By MANDY THOMAS

ajt08@latech.edu

 

After a long audition process and many candidates, four judges  announced 16 new Orientation Student Leaders for the summer of 2006.

The leaders are Rachelle Anderson, a sophomore biology major; Matt Cotton, a sophomore business major; Sarah Descant, a senior education major; Marguerite Frentz, a junior art education major; Katie Garrett, a junior elementary education major; and Beth Hebert, a sophomore elementary education major.

Others named were Alicia Jamroz, a sophomore merchandising and consumer studies major; Brian Lang, a junior medical technology major; Marshall Loeffler, a sophomore business management and entrepreneurship major; Kayse Lowery, a junior elementary education major; Riley Mabry, a sophomore marketing major; and Courtney McGuffee, a sophomore speech major.

Also named were Haley Nardini, a junior health information management major; Heather Pixley, a junior kinesiology major; Jartara Triplett, a junior elementary education major; and McKenzie Williams, a sophomore biology major.

Anderson said she found the audition process  exciting and nerve-racking at the same time.

“It was a good learning experience, and even if I hadn’t made it, I’m glad to have gained the experience from auditioning,” Anderson said.

She said candidates first had to turn in an application and were then tested on their improvisation and quick thinking skills in the group interview.

Those surviving the group interview then moved on to the formal interview. Anderson said the formal interview was a panel of four people asking questions about each candidate’s talents, qualities and why they wanted to be an orientation leader.

“I’ve wanted to be an orientation leader ever since I was a freshman at orientation,” Anderson said. “I want to be a part of it just to share how great Tech is.”

Beth Hebert auditioned for orientation leader because she wanted to make a difference around campus and help freshmen feel more comfortable with their college experience.

“I really just want to give something back to Tech, and I’m looking forward to meeting new people and meeting new freshmen,” Hebert said.

In preparation for the summer, Hebert said the new orientation leaders are required to enroll in a counseling class in the spring and will begin practicing once a week to get ready for skits.

Brian Lang said during the summer the orientation staff is the direct connection between Tech and the incoming freshmen. “I wanted to be an orientation leader because it looks like something fun to do, and that’s how I roll,” Lang said. “I like to have a good time, meet new people.”