New students from different districts, even countries, were welcomed on Aug. 21 at the annual new student barbeque in the quad. About 45 new students, as well as some students not new to the school, attended the barbeque planned by the new student commission with the help of the ASB and administration.

During the barbeque, students mingled and conversed with each other while eating hamburgers and hot dogs. The barbeque gave students who already attended the school a chance to talk with the new students.

“I was so happy I could meet [the new students] because a lot of the time when you come to school, there are so many other things that you’re preoccupied with,” said senior head New Student Commissioner Aditi Jayaraman. “You don’t get a chance to meet those people and talk to them.”

Later, everyone walked around campus and the new students were given a tour.

“I thought it was very nice that they had people taking us around that were our own age who taught us where everything’s at and to be friends with us since we’re new,” said sophomore Connie Leandro, who previously went to Brookside Christian High in Stockton.

The students learned where all their classrooms were located, got answers to any questions they had about the school and received helpful advice.
Afterwards, everyone hung out and some students played volleyball together in the quad.

“Hanging out with the new kids was the best part because everyone was from a different place,” said sophomore Grace Kim.

The new students also enjoyed the barbeque and were able to ease their nerves of going to a new school. Freshman Jussi Yli-Nokari, from Finland, said he had fun and was not as nervous on the first day of school.

Overall, Jayaraman thought that the barbeque was a success.

“I think it went really well. I was actually surprised by the outcome of the people that showed up,” said Jayaraman. “After seeing the students at the barbeque and seeing them at school, they seemed really comfortable, because they met so many people at the barbeque and were able to establish a good group of friends there.”