otherwise known as the Legend Colosseum, for an opening assembly. Jesse Van Diver, one of the Link Crew advisors, took charge by directing chants, playing interactive games and sharing lots of helpful information. Link Crew members also had the chance to speak during the assembly and lead an entertaining activity for the students. Additionally, the new Titans were introduced to Legend’s new principal, Mandi Zimmerman, and the wonderful collection of student advisors before getting into their groups for the day.

Each group consisted of three to four Link Crew members and around twelve freshmen. The groups were assigned a classroom where they could get to know each other further while playing interactive games. The games each aligned with a lesson about high school, such as juggling multiple tasks at once, the importance of communication and finding your place at Legend. 

Afterward, the Link Crew leaders took their groups on a tour of the school while dressed in fun costumes such as cowboys, detectives, mermaids and more, further showing the importance of school spirit and how fun high school can be. Here, they answered any additional questions and even showed the freshmen how to open their lockers. 

“I decided to join Link Crew because my freshman year I had so many questions and wanted to know everything and anything, but was too afraid to ask,” Sienna Snively, a senior, said. “I wanted to show my freshmen that they could ask anything without being afraid to.” 

Senior Tony Matheson admits, “I couldn’t open my locker for the first week and I just helped five different kids open their locker. I’m just happy to help them out.”

After the guided tour of the building, the new Legend Titans were off to the closing assembly to end their first day of the 2025-2026 school year.

With a successful orientation day, it’s important to take notice of those who make it possible. In this case, it’s all the Legend students involved with Link Crew alongside their incredible advisors, Van Diver and Mandi Freeman. 

When taking a look further behind the scenes, it’s impressive to learn how much time and effort goes into Link Crew. Students apply to be Link Crew leaders during the second semester for the following school year. Then, there is an interview process and two training days before the first day of school.

“There’s an application that usually happens during the second semester where you have to fill out a form, basically just explaining your activities and things about you. There’s an interview process where you play games and just show your personality,” said Senior Haiely Hora. “They're just looking for fun, bubbly people!” 

Additionally, this was the first year that the Link Crew Advisory Committee was created – a place for students to share their ideas and see them come to life. “I’m lucky enough to be a part of the Student Advisory Committee and help with the social media and do things for Link Crew throughout the whole year,” said Joel Cash, a junior at LHS. This committee meets year-round to continue the inclusion of new students and allow young leaders in the school to further develop valuable skills.

Link Crew has a positive impact on both the members involved and the students that they connect with. This club provides a more seamless transition for freshmen and new students while simultaneously building a strong community at Legend High School. Thanks to Link Crew, these Legend Titans are ready to take on the school year!