News Detail
East Asian Affinity Group Welcomes Freshmen
The transition from middle school to high school can be a scary one, filled with unfamiliar faces and intimidating upperclassmen. East Asian Affinity Group held a freshman welcoming party at sophomore Andrew Jing's home on Aug. 17th to help make that transition a more enjoyable one.
The transition from middle school to high school can be a scary one, filled with unfamiliar faces and intimidating upperclassmen. East Asian Affinity Group held a welcoming party at sophomore Andrew Jing's home for its upcoming freshmen on Aug. 17th to help make that transition a more enjoyable one.
“Our main purpose was to create a friendship base for the new freshmen so that they don’t feel left out,” senior and co-vice-president John Kim said. The fact that four of the six freshman attendees to the party are new to SJS was another reason to hold the welcoming party.
The officers of EAAG gave an introductory speech to the attendees.
“The officers did a good job of getting the freshmen to introduce themselves so that I knew all their names even without my having to talk to each one of them individually,” junior Zack Lee said.
Senior and co-president Stephanie Guo also announced the implementation of a new peer leader system within EAAG. Each of the EAAG officers were assigned freshmen to not only provide a familiar face, but also to give advice.
The EAAG officers also took the opportunity recruit freshmen for the annual Dragon Boat Race, a race in which EAAG is a two-time defending champion.
At the welcoming party, upcoming freshmen, as well as returning upperclassmen, bonded over a feast of Asian dishes, including dumplings, spring rolls, and fried rice. Activities also included ten-person tennis, swimming, ping pong, and a water balloon fight that spanned the length of the Jings' backyard, from the balcony to the tennis court.
"I thought the party was really fun and a great way to meet people. Everyone was welcoming and friendly. My favorite part was probably jumping in the pool!" freshman Claire Gorman said.
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“Our main purpose was to create a friendship base for the new freshmen so that they don’t feel left out,” senior and co-vice-president John Kim said. The fact that four of the six freshman attendees to the party are new to SJS was another reason to hold the welcoming party.
The officers of EAAG gave an introductory speech to the attendees.
“The officers did a good job of getting the freshmen to introduce themselves so that I knew all their names even without my having to talk to each one of them individually,” junior Zack Lee said.
Senior and co-president Stephanie Guo also announced the implementation of a new peer leader system within EAAG. Each of the EAAG officers were assigned freshmen to not only provide a familiar face, but also to give advice.
The EAAG officers also took the opportunity recruit freshmen for the annual Dragon Boat Race, a race in which EAAG is a two-time defending champion.
At the welcoming party, upcoming freshmen, as well as returning upperclassmen, bonded over a feast of Asian dishes, including dumplings, spring rolls, and fried rice. Activities also included ten-person tennis, swimming, ping pong, and a water balloon fight that spanned the length of the Jings' backyard, from the balcony to the tennis court.
"I thought the party was really fun and a great way to meet people. Everyone was welcoming and friendly. My favorite part was probably jumping in the pool!" freshman Claire Gorman said.
“In the end, I am extremely happy with our students and the clear message that they delivered to our new Asian American freshmen,” EAAG sponsor Mr. Jack Soliman said. “We hope that our gesture to reach out and offer support will help make the transition to our upper school easier for our ninth graders.”
Tiffany Yue ('15)
Staff Writer
Tiffany Yue ('15)
Staff Writer
St. John's School
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