Angelique Cardoza remembers her freshmen orientation.

“I was scared but Link Crew helped me out a lot,” said the East Union High senior while welcoming members of the Class of 2016.

Cardoza is one of 99 upperclassmen on this year’s Link Crew, which is an international transition program that welcomes freshmen into their new environment. The goal is to make youngsters comfortable throughout their first year of high school.

Day No. 1 of that Link leaders and freshmen experience kicked off Monday at Dino Cunial Field.

“We have a big freshmen class – over 450 or 100 more than last year – but thankfully we drew a lot of interest for Link Crew,” advisor Denise Runyan said.

Included were Cardoza and Jason Lund. Both first-year Link leaders came dressed for the fun-filled occasion in eggs and bacon costumes, respectively.

“Many were so creative with their ideas,” Runyan said.

Some came in Batman costumes while another in the guise of Jelly Belly candies. It helped relax youngsters if the Link leader had fun with the process, according to Runyan.

“Follow the bacon,” said Lund as he led his group of 10 to 12 students, from the stadium to the nearby outdoor hoop courts.

From there, they received a tour of the school along with some miscellaneous information.

Principal John Alba was also impressed with the large numbers of ninth-grade students at the school.

“You are all Lancers,” he said. “Hopefully, you will get involved and participate (in sports or school activities).

“There’s something for everybody at this school.”

The first day of school is Thursday.