The start of high school is often a mix of excitement, nerves, and curiosity, and for Wilsonville High School’s incoming freshmen, orientation offered the perfect first step into their new chapter.
“I’m somewhat nervous but mostly excited!” said Quinn Bruns, a new freshman. “I’ve heard that high school is a lot more serious but also a lot more fun because of football games, parties, and meeting new people.” That combination of anticipation and anxiety was a common theme among students entering Wilsonville this fall.
On the day before the school year officially begins, WHS hosts its annual Freshman Orientation, a tradition that brings together staff, upperclassmen, and the new ninth-grade class to help them feel welcome, informed, and ready.
From navigating hallways to navigating friendships, orientation offers more than just a tour—it offers a sense of belonging. The day was packed with energy as Link Crew led small groups through the building, introduced students to school traditions, and guided them through team-building activities and icebreakers.
“I’m looking forward to high school,” said Emerson Platt. “I love meeting new people, and the football games are what I’m most excited for!”
Upperclassmen took on leadership roles, offering a valuable peer perspective. Senior Coco Saad reflected on the dual purpose of orientation: “It’s about helping students get comfortable with the school, meet people, and feel more confident. From a leadership perspective, it’s also about setting a positive tone and letting them know they’ve got support.”
The activities weren’t just for fun—they were crafted with intention. In one game, students were asked to line up by height or birthdate. While simple on the surface, the activity carried a deeper message. Some students instinctively gravitated toward their friends, disregarding the actual instructions. Teachers used this moment to pose a powerful question: if students are already bending the rules just to stay within their comfort zones, who might they become over the next four years if they never step outside of them?
A common concern among freshmen is getting lost, both physically and socially. Orientation aims to ease that fear by walking students through key locations like the commons, the counseling center, to the Pointe, and sometimes even through certain classrooms.
“I think orientation was helpful to adjust to the new environment,” said freshman Caitlyn. “I really liked the small group time to be able to ask questions and meet new people. I think it would be even more helpful to walk through our own class schedules.”
Beyond the layout of the school, orientation introduces students to the values and expectations of the Wilsonville community. They begin to understand what it means to be a Wildcat—not just in the classroom, but in how they treat each other and engage in their community.
Relationships start to form during orientation, too. Icebreaker games and group challenges—while sometimes awkward—help spark friendships that can last through high school and beyond. Many schools, including Wilsonville, offer mentorship programs like Link Crew, where upperclassmen guide freshmen throughout the year, creating a stronger sense of community.
For some, the transition to high school is even more significant. “I’ve been homeschooled my whole life, so public school is a big jump,” freshman Lucy Hue-Weller shares. “There are always some nerves, but I’ve heard amazing things about Wilsonville—and just from the taste I’ve had so far, they’re all true. Of course, there will be challenges, but I believe everything will turn out great in the long run.”
The transition to high school marks a milestone in every student’s journey. With a strong orientation, that first step feels a little less daunting—and a lot more exciting. As the Class of 2029 embarks on this adventure, one thing is clear: they are not alone. With the support of teachers, staff, and peers, this new class is ready to step in and stand out.