Charles D. Owen High

A new student organization is coming to Charles D. Owen High school (OHS) next school year. Link Crew is composed of student leaders from grades 10-12, and it helps incoming freshmen transition to high school. Assistant Principal Dr. Coleman Bailey has big plans for this group and cannot wait to see more camaraderie in the school.

“Link Crew really grows student leadership,” Dr. Coleman explained. “Upperclassmen are able to give the freshmen an amazing experience and connect them to OHS. I thought this organization would be a great fit for our school, because it will make the freshman class coming this fall feel like we are all connected.”

Only a select few students were picked to join the Link Crew. Some were nominated by teachers, others volunteered to join. Dr. Coleman said the process is similar to applying for a job, where students had to fill out an application and submit references. Members have been preparing for the 2022-2023 school year by participating in a variety of training.

“The students were selected by the faculty to be role models,” he said. “Basically they will be more like big brothers and big sisters to the new students. Our freshmen class will get to learn from a senior representative about their successes and the things they wish they had done differently. Sophomores and Juniors will also connect with freshmen about their journey along the way. All of that in hopes of preparing the freshman class for a wonderful time at OHS.”

This summer the Link Crew will begin communicating with the freshmen class and sharing ways for them to get involved with the school. Dr. Bailey said the Friday before school starts back in August they will hold a freshman orientation unlike anything they have done before.

“The kids will have gym time allowing them to get to know each other,” said Dr. Bailey. “From there they will be broken up into groups of eight freshmen with upperclassmen leaders. They will keep the same group the entire school year. This way they will always know which upperclassmen to lean on if need be, and to grow their relationships with each other.”