Pirates and deckhands filled the Napa High lecture hall Wednesday morning. Each deckhand hoped to learn from the experience and knowledge of the pirates.

This was Napa High's traditional Freshman Conference, where leadership students and students from the Associated Student Body welcome incoming freshman to their new campus.

Throughout the day seniors, dressed in black T-shirts with the word "Pirate" on their shoulders, and freshman with "deckhand," printed on their yellow T-shirts exchanged friendly greetings in what could be considered a rarity in high school.

"Today is a chance to introduce them to the school and disprove their fears of high school," Chris Farver, 17, said.

Farver and two other seniors waved Jolly Roger flags as they greeted students who walked onto the campus. Other students and administrators were inspired by the "pirates" theme and walked around with an eye patch and a bandana.

Approximately 200 students from the class of 2010 attended the event, and were guided by 50 leadership students. The leadership students have been planning this event since spring.

Among the day's activities were meet and greets with administrators, a campus tour, an overview of school activities to participate in, learning do's and don'ts at the high school, and a team building obstacle course.

"We have expectations of ourselves and of you," said Barbara Franco, principal of Napa High. "We'll expect you to do the work put in front of you. ... We want you to be successful."

A vocal group, marching band and the flags team all performed for the freshman.

"We show the freshman what to expect here," said majorette Rachel Smarker, 16, as she showed Tori Cardota, 14, a baton routine.

Cardota, who comes from Redwood Middle School, said she learned a lot about Napa High, but said one item stands out in her mind.

"I learned that seniors are not supposed to torture (freshman)," she said laughing.

At the end of the conference, freshmen were treated to a pizza lunch. They had their own performance from the school band as they ate, and many sat on the green, wet grass that is now their new campus. Some were already getting into the spirit of high school, and walked around with blue and yellow feathers on their heads.

Many freshmen were excited about the future and participating in school activities.

"I'm looking forward to the dances and games," Carlos Albarez, 14, said.

Some were nervous about attending Napa High because of its size.

"I'm afraid of getting lost, I get lost easily," Savannah Reed, 14, said as she looked far into the campus.