As OPHS finished their third week of the new school year, APC welcomed new students with a pizza party in the Pavillion. APC hosts this event every year to make new students here at OPHS feel more at ease. They also greeted the foreign exchange students as this is their first time on campus as well.

The leaders of this event and the New Student Outreach and Communication coordinators, junior Avery Mansmann and senior Aviva Medved, had made sure that this was an all inclusive event for everyone.

“I work with the new students and new freshmen. This event is for kids who are new to the district, not only freshman but sophomores, juniors and seniors. We also invite the foreign exchange students. We have lunch with everyone and talk to them with different conversation starters. We just really want them to feel welcome at our school,” said Mansmann. 

This grand event would not have been possible without the help from their adviser, freshman counselor Janet Svoboda. 

“Each year we have about 100 new-to-district students enroll at OPHS. We recognize how challenging it can be to transition to a brand new high school and make new friends,” Svoboda wrote to the Talon.

Many of the students enjoyed their pizzas and snacks while getting to know each other with group planned ice-breakers. Advanced Peer Counselors intermingled and played games with them, making sure everyone was included. 

“My hope is that the new students felt a warm welcome and were able to meet new people,” wrote Svoboda.

APC welcomes new students with open arms and are always here for everyone. If you would like to communicate with a peer counselor, check out their website here.