Several Horizon Honors students have applied to be part of a new project to welcome prospective students to campus. These freshmen, sophomores, and juniors have applied to be Horizon Honors’ first group of orientation guides.

These guides will lead prospective students through a typical day of two classes and lunch at Horizon Honors. These Horizon Honors students will teach prospective students about the school’s expectations and requirements. By introducing them to the community and showing Horizon Honors, the incoming students will be more adapted and ready for their first day. Orientation guides will attend two lunch training sessions on Feb. 27 and 28 to practice role-playing and to discuss any concerns. The orientation guides must be able to represent Horizon Honors in the best way possible.

The orientation guides turned in applications by Feb. 18. Applications consisted of two essay questions, which asked about their feelings toward Horizon Honors. Principal Nancy Emmons stated that schedules, the number of orientation guides per grade, and essay responses all weigh heavily in the selection of the guides. Horizon Honors is looking for responsible students with strong communication skills. These students will be informed of their status on Thursday Feb. 20.

Emmons says this program allows prospective students to get a glimpse of Horizon Honors. Normally, they attend an evening orientation that doesn’t allow them to experience Horizon Honors until the first day of the school. Anna Jacobs, sophomore and applicant, says, “I am excited about it. I think it’ll be a good chance to show kids who are new to the school that it is a good school. That’s what I had when I came here.”