Freshmen Challenge, an annual event where freshmen are excused from class in order to participate in class bonding activities, took place on Jan. 10. Each year is a new iteration on the same idea, with the program undergoing numerous changes since the current leader, Prevention and Intervention counselor, Joan Bline took over.

While the event took place on one day, the preparation stretches far in advance, with the students running the activities meeting for the first time in November. This is also when interested seniors can join the activity. Those interested are also required to partake in a two hour training activity that occurred on Jan. 7 this year.

“The primary focus is to go through each of the seven stations and make sure [the leaders] have a good handle on [the activities]. The other thing we talk about is good leadership skills,” Bline said.

During the challenge, the seniors lead most stations, often without an adult overseeing the activity.

One of areas that Freshmen Challenge continues to evolve is within the stations the event. For example, one of the new stations entails that the students remake old yearbook photos.

“That station is all about coming together and talking about what makes the class of 2021 special,” Bline said.

Another change is within those who run the activities. For the first time, all of the leaders are seniors.

“I think [the change to only seniors] was a good change because we’ve been here the longest,” Freshmen Challenge leader, Abby Randall (12) said.

This change led to a more experienced group with an evident investment in creating a high quality experience for this year’s freshman class. Additionally, as there are only a certain number of leaders needed each year, Bline hopes to give all seniors interested the chance to participate.

“Every year, I was having to turn away seniors when its their last chance to do [the activity]. I want them to have that chance,” Bline said.

The seniors led the freshmen through various stations, which included bonding exercises and discussion activities.

By: Quinn Murray

[email protected]