E.O. Smith Welcomes Class of 2016

With the 2012-13 academic year rapidly approaching, the incoming Class of 2016 began its transition to high school Thursday during freshmen orientation.

Like most students Thursday, freshman Jordan Phillips, of Mansfield, said she feared getting lost in her new school; but upper classmen, like Junior Liam McLean, of Willington and Senior Dani Wrubel, of Mansfield, were there to help.

"We love showing around the freshmen, making them feel invited and helping them overcome their anxiety about getting lost," McLean said.

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Wrubel echoed those sentiments.

"Today is a great chance to see what the school is really about," she said. "It's so much fun and a great way to start off the school year."

Principal Louis F. DeLoreto, said he too, was looking forward to the first day of classes.

"We're excited about opening a new school year," he said. "We feel like we have a great school to offer our towns and we're looking forward to working with them."

His message to students?

"Get involved, be positive, contribute positively to our school and look out for one another," DeLoreto said.

Classes begin at E.O. Smith on Wednesday, Aug. 29.