With over 230 confirmed RSVPs to attend, according to an email by principal Mr. Andrew Benzing, the ‘New Student BBQ’ orientation was a way to welcome new students to Haven.

The two-hour-long orientation featured yard games like Spikeball, giant Connect 4, and cornhole in the gymnasium, food in the cafeteria, and an opportunity for new students to find their classes and familiarize themselves with the school, ending with dessert donated by parents of the class of 2029.

“This is the first opportunity to really see how to get from class to class, as well as just to get comfortable with each other in the building,” Student Council adviser Herr Alex Paul said.

When compared to previous iterations of the orientation, this year planners of the event did away with the scavenger hunt-style tour of the school in favor of letting new students explore the school on their own.

“New members of the Student Council in the spring do the eighth-grade tours, which are a lot more formal,” senior and Student Council president Minori Saito said. “This is more just fun – letting them explore the school.” 

As many students are anxious about starting high school, some feel less nervous after meeting new people and growing accustomed to the school at the orientation.

“Everyone seems really welcoming, that’s good to come into,” freshman Lia Kraemer said. “I’m excited for the community and the extra activities that are provided.”

Others seemed apprehensive about the transition to high school.

“I think the work’s going to be harder, but I think that it’s going to be more fun to be around other people,” freshman Amber Fan said.

While orientation is the first of many Student Council-led events at Haven, the council hopes to continue to create an exciting school experience for all.

“We just hope you guys know that we’re putting in a lot of work behind the scenes to make all this happen,” Saito said. “We’re really trying our best to create a fun environment and to plan fun events that everyone will enjoy.”