NWC Link Crew Leaders Honored for Service

At Northwest Catholic’s final Link Crew retreat on May 9, director of the program Mary Roberts gave out special awards for exemplary service. To honor two very special seniors who led their freshman groups with enthusiasm and integrity, she recognized James Nicholas of Avon and Kiana Woods of Bloomfield.

Link Crew is a a national high school transition program that welcomes freshmen and helps them to feel at home in their new school. This student leadership program was established in 1992, and today can be found in more than 3,700 schools in 47 states.

Being a Link Crew Leader calls specifically on students’ leadership skills. At Northwest Catholic the selected students are trained, then assigned small groups of freshmen to work with throughout the year. They lead them in monthly retreats during the school’s advisory block as they spearhead games, conversations, cram sessions, and ice cream socials.

On Thursday Nicholas and Woods were recognized “for always going above and beyond.” Roberts said, “These two Link Crew Leaders were always, always willing to help. They showed up for everything, big and small. They even showed up when they didn’t have to.” Then she presented the students with small gifts in gratitude.

James Nicholas will be attending Vassar College in the fall, and Kiana Woods is headed to the University of Massachusetts Amherst.