The formative CHS tradition of holding freshman orientation at Thompson Park in Lincroft was broken by the Class of 2027 on Friday, Sept. 8. Instead, the freshman class participated in icebreaker activities on Wall High School’s lacrosse field and in the CHS cafeteria.
The event was held at the school due to budget constraints, according to Principal James Gleason. Bus shortages were also a factor in the decision to keep freshman orientation at the school, as transportation has become increasingly difficult to find. “Over the last couple years, the bussing has been a tremendous issue for us,” Gleason said. “The bus last year cost about three grand to go five miles up the road.”
Thompson Park employees came to the school to lead the activities alongside SGA members and student council presidents. Students began their day with a brief tour of CHS before going outside to play games such as a human obstacle course and noodle relay.
Freshmen had a regular lunch period within the school and then returned outdoors before extreme heat and thunderstorms forced the group inside.
SGA advisor and guidance counselor Melanie Sambataro helped with coordinating the event, which remained similar despite the new location.
“The super hot weather made everyone tired and less energetic,” Sambataro said. “We usually have more fun at the end of the day, but otherwise I think it went well.”
The classic “Wham Sam Sam” chant still took place this year, allowing the Class of 2027 to continue the CHS tradition of spinning around and tapping each other’s shoulders while saying “A wham sam sam.”
Freshman Maple Lin of Freehold Township felt that the activities helped give her an opportunity to socialize with her new classmates and begin her year on a positive note. “I met people outside of my classes that I wouldn’t have met otherwise,” Lin said. “Getting to know everyone was great.”
