Freshman attended the annual Fish Camp Friday to collect their schedules and to find their classes. Organizations set up booths for students to sign up and get involved in the upcoming school year.

“Our students have set the bar high in the classrooms, on the field, court, and stage this past school year,” assistant principal Melisa Dukes said. “I challenge our incoming freshmen to help raise that bar.”

The varsity cheerleaders lined the halls to welcome the incoming freshman. Additionally, upperclassmen were spread around the school in order to help the students. 

“It was fun helping freshmen out and seeing how excited or nervous they were for high school,” junior Aidan Gorman said. “I also enjoyed helping them because it reminded me of when I was a freshman and had to figure everything out on my own, so I’m glad I was able to ease their worries.”

Some of the clubs that attended included STUCO, Key Club, Bass Club, NHS, and UIL Academics. Each club present had their sponsor as well as participants to talk to the freshman about joining.

“I am really excited about our incoming freshmen who are interested in joining Key Club this year,” junior Emma Dilley said. “I know that we are going to do amazing things this school year together.”

During camp, students had the opportunity to meet some of their teachers. In addition, freshman had the opportunity to pick up their iPad in the library with a $20 usage fee. 

“Freshmen are their own interesting group to teach,” teacher Kristin Schlessman said. “They are eager to grow and be a part of something, and I’m really looking forward to being part of their journey.”

One of the main clubs presented is the Pride of Lindale band. Steven Moore sponsors the program with Weston Fisher and Susan Scott.

“I have always enjoyed band and I’m really excited about the upcoming marching season,” freshman Jonah Cade said. “Learning how to march at football games will be really fun.”

Band is an extracurricular that requires work on and off the field with learning music to making drills. Moore worked with the freshman an extra three days to help with marching before the upperclassman came. 

“We are hoping that they acclimate to marching band very quickly,” assistant band director Weston Fisher said. “They become more comfortable with high school band day. “

The teachers and staff worked together to create Fish Camp along with getting volunteers to help around the campus. Freshman got their schedules before the upperclassman to prevent overcrowding.

“I hope that it allows the incoming Freshman to feel very welcome, and to help them see that there are many organizations and clubs to take part in,” teacher Brandy Corriveau said. “Making memories in high school is a key aspect of learning and growing into great students.”