On Thursday, June 15, eighth-graders from Londonderry Middle School and Hooksett Middle School walked and were bused on over to Londonderry High School for this year’s annual Step-Up Day.
Each year, LHS holds Step-Up Day for incoming freshmen to help them adjust to what will be their school for the next four years. At this event, they are taken on a tour of the school, they meet upperclassmen, and they see booths created by many of the sports teams and clubs that are or will be available for them to join and participate in.
“I think it’s helpful so that [incoming freshmen] see what they may be interested in and can plan and organize their schedules earlier,” senior Kiley White said. “They are also able to talk to high schoolers on more personal levels about any questions they might have.”
The day started off with an introduction from Principal Jason Parent and House Four Assistant Principal Katie Sullivan. Performances by the LHS drumline and choir followed, as well as an example of students donating their hair as a part of the popular Pantene Beautiful Lengths campaign. The class of 2021 officers and their advisors were then announced, and a competition was held to see which of the upcoming freshmen was the most spirited.
“My favorite part of the day was seeing the most spirited competition between the three freshmen,” junior Layna Holk said. “It showed that the freshmen were already becoming more comfortable with us and the school.”
Students who stopped at booths learned useful information about the clubs and sports displayed from students who are currently members of each one. Some booths provided handouts, others games or pictures.
“The most important thing a freshman can do is get involved,” Holk said. “Getting involved in sports and clubs is the key to getting the full high school experience.”