South Side High School welcomes incoming freshmen

Just before the start of the new school year, incoming freshmen at South Side High School participated in ninth-grade student orientation on Aug. 27.

A symbolic tradition in the school district, the orientation provides an opportunity for upperclassmen to pass down the proverbial torch to their younger counterparts.

Faculty members, counselors and administrators greeted students, introducing themselves to some of the fresh new faces as they entered the building, eager to start their new academic journey.

Students were broken up into groups and led on a tour of the campus by a member of the National Honor Society. The tour featured a number of key locations throughout the building, including the main office, cafeteria, gymnasium, commons room and the library. 

Tour guides also assisted the incoming ninth-graders by showing them their locker assignments and answering any questions they might have about their first day at South Side High School.

“The goal of the program is to ensure that new students to the high school have a chance to gain some comfort and familiarity with the building prior to the first day of class,” South Side Principal Patrick Walsh said. “This past year, we had about 40 seniors help out, assisting with guiding students through the hallways and providing information about the school. What is great about so many students helping is that it sends the message, at this school, students look out for and want to help one another.”

The orientation is both an engaging and informative tradition which aims to help students as they embark on their high school journey with confidence and a strong sense of community.