LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. — Freshmen, put on your camo, buy your football game tickets and get ready to bond, because the annual Link Crew tailgate event is this Friday, Aug. 30. Starting at 5 p.m. in front of Freshmen Hill, there will be exciting lawn games topped off with music and free pizza for the first 50 people.
The event is meant to serve as bonding time for freshmen to meet new people and relax with friends before attending the boys varsity football game, which begins at 7 p.m. To get tickets for the game, students must visit the Go Fan website, even if they have an ASB card, to get a wristband to be admitted into the gate. Don’t forget to showcase school spirit by dressing out for this week’s safari theme!
“It’s a place for them to hang out, take photos and play games before the football game,” said Link Crew advisor Ms. De Anda. “They don’t have to show up and (wonder,) ‘Where do I go?’ There’s already a spot for them.”
Link Crew president Sydney Mastick also commented on her excitement, as well as the importance of freshmen attending.
“Freshmen should come to this event because it’s a good way to get involved with school spirit and will be a fantastic opportunity to meet new people,” Mastick said. “It’s a great way to kick off the school year, and we can’t wait to see everyone show up wearing their safari gear.”
Organized by Los Alamitos High School Link Crew, the on-campus group dedicated to supporting and empowering freshmen, the tailgate sets the foundation for students to have a good time at the game and feel more connected with each other and the school.
Link Crew also plans on improving all the kinks and misunderstandings that happened at last year’s tailgate.
Unlike last year’s chaotic event where freshmen were confused on the location, this year should be much more successful and smooth. Because the game is on LAHS home turf, it opens up the opportunity for students to get acclimated to their school environment and bond on campus, contrary to the event at Veteran’s Stadium at Long Beach City College last year.
“(The game is) at (LAHS), so everyone knows where to be, and we’re going to have people stationed in different areas to get freshmen in the right spot,” Ms. De Anda said. “I think it’s going to be way more inclusive.”
Events like the Link Crew tailgate are the perfect opportunity to enjoy yourself and try new things. It can be difficult to take the first steps out of your comfort zones and put yourself out there, but it’s worth it in the long run.
“Half the battle is showing up. If you show up, you’re going to have more fun,” Ms. De Anda said. “The more you put into it, the more you’re going to get out of it. If you want a good high school experience, you have to put yourself out there.”
