By Aayan Khan
Special to the Tribune
“Brilliant.”
“Fantastic.”
“Amazing.”
These are some of the words said by San Marino High School Principal Jason Kurtenbach in describing the momentous Move-Up Day that occurred at the high school last Friday.
The event welcomed the incoming Class of 2027 from Huntington Middle School, who went to the high school to explore and learn more about all that is to be a Titan. As the 8th-graders came along Huntington Drive, the anticipation of the day could be felt in the air.
Outside the main gate at the high school, the Titan administration greeted the Class of 2027, the drumline played one of their go-to pieces and the cheer team formed an honorary tunnel for the 8th-graders.
As yearbook photographers moved in a frenzy trying to capture the excitement of the morning of Feb. 10, the 8th-graders were directed to the Neher Auditorium to begin their day. Inside, Kurtenbach, Assistant Principal Carlos Kassam-Clay and HMS Principal Daryl Topalian outlined activities and expectations that would take place.
Following the debriefing at the auditorium, students were separated into two groups for different activities. The first activity was a full group academic counseling session. This entailed an introduction to the courses and requirements offered and expected of students at the high school. Counselors led group activities, such as the game Kahoots.
“Our counseling sessions went really well and I’m really excited to meet all of them next week for their one-on-one counseling meetings at the middle school,” SMHS counselor Christine Flores said.
The other activity the future Titans took part in was an in-depth tour of the campus, led by the Link Crew, a compilation of juniors and seniors whose main purpose is to welcome new students to make sure their transition to high school is as comfortable and smooth as possible.
In pairs of two, the Link Crew took their cohorts of students around the campus, highlighting the activities waiting for them at SMHS.
“My favorite part of the day was definitely the tour, because I really got to see more of the campus,” said 8th-grader Jarvis Zhao.
As it was normal for the rest of the students at the high school, the incoming class could genuinely see students and actions. Link Crew leaders organized activities for their cohorts as well, such as a Q&A session. Following the two morning activities, 8th-graders took a 20-minute break before going on to the highlight of the day: the assembly. Organized by the Associated Student Body, the future Titans’ first assembly started with a performance by cheer and Dance Company that left students in awe. The incoming freshmen then were introduced to SMHS’ sports teams.
The climax of the occasion, which took place in the high school’s gym, was a game that included students from the crowd. The game entailed a relay race proved to be a multilayered machine of chaos yet provided the best entertainment for all in attendance.
After the assembly, tacos had arrived for students on the blacktop basketball courts, where they explored the clubs and sports teams that had set up information tables.
With music playing and students laughing, even an outsider could see what it means to be a SMHS student. The day finished with Senior Spotlight, a panel led by the senior class cabinet, where they described their experiences as a Titan and questions from the incoming Class of 2027 were answered.
At the final event of Move-Up Day, taking place in the Webb Theater, a true sense of community and passing of the torch was felt, as this interaction between the seniors and the incoming freshmen was engaging and fruitful for both parties.
