For students entering a new school district, the most challenging aspect of the transition can be finding their place and making friends within a new community. That issue is exactly what Advanced Peer Counseling aimed to address at its welcome event on Sept. 3. 

The event is part of APC’s larger mission to support student welfare and ensure that newcomers feel connected early in the school year. By fostering peer-to-peer interactions, APC aims to make the adjustment process smoother and strengthen the sense of community across campus.

“It’s a really great chance to like, find a commonality between people because it’s really hard to make new friends or new connections in a place where everybody already knows each other,” APC’s Student Outreach Coordinator and senior Sophia Lara said.

Students sat at lunch tables in the Pavilion, chatting with peers and peer counselors as they worked on arts and crafts projects. Snacks lined the back tables, adding to the relaxed atmosphere APC hoped would make newcomers feel welcome. 

“I feel like I’m actually learning things, and I’m making a lot of new friends,” freshman Ona Alvala, who is new to the district, said. “I came from LAUSD, and I like this school a lot better.”

APC leaders expressed their excitement about the event and encouraged students to join upcoming events that the class will host throughout the year.

“Club Week and freshman mentoring are starting soon,” APC Co-President and senior Ryan Hashemi said. “We’re definitely going to host more kickback events in the future.”

By blending art, conversation and peer mentorship, APC turned a simple lunch into a welcoming space designed to make the transition to a new school a little less daunting.