Those were the words echoed by Link Crew Tuesday during freshmen orientation at Ripon High.

For some, they did just that, voluntarily stepping up by taking part in some activities at front and center in the North Gym, regardless of how embarrassing it seemed.

Their willingness to get involved was not lost on those upperclassmen better known as Link Leaders.

Longtime Link Crew advisor Jill Mortensen has about 75 – mostly juniors and seniors – filling those roles for some 250-plus ninth graders at the school.

This year, she also has some help in fellow teachers Chad Poole (CTE sports medicine), Chris Brown (Science), and Jil McPherson (Spanish).

“I noticed that there were significant number involved,” said Poole of this group of freshmen making up the Class of 2029.

He’s well aware that it’s not easy for newcomers of the school to step out of their comfort zone. “But once they do something for the first time, they’ve crossed the line,” Poole said.

Brown added that this step can be part of the success for freshmen come the next four years.

Mortensen once again led the newcomers in the first few rounds of otherwise “cheesy” games.

Regardless of the silliness, she indicated that these exercises are designed to create a fun and welcoming environment.

Most in the Class of 2029 got involved.

“It shows that we are dedicated and that we believe in the school and culture,” said Mortensen.

The first day of school at Ripon Unified is today, with freshmen already getting a small sample of what’s to come.