Stella Kelley and Chloe Miller
Staff Writers
In the first six weeks of the 2017 school year, 22 junior and senior peer leaders conducted meetings every Thursday during freshmen Exploring the Non-Western World class periods.
During the sessions, they instructed students on adjusting to the many challenges they may face throughout their high school years. Throughout these six weeks, peer leaders covered topics from academics and activities to peer pressure and decision making. Additionally, peer leaders met once a week with their advisors, Ms. El-Turky, Mrs. Reeder, and Mr. Olszewski, to discuss any problems faced during group sessions and what worked well when addressing certain topics.
Senior peer leader Laura Nagg noted: “Overall, even with many new peer leaders, this fall session went smoothly and the freshmen cooperated really well. During meetings, there were never any major problems or conflicts that came up, and from what I’ve heard all the peer leaders really enjoyed their groups.”
Although groups have said goodbye and reminisced on their favorite fall session memories, it’s not over for New Hope’s peer leaders; this spring is the second session, in which meetings will take place with eighth graders. During these meetings, juniors and seniors will mentor students as they leave middle school and prepare for freshman year. The spring session is a bit shorter than the in-depth fall session of Peer Leadership, but that does not mean groups won’t be as close-knit.
Senior and seasoned peer leader Shayna Berman remembers her spring session last year: “Despite it being shorter we were still able to create relationships with them and make the transition to high school easier.”
Sophomores and juniors have the opportunity to apply for Peer Leadership at the end of the year.
