By Nicole Tieu, Staff Writer
On May 22, students who applied to be a 2015 to 2016 Link Crew leader anxiously waited for a slip in their classrooms that congratulated them for making in. However, with only about half being able to be a part of the team, students are left wondering what criteria was used to choose the leaders.
“I think Link Crew leaders are chosen based on their involvement in school and the characteristics they show on paper that can make them stand out, because there are no interviews,” said former Link Crew member Vivian Pham (’16). “It’s important for Link Crew leaders to be fun, sociable, nice and helpful.”
The Link Crew application requires students to respond to questions regarding their opinion and involvement in FVHS as well including an attached picture. Applicants must also answer an essay question and provide two teacher recommendations.
“What we’re looking for are people who have an investment in the school and an investment in the Link Crew program,” said Link Crew adviser Lauren Anderson. “We look for a sense of enthusiasm and friendliness, that they are involved in school in some way and that they just love it here.”
Some students debate about what is looked for in a Link Crew leader. Many involved in several school activities receive the unfortunate news of not being accepted as a member, while others who may not be as involved are able to get in. While school activities seem to be an important factor, it is not enough for Link Crew hopefuls.
“A Link Crew leader is someone who’s organized, well-mannered, somewhat witty and knows how to put the group before them, “said Jonathan Nguyen (’18). “They should represent all of the best aspects of the school and exemplify what makes Fountain Valley, Fountain Valley.”
The criteria for a Link Crew leader is not necessarily based solely on school involvement. The process for choosing a Link Crew leader is a combination of all aspects of the application, starting from being able to address the envelope correctly to teacher recommendations. Applications are carefully reviewed by a panel of about five teachers and even brought to other teachers if necessary.
“Maybe if a student is already signed up for every single activity and a straight A student with all APs, then that might not necessarily be the person we’re going choose because that person has so many great opportunities to shine,” said Anderson. “This is not about excelling academically, it’s about more of a human connection and about us choosing a variety of human beings to reach out to a variety of human beings. ”
