Each class at CdM has a special bond between the students and school that forms during freshman year. From developing cheers to going crazy at rallies, every class has its own personality. In order to help the class of 2013 strengthen that coveted connection, Peer Assistance Leadership, better known as PAL, put on a freshmen bonding activity last week.

Along with the various events that PAL puts on each year, they also take pride in effectively utilizing the grant money they received to connect freshmen with their school.

“The grant we received is from Youth Connect and with that money we put on events for the freshmen and give them fun ways to connect with the school,” said junior PAL Sarah Light. PAL also visits freshmen English classes once a month in order to inform the students about different school activities and give them some inside tips about high school.

“We wanted to create an event that would be fun for the students but also be effective,” said junior PAL Kati Burke. The event was held on Friday during lunch on the soccer fields. Freshmen ate Carl’s Junior food and talked with other classmates. They also took part in a raffle and hung out on various jump houses.

“I had a lot of fun at the freshmen lunch. I got to meet new people and hang out,” said freshman Melis Gunay. With such a large class, many students don’t get the chance to get to know other people outside of their main group of friends. But upon checking in, freshmen wrote their names and favorite hobby on a nametag that would help spark conversations with other people.

After a lunch filled with delicious food, raffles, bounce houses, and bonding, the freshmen went on to fifth period with a stronger connection with each other and the school. And, with another activity being planned for later on in the year, the class of 2013 may emerge to be the most connected class on campus.