This year, Cathedral Catholic introduced Freshman Formation, a brand-new program designed to welcome and guide incoming students as they begin their high school journey. Led by Link Crew, the initiative aims to help freshmen connect with their peers, building lasting relationships, and gain a deeper understanding of what it truly means to be a Don.
Through engaging activities and meaningful conversations, students are introduced to Cathedral Catholic’s four core values: faith, knowledge, responsibility, and character. This program now sets the tone for a high school built around community and character.
Freshman Formation moderator Mrs. Rhodes shared that, “The main goal [of freshman formation] is that freshmen become familiar with our core values and have the chance to think about what those look like in their own lives…through conversations and reflection with their Link Crew leaders.”
Specific Monday mornings have been carved out of students’, link leaders’, and teachers’ schedules to gather for Freshman Formation, kicking off the week with a sense of community.
Upperclassmen mentors guide small groups through fun activities, discussions, and reflections that help freshman students feel more at home on campus.
Aubrey Owens, a senior Link Crew leader, explained why she got involved. “I wanted to make freshmen feel supported and confident, the same way I wished someone had helped me when I was a freshman.”
Katya Manshadi, a Freshman this year shares her experience, “When I first came to high school, I was excited but also a little nervous because I had just moved here from another city. Everything was new, the school, the people, and even the routines. Anchored really helped me feel more comfortable and welcomed. It made the school feel smaller and gave me a group where I could talk and connect with others right away.”
This captures what the heart of Link Crew is all about. It’s a group of students who care about others and who show up ready to make a difference. Each member joins because they want what is best for their community. Building a place where everyone feels seen, supported, and proud to be a Don.
Freshman Formation isn’t just about helping new students adjust; it’s about reminding all of us what it means to lead with kindness and belong to something bigger.
The time together gives freshmen and leaders a chance to build a strong relationship with one another. Not only that, it is also time for freshmen to ask questions and grow in confidence as they navigate their first year at Cathedral. Each session ties back to one of the school’s core values, encouraging students to think about how they can live those values in their daily lives.
This year’s school theme, Unum, meaning “together as one,” connects perfectly with the mission of Freshman Formation. As students come together not just as individuals but as part of one community united by faith and purpose.
Through shared experiences, honest conversations, and a welcoming atmosphere, freshmen learn that being a Don means supporting one another and growing together. Freshman Formation reminds everyone that CCHS isn’t just a school – it’s a family, and Unum makes that bond so strong.
The Freshman Formation continues to grow the CCHS community and confidence amongst Cathedral’s newest Dons. What started as a new program has quickly become a meaningful Monday morning tradition. A tradition that helps students grow in faith, form friendships, and feel connected to something bigger than themselves. With the guidance of Link Crew and the spirit of Unum at its heart, Freshman Formation is shaping not only strong students but strong members of the Cathedral Catholic family.
