AGHS opened its doors to hundreds of incoming freshmen and their families on Monday, March 16. Welcome to the Nest is an annual event designed to introduce new students to the campus, its programs, and the community they’ll eventually join.
AGHS Counselor Alyssa LaBrado remembers when the entire night took place inside the gym, with crowded walkways and only a handful of departments participating.
“When I started [in 2020], Welcome to the Nest felt smaller, not all the teachers or departments participated. We didn’t have food,” LaBrado said.
The event now stretches across multiple areas of campus, giving families room to explore and interact with departments, teachers and clubs. The addition of food and outdoor seating helped transform the night into a community gathering.
“It’s always been fun, but now the energy is [focused on] community, because you have people sitting and talking,” LaBrado said.
The night shifted into a steady rhythm of exploration as families wandered between booths, performances, and demonstrations. Incoming freshman Brooklyn Leon moved confidently through the crowd taking in the campus with curiosity.
“I noticed the different booths. I saw the leadership one first,” Leon said.
Leon’s already thinking about the shift from middle school to high school and the responsibilities that come with it.
“Everything really matters now, grades and academics,” Leon said
Three friends: Lilian Alexander, Paige Benson, and Molly Ciecek explored the event together. Alexander paused for a moment as she stepped further onto campus, taking in the unfamiliar layout and the crowd of students and families around her.
“[Highschool] was going to be very different and new,” Alexander said.
Beside her, Benson scanned the area, noticing how the event stretched far beyond what she was used to.
“It’s a lot bigger than our campus at Paulding [Middle School]. There’s a lot more people,” Benson said.
Ciecek, already imagining herself in AGHS athletics, reacted with an excitement that matched the buzz of the event.
“I [am] really excited for my sports here, and I thought it was very welcoming,” Ciecek said.
The three friends talked about what they are most looking forward to when they begin high school this fall. Alexander mentioned the variety of classes she hopes to explore, Benson wants to focus on meeting new people from different schools, and Ciecek looks forward to joining the sports community.
“I think it’ll be really cool having a lot more friends and being able to play sports here,” Ciecek said.
Each girl found comfort in different moments throughout the night. Alexander connected with the opening speech that greeted incoming families, while Benson felt the most at home during the athletics showcase.
“I think [the most welcoming part] was when they showed the sports, because we[Benson, Alexander and Ciecek] all play water polo,” Benson said.
As the event came to a close, the three compared electives they hoped to try; Alexander mentioned floral design, Benson was curious about the Ag department, and Ciecek was still deciding.
By the end of the night incoming freshmen got to experience what they would eventually be a part of their lives for the next four years, through the clubs, athletics, academics, arts and agricultural classes and opportunities to explore future career options and find their passions.
