For Some, a Head Start at High School

While the academic year doesn't officially begin at Lyons Township High School until Aug. 23, the incoming Class of 2014 had a taste of what their routine will soon be during "Freshman Experience Day" at the south campus, 4900 S. Willow Springs Rd., on Aug. 18.

Aimed at putting worries about high school to rest, the day began in the early morning for most students, who live as far north as Brookfield and as far south as Willow Springs, and taught them the ropes, including the school song and "We are LT" cheer.

Divided into groups by last names, students went to assigned classrooms to meet upperclassmen, who were to serve as guides, and to meet teachers, and, each other. Ice-breaker games eased the usual awkwardness resulting from it being the first time many of the students had made acquaintance.

"It's strange to witness 'Freshman Experience Day' as a sophomore. This time, I'm totally at ease and feel more like a leader," said Maddie Egan, a group leader.

The groups of new students then filed into the field house—a 1,500-seat sports venue— where David Fransen, head principal, spoke to the estimated 1,000-strong audience about goal setting, GPAs, and how to be successful as an LTHS Lion.

The Theatre Club warmed up the crowd with skits on life in high school with a twist reminiscent to "Glee" on FOX.

Students went on to watch a slide show presentation intended to inspire school involvement and making the most of the upcoming four years; they also found information, provided by upperclassmen, on school club and sport options.

In the Corral, a social area on campus, a special LTHS-themed Jeopardy-style game kept students vying for answers to questions ranging from "Which teacher is a professional magician?" to "How many gallons of paint are used to mark playing fields each year?"

A school tour, named The Lion's Path, highlighted key wings and spots, including the cafeteria and language arts wing, which aimed at reliving anxiety stirred by the size of the campus.

In the center courtyard, students honed team-building skills playing tug-o-war and a keep-it-up beach ball competition.

Everyone met in the center courtyard for a pizza lunch, during which time students mingled and sized up their classmates, or found familiar friends.

"Lunch was definitely my favorite part of the day, because it was exciting to meet new people and see how big our class was," said Grace Nasenbenny, an incoming freshman.

As night closed in, a freshmen-only dance kicked off, allowing the new class at LTHS to feel excitement for life at a big school and to give them additional time to get to know friends, both new-found and old.