Ash Fork High School Hosts First Ever Freshman Orientation Night
In an exciting step toward building tradition and fostering school spirit, the Ash Fork High School 9th-grade students hosted the inaugural Freshman Orientation Night on April 9, 2025. This special event, part of their high school legacy project, was made possible thanks to the generous donation from the Ash Fork PTO, which allowed the 9th graders to provide dinner for 24 8th-grade students and their families, the incoming class of 2025/2026.
The event, which ran from 5 to 7 pm, was designed to give the incoming freshmen a warm welcome and an introduction to high school life. The evening kicked off with an open house where students and families had the chance to meet and interact with high school teachers and staff. Tables covered a variety of important topics, from Attendance to Art/Yearbook, ACT & ACT Aspire information, CTED class details, and much more. The open house provided a one-stop location for students and their families to gather valuable insights about what to expect in the coming year.
Adding an element of fun and engagement, the event featured a scavenger hunt. Students ventured through the different open house tables, learning key facts about each subject area along the way. This interactive approach helped familiarize the 8th graders with the school’s offerings while making the experience enjoyable.
A highlight of the evening was the special guest speaker, Laura Rosensweet from Education Forward Arizona, an organization dedicated to supporting Arizona students in achieving post-secondary success. Laura shared valuable insights with students and families about how to navigate their future educational paths, empowering them to take the necessary steps for success after high school. Education Forward Arizona's mission is to champion education solutions, mobilize leaders, and ensure students have the resources and opportunities to pursue and complete a postsecondary credential.
As a part of the event, incoming freshmen were also able to see their schedules for the upcoming year and meet their future peers, helping to establish connections with their new community.
This event would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of several students: Lucero Ayala, Melissa Acosta, Dexter Alldridge, Carl Anderson, Jocelyn Keele, and Adrian Santoyo. Their commitment to making the event a success was truly commendable. In addition to these students, the evening was supported by a wonderful group of volunteers, including parents, fellow students, and staff members, all of whom played an essential role in making the event run smoothly.
With this successful first orientation night, Ash Fork High School looks forward to continuing this tradition in the years to come. The 9th-grade students are already excited about hosting next year’s Freshman Orientation, and their efforts this year have certainly set a high standard for those who will follow.
