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Students and staff praise new Link Crew mentorship program at Mechanicsburg high school
Summary
District leaders and a team of student coordinators presented Link Crew, a peer-mentoring program for freshmen. Presenters said 168 students applied, 98 were accepted as leaders, and early surveys and student testimonials showed improved confidence and connectedness for many freshmen.
The Mechanicsburg Area School District board heard a presentation Oct. 7 on Link Crew, a peer-mentoring program launched this school year at the high school aimed at easing the freshman transition and building student leadership.
Superintendent Dr. Pence introduced the program and turned the presentation over to high school staff and student coordinators. "It is an international, research-based mentoring program" designed to support freshmen, Dr. Medford said, adding that the program aims to improve graduation and long-term success by strengthening early freshman-year connections.
Miss Charles, one of the program coordinators, described how Link Crew expands the district’s traditional ninth-grade orientation by pairing incoming students with trained upper‑class leaders and emphasized that the program benefits both freshmen and the juniors and seniors who serve as leaders. She said students in the program completed training and that the curriculum focuses on group dynamics and building sustained relationships.
Student leaders gave first‑hand accounts of orientation and follow-up activities. "My name is Julia Clark and I'm a junior here at MASH," Julia Clark told the board, describing morning setup, games and small‑group activities. Lanna Hullbrook, who identified herself as the town crier, said Link Crew filled a mentorship gap for freshmen who lack older siblings in high school. One freshman in a shown video said, "Link Crew definitely helped me feel more at ease about the first day of school."
Program numbers presented to the board showed 168 applicants for the leadership role and 98 accepted; coordinators said about 70% of incoming freshmen attended orientation and that leaders completed roughly 13 hours of summer training. Staff also shared before‑and‑after survey results indicating reduced freshman anxiety and increased feelings of connection among those who responded.
Board members and attendees praised the student presenters and staff for their work. "You're probably building the next Link Crew — these are the ones that are going to, when they're juniors and seniors, say 'I remember my link leader,'" one board member said, thanking the students for their leadership.
Program coordinators told the board they plan to expand Link Crew activities beyond orientation into advisory periods and to incorporate attendance, behavioral and academic supports as the program matures.
The board offered thanks to the student presenters and staff. The presentation concluded with the board moving on to the financial portion of its agenda.
