Event Details

Class of 2016!
GLHS Freshman Welcome & Orientation Day

Click here to learn more about the Gahanna-Jefferson's six new goals to promote continued academic and financial excellence.

Today is the first day of the traditional 2012-13 school year calendar for more than 500 Gahanna Lincoln HS (and its sponsored Gahanna Community School) freshman students – the Class of 2016.

The students will be greeted by the full staff of the school as well as the Gahanna-Jefferson Pride alpha lion Francis Scruci, the district’s new superintendent.

"The transition to high school is a major event in the life of a young person. For some, the transition to high school is marked by a period of emotional stress and perhaps temporary discomfort that if not addressed early, can lead to decreased academic performance and difficulties in social adjustment,” said Principal Dwight Carter. He adds it is why GLHS continues to designate the first day as a freshman-only day.

Note: Students in grades 10-12 will report on normal schedules Thur., Aug. 23, 2012.


The special freshmen day begins with a traditional registration from 7:35 a.m. to 7:50 a.m.

However because many families took advantage of the early registration/check-in Aug, 13-16, the day quickly moves to the main event within the auditorium with a pep-rally type Freshman Orientation Assembly and a Link Crew Fresh Find activity that matches a current student with an incoming freshman, who will serve as a guide and mentor.


The Link Crew, an outreach of the Boomerang Project©, aims to create a pressure-free and friendly environment for freshmen to interact with the first day of school. Link Crew student leaders were trained in ice-breaking activities that encourage freshmen to open up to one another. It will give freshmen the opportunity to socialize with their new classmates,  locate their classes, select a locker,  meet their new teachers and to become more comfortable within their new school.

In addition to serving as a mentor for the day’s games, narratives, and themed socialization events, Link Crew members serve as a valuable connection for the freshman students throughout the school year.

GLHS Something to Believe In
These students are about the continue the long and rich history of academic excellence here at Lincoln Since 1928, the school has provided has provided outstanding educational opportunities for students, vital resources to the community and beyond and as has produced graduates hat have literally changed the world.  

"Our school is already great. This is one of many initiatives that help make it better,” says Carter.

More About the Boomerang Project/Link Crew
The Boomerang Project© is an umbrella group of internationally recognized high school and middle school transition programs, including: Link Crew and WEB (Where Everyone Belongs). The project's premise is that students can help other students succeed. Project Coordinators train educators to facilitate peer mentorship at their schools using leadership and group development methodologies. The Boomerang Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public benefit charity supported by parents, educators, students, foundations, companies and individuals.