New Leader on Deck: Campiotti Named New Link Crew Teacher
By ALAYAH DUENES
The Tower
MANTECA – For the 2026–27 school year, Manteca High School teacher Stephanie Campiotti will step into a new role as the campus’s Link Crew advisor, marking a transition in one of the school’s long-standing student mentorship programs.
After more than a decade leading Link Crew, MaryAnn Tolbert will pass the program on to Campiotti.
Tolbert, who started Link Crew during the 2014–15 school year, said the decision comes after years of dedication to building the program.
“I have done it for over a decade, and it’s hard and a lot of work,” Tolbert said. “I thought maybe someone fresh and exciting might want to take it over.”
Campiotti, who currently teaches Yearbook, HERD Leadership, and a senior English class, will drop one term of English to take on the additional responsibility.
Her new role places her at the center of a program designed to help incoming freshmen adjust to high school through peer mentorship.
Tolbert said she expects the program to evolve under new leadership while still maintaining its core purpose.
“I think Link Crew will look different next year, and Ms. Campiotti will put her own personal stamp on it,” Tolbert said. “But the continuing tradition of students first and mentoring freshmen will continue.”
To prepare for the transition, Campiotti attended a Link Crew conference from April 20–22 to become a certified advisor, a required step for leading the program.
“It is very important,” Campiotti said. “In order to be a Link Crew advisor, you have to be certified. I have to go in order to make this happen on campus.”
As she steps into the role, Campiotti said she is eager to learn and bring new ideas back to Manteca High.
“Everything,” Campiotti said when asked what she looks forward to learning at the conference. “This is all so new to me, so I am hoping to soak everything in about Link Crew and mentorship.”
She added that her goal is to return with strategies that will strengthen connections between student leaders and freshmen.
“I am hoping they provide me with great tools to show our Link Crew leaders how to engage with the freshmen in ways that feel natural and fun,” Campiotti said.
While she already has initial ideas for the program, Campiotti said she is open to expanding her vision.
“I do, but I am hoping they provide me with many more,” she said.
With a new advisor stepping in, Link Crew at Manteca High is set to enter its next chapter one that builds on a decade of tradition while introducing new energy and perspective.
The Tower caught up with English teacher Stephanie Campiotti in an interview to talk about her upcoming role as the new Link Crew teacher.
The Tower: What inspired you to take on the Link Crew role after Ms. Tolbert?
Stephanie Campiotti: The opportunity to take over the position was actually presented to me, and I was very honored to be considered!
Inside the classroom of V102 at Manteca High, English teacher Stephanie Campiotti smiles big and bright behind her podium. On April 23, 2026, capturing her classroom and who she represents as a teacher. (Cailin Failing/The Tower)
TT: How do you hope to continue or build on what Ms. Tolbert established?
SC: Ms. Tolbert has done amazing things not only for Link Crew, but for many programs on campus. I hope I can take the strong foundations that she has already built and continue to provide solid guidance and mentorship for our freshmen.
TT: What qualities do you think make a strong Link Crew leader?
SC: A strong Link Crew leader should be approachable, kind, and ready to be a mentor and friend to our Baby Buffs. They should want to make all the new students happy to be here and like they have a built-in friend.
TT: How do you plan to connect with incoming freshmen through the program?
SC: I would love to create fun events for the incoming freshmen that make them excited to be here. We’d love to host an event at a freshman football game, different socials, study sessions for Finals – the possibilities are endless!
TT: What challenges do you anticipate in this new position?
SC: When I was familiar with Link Crew it was just an after-school club 25 years ago. The scene has changed and is all unfamiliar territory to me. I know there will be some bumps in the road, but with a strong team we will get over them!
TT: How do you think your experience with Yearbook and Herd Leadership will influence your approach to Link Crew?
SC: HERD Leadership will be hugely helpful in balancing both that class and Link Crew. Both classes revolve heavily around freshmen, and we can collaborate on certain activities and events to encourage more student engagement.
TT: What are your main goals for Link Crew this upcoming school year?
SC: My main goals are to support our freshmen students to the fullest and provide them with an amazing first year of high school with guidance and fun activities.
TT: How do you want students to feel after participating in Link Crew?
SC: I want my leaders to feel like they can step into any room and provide mentorship to those who need it.