Jan. 12 was Texas High School’s annual Red Lick Orientation in which students from many different school organizations tour and clubs show the upcoming generation of Tigers what Texas High is all about. The tour gives older students an opportunity to make connections with the incoming freshman.

“I really enjoy it because that’s where I was just a few years ago, so I know what they’re going through. They’re all going to be splitting off to different places and high school can be very intimidating,” senior Landon Ryden said. “I love being the person that helps them with that transition because I remember someone doing that for me.”

The tour allowed the new students to begin thinking about what organizations they want to be involved with during their high school experience.

“I’m most excited to get involved with theatre and student council,” Red Lick 8th grader Dalton O’Neal said.

High school students involved in the orientation appreciate being able to feature their talents and clubs in order to recruit new members.

“I think [the orientation] portrayed what Texas High has to offer,” senior Sophie Lower said. “Our cheer, our theatre and our drill team really showcase what they could be involved in if they go here.”

The incoming freshmen also get a taste of the campus through a tour of some of Texas High’s highlighted facilities.

“My favorite part of the orientation is definitely showing them around the school. I have so many stories because I’ve been here for four years and I love showing them my world,” Ryden said.

Not only do the high school students get to help the new students’ transition, but they also get to help them make decisions that affect the rest of their life.

“A lot of them haven’t thought very heavily about ‘what do I enjoy doing,’ and ‘what are my passions,’” Ryden said. “When they see that Texas High has a really solid band or theatre or robotics and all these different programs, it allows these kids to see things in themselves they didn’t see before.”