The cookout of our back-to-school bash was a success this year. There were smiles as freshmen, CPE, and SALT played games to help everyone get to know each other. There was a jam, spike ball, and corn hole. Many people gathered around the games as their friends played. As I walked around, parents were getting to know each other and even getting to catch up. When the “Great Migration” happened, all the first-year students moved smoothly down to the courtyard. There were a few stragglers, but overall, the move was excellent. When they arrived, they were greeted with the games they had on the football field and even more things. Face paint, fake tattoos, and balloon animals soon filled the area as time passed. The courtyard was roaring with freshmen smiles.

CPE and SALT members were there talking and getting to know all the freshman they could. After a short hour, sophomores and upper-level students arrive to receive their lockers for the school year. The seniors went first. If you brought $15, you got a locker; if not, your locker was put wherever the open lockers were. After they received their locker, they picked up their schedules for the 22-23 school year. The juniors followed, then sophomores, and finally, first-year students. After they receive their lockers, they swarm to freshman hallway to see where their new locker is and who their locker neighbors are. The excitement filled the hallways as they finally became a part of NDCL, their home for the next four years. After the long night, smiles on all faces leave the building, getting into their parents’ cars or leaving with older siblings. The freshman cookout this year was something that they will never forget. We thank the Admissions Department for their wonderful events for all grades!