Longmont High School’s largest freshman class, with close to 360 students, spent their first day of school Tuesday with about 100 upperclassmen cheering them on and helping them navigate the school’s labyrinthine layout.
The mentorship program kicks off by giving the incoming freshmen a day to explore the school before the rest of the students show up. The older students “clapped in” the incoming freshmen, led games, gave tours and offered advice.
“They get a nice welcoming feeling and a good general look at the high school,” said junior Noah Johnson, one of the mentors. “If they need a support system, we try to be that person. Just knowing a few students from orientation can make the first day more comfortable.”