Last Friday, the Riders Taking Action class and the counseling office hosted a party for students new to Roosevelt this year. The party was held in the library during 10th period. 

Riders Taking Action students compiled a welcome video that included clips of teachers, coaches, administrators, and students sharing their perspectives on Roosevelt. After viewing the video, RTA students and new students chatted while enjoying snacks.

Sophomore Zia McCloude moved to Kent from Springfield, and felt more welcomed at the party than she had felt so far this school year. “When I first got here, it wasn’t really that welcoming,” explained McCloude. “Then the new students gathered together, and I felt really welcomed after that.” 

Senior Liz Cline is in the Riders Taking Action class and had a role in planning the party. She moved to Roosevelt from Garrettsville her freshman year and knows what it’s like to be the new kid. “I moved here from my old school and didn’t feel welcomed either,” said Cline. “I wish I would’ve had a party like this.”

“It was great!” added freshman Alicia Harner, who is new to RHS this year and attended the party. “People were really nice, and the food was good.” 

In past years, the party was organized only by the counseling office; this was the first year that students planned it. 

“It was super successful because we involved the students,” said Mrs. Puhalla, who teaches Riders Taking Action. “It was heartwarming to see the natural conversations that happened between new students and my RTA students.” She hopes to do the party again next year and make it a tradition for RTA to welcome new students to Roosevelt.