Last Thursday, August 19, a refreshing wave of 107 incoming freshmen flooded the campus with their enthusiasm and anticipation of becoming part of the newest iPad school in the Tampa Bay area. Ready and waiting were the capable members of Student Council, who after welcoming the freshmen in grand style, produced a school-wide orientation the next day.

The girls arrived at the Brady Center bright and early for orientation – Academy style, sponsored each year by AHN Student Council.  The day began with a Meet n’ Greet utilizing a favorite activity called Warm and Fuzzies to introduce one another. Later, the new students were able to quickly tour their homerooms, classes, and lockers. A big hit was the large square banner awaiting them that read “Welcome to the Class of 2016.”

After the tour, Student Council treated the hungry freshmen with snacks in the gym. Council girls then led the girls in activities beginning with the traditional orientations songs and dances, including “Form the Banana,” “Little Red Wagon” and “Shake Your Finger.” The rest of the morning consisted of ice-breaker games and Olympic-style activities that went along with this year’s theme. Academy girls, both new and returning, enjoyed their share of games and activities. These included the Opening Olympic Ceremony, The Summer 2012 Olympic Games, new ice breakers and of course, more songs!

The closing ceremony included a speech by Assistant Principal Mr. Jack Mullarkey, followed by the time-honored, all-school “Lap Sit” and finally the group-sing of AHN’s Alma Mater. The girls left for the Brady Center for iPad distribution and set-up,  prepared to begin their new school year with technology in one hand and Academy tradition in the other.

Mr. Mullarkey ended the week with words of praise, “On behalf of the administration, I want to publicly thank Student Council Moderator Mrs. Jenny VanPelt and her council members, in particular President Madison Allen and Vice President Ashton Hill, for their tremendous efforts during the Freshman and All-School Orientation events. Once again Student Council has led our year off in an outstanding fashion with a sense of fun, a sense of tradition, and a sense of community—well done!”