By Emily Zeigfinger ‘27
On Aug. 16, Ursuline freshmen gathered for their 12-hour-long freshman orientation, a tradition all grade levels remember. Upperclassmen Ambassadors attended, welcoming and celebrating the class of 2028.
Freshman orientation sets the tone for the year, as students bond with advisories, meet new faculty, and prepare to be new on campus. Ambassadors were recruited to help lead the activities, including positions for morning greeters, lunch hosts and afternoon helpers.
Starting with a welcome from Dr. Shurley, Ms. Smith, and the freshman grade dean Ms. Kennedy, the theater was filled with anticipation. From there came one of Ursuline’s best traditions, which is introducing the advisory program.
As advisories are maintained for 4 years, it’s important to connect as a class from the beginning. “I am looking forward to getting to know my advisory and spending time together just hanging out and talking about UA life,” Mrs. Schenck, a freshman advisor, said.
As the freshmen bonded with their advisories, they took yearbook photos and then spent a class mass together, tying in Ursuline’s Catholic values. After more activities with their advisories, the freshmen finally split up to connect and have fun.
“The games that we played at Freshman Orientation really helped us to get to know each other,” Evie Taylor, Ursuline freshman, said.
Along with meeting new people, freshman orientation helps the incoming students get “oriented” with unfamiliar parts of Ursuline such as the schedule, planner and even the food.
“Orientation matters because I got to see where my classes were, and I got to ask questions if I was confused. It helped me see who was in my grade and meet new people before classes started” Alessa Camu, Ursuline freshman, said.
Freshman Orientation, or Frosh Fest, most importantly helps welcome the freshmen to Ursuline.
“Frosh fest had activities that made us step out of our comfort zone and talk to people we’ve never met. I made connections with people I would never expect, and now, I have budding friendships left and right,” Angelina Bettacchi-Young, Ursuline freshman, said.
After settling into school, however, the new freshmen soon get introduced to a tradition they will pass on as seniors—the freshman dance.
The Freshman Dance typically kicks off with the Freshman Dance Extravaganza, where all students gather for an assembly to perform their freshman dances. Sophomores, juniors and seniors are called to the center of the gym to perform their freshmen dances and everyone anticipates the seniors’ reveal of the dance they will teach to the new freshmen.
The dance is then traditionally taught to the freshmen in person, who then practice it on their own. The following week, the freshman present their dance during lunches. All grades cheer, but especially the seniors, who use whistles to help encourage the freshmen.
“It is fun passing the freshman dance down to the class of 2028. I always loved performing ours at lunch and I am glad the new classes get to do the same,” Ashley Paredes, Ursuline senior, said.
As usual, this year’s dance featured pop culture elements from 2024 and nostalgic songs as well. Jojo Siwa references, Barbie and Justin Bieber all were featured in the dance.
Although Freshman year seems daunting, Frosh Fest and the Freshman Dance help acclimate the newcomers and unite the grade levels together.
As freshmen stumble across some fan favorites at Ursuline, they have already expressed their love for the SAGE cookies and potatoes. In addition, they are noticing changes from middle school to high school.
Moving into the school year, freshmen are acclimating to their school environment, and the other grade levels are certainly looking forward to having them on campus this year!
THE BEAR FACTS 