Scarlet Squad is a group of juniors and seniors at East High School who help incoming freshman transition into high school. They meet every Tuesday in the library during scarlet time. During these meetings they discuss upcoming events, start to plan out the activities, and prepare for them.
“I think it’s a great opportunity and support system for freshman. It’s a great group for support and a model of a good and responsible student,” teacher Justine Rinker said.
There are currently 54 members who help around the school. From eighth grade tours, freshman orientation, tours of the building, and team builders they do it all. Scarlet Squad focuses on volunteering within East and helping the underclassmen. Their goal is to not only give incoming students a good first impression of their high school experience but to be leaders for all the students at East.
“I feel like Scarlet Squad is super helpful. They have helped guide me to my classes… I definitely want to join later when I can,” freshman Florance Nshimirimana said.
Maddie Cano, the new squad leader, leads the group and this year more than ever she has given many opportunities to students who want to be involved. Not only are they helping freshman they get to learn more about fellow juniors and seniors. When they are not planning activities, they are learning more about each other. It’s helped the group get more comfortable with each other and has started many new friendships
“It’s really fun, we learn to be able to communicate with each other, being able to work as a group, and doing team building activities with one another,” senior scarlet squad member Marcelo Acosta said.
Teachers are even noticing a difference within their students after Scarlet Squad has come into their rooms for fun activities with one another,” senior scarlet squad member Marcelo Acosta said.
Teachers are even noticing a difference within their students after Scarlet Squad has come into their rooms for fun activities with the freshman.
“When you come into the classroom the kids actually participate and have fun. They get to know the squad and classmates. They are learning more faces and names than just the people in the classroom… The kids who participate are having fun. They are learning rather its learning how to do something or about something, about someone else or maybe even a little about themselves,” Rinker said.
Any junior or senior can join. The Squad doesn’t just work with students but sometimes works with student government to help run and set up for school events. Overall, it’s a great way for students to get involved and give back to East. An email is sent out at the beginning of every school year with the sign-up form to join. All events and volunteering counts for silver cord hours. Any student who completes 160 hours throughout their 4 years at East will revive a silver cord for their graduation. It’s always a cool thing to show off and is a reminder of how much you have given back to the community.
“Join Scarlet Squad not only does it help you get more silver cord hours but it’s fun and you get to bond with other students,” senior scarlet squad member Iqro Yussuf said.