Last Thursday and Friday, Link Crew leaders helped run the seventh-grade field trip by leading different activities at the high school baseball field. Each day, two seventh-grade teams were walked over to the field and were greeted by cheering from the leaders, setting the food for the exciting field day. 

While the purpose of this trip for the seventh graders was for them to bond with each other, it was also a way for the leaders give one of the first school spirit experiences to the seventh graders. “My favorite part was showing them our school spirit. It’s important so the middle schoolers get excited for high school and to start off with a positive experience,” said senior Abigail Miller. 

With the heat, the water games were a fan favorite not only with the seventh graders but also the Link Crew leaders. One of these water games helped everyone to cool off with a kiddie pool with filled ice water and marbles. The seventh-graders raced to grabbed as many marbles as they could only using their feet in the freezing-cold water. “My favorite part was definitely the water games and seeing them have a blast with each other,” senior Benjamin Hahn said.  

While each station was only around 10 minutes long, that did not stop Link Crew leaders from forming connections with the seventh graders. “My favorite part was getting to know some of the kids better and just competing with them in our footbridge race,” senior Vantha Bik said.

 Bik, who used to wrestle, brought his competitive side, making sure the seventh graders gave their best efforts. When the kids said the footbridge activity was too easy he told the them to complete it with one leg or with their eyes closed. If the footbridge Bik’s energy was able to help him bond with a seventh grader who wrestles on the middle school team. “I met this kid and [he] was very energetic. He definitely put effort into the footbridge activity. I told him that I would come to his [wrestling] meet and even practice with him,” said Bik. 

At the end of the day, both the leaders and students left with new connections and excitement for the new school year. Despite the radiating heat, the enthusiasm of the Link Crew leaders never lessened.  “It was worth it because a better Perry is better for everyone,” Hahn said.