Forest Hills High School’s Law Academy has been a key factor for a multitude of incoming freshmen when determining just where to go to high school. Highlighting the awesome aspects of the program, the law academy’s upperclassmen welcomed the new generation of freshmen during their annual Freshmen Welcome on Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023. The event took place in Hills’ auditorium during periods 9 and 10.
In attendance? About 50 freshmen. Although there were slightly less students than expected, those that did attend had a positive experience. The assembly was mainly student-led by the academy’s event planning commission. They were accompanied by Mrs. Carlson, the academy’s coordinator for the past 20 years. For this event, Carlson played a major role as the purchaser, advisor, and contributor of ideas.
We all know how frightening it can be to start a new school. This event was an insight into what these students can expect in the future with the program. Sweet treats were exchanged as students received goody bags upon entering the auditorium.
The presentation highlighted the perks and benefits of the law academy: the trips, events, competitions, internships and opportunities. The Beacon chatted with Mrs. Carlson during the event. “The purpose [of this assembly] was to welcome the freshmen into the law program so they would feel a part of something bigger than just an academy or a class, and to get involved with opportunities,” Carlson shared.
Along with Mrs. Carlson, students that were appointed to their role as members of the event planning commission felt the same way. Before the assembly had started, multiple volunteers stated that they were excited and glad to see so many new faces that are interested in the program.
Although the event was loaded with excitement, the assembly also experienced a brief hiccup. About halfway through the event, Mrs. Carlson shifted the assembly into a different direction. The reason? She didn’t want the time spent in the auditorium to seem like an informational lecture, but rather an upbeat and engaging event. For next time, the event planning commission will focus on being more interactive with a “lights, camera, action” type of energy.
Soon after, an overwhelming consensus from the students, volunteers and Mrs. Carlson revealed that one person stole the show. A stretchy, green cartoon character! Gumby is the law academy’s official mascot and when he showed up on the stage, he commanded everyone’s undivided attention with chants and yelling. One would’ve thought that a celebrity was in the auditorium. The freshmen engaged in trivia, winning candy prizes and interacting with friends.
Towards the end, freshmen were allowed to roam the auditorium, where tables of different commissions were set up. Representatives at each table were informative, persuading students to join their commission and get involved, already laying down the law. In the end, Mrs. Carlson was right; this program allows students to build a sense of community and truly become involved here at Hills.
