Excitement and a hint of nervousness filled the English Resource Center during lunch on Aug. 28, as faculty, Link Crew student leaders and Associated Student Body officials gathered to welcome those new to the district for their first year at Palo Alto High School.

The lunch kicked off with introductions by the faculty members in attendance. Principal Kim Diorio, college counselor Sandra Cernobori, student activities director Matt Hall and ASB representatives joined the new students in the festivities.

The proceedings then transitioned into some icebreaker activities that broke down into table-wide discussions.

The lunch, which has occurred annually for four years, has maintained a similar number in attendance of around twenty new students, which is matched by the number of present student leadership. The new students represented a wide range of people from all over the world, from places as such as Holland, Chile, Germany and Brazil.

Cernobori empathized with the new students’ difficulties to adjust to a new school environment.

“[I] couldn’t imagine what it would be like to be new to school district where people have known each other so long,” Cernobori said. “[New students shouldn’t] be afraid to ask anyone [for help] whether it’s their job or not.”