Since its inception during 1989-1990 school year, the Princeton Peer Leadership Program has provided a valuable student network and mentoring opportunity that allows freshmen to learn more about the school community and foster connections with one another under the guidance of specially selected senior student leaders.

 

The newest Peer Leaders are Devri Aronson, Toby Blackhawk, Rakelly Deoliveira, Bethel Desta, Ben Greenberg, Darius Guest, Devin Harris, Jehan Mody, Anand Persaud, Lila Pisani, Jaycey Ressler, Landon Sassu-Martin, Allie Sticca, and Mia Verderame. Upper School teachers Tricia Dowcett and Jennifer Manley serve as the faculty co-advisors.

 

“We are excited for the wide array of experiences and perspectives our new peer leaders are bringing to the program,” said Ms. Dowcett and Ms. Manley. “They have shown their leadership skills as club presidents, performers, athletes, Middle School Advocates, students and even Boy Scouts, among other things. This range of experience will be an invaluable asset to next year’s ninth graders, who will benefit from their mentorship.”

 

The selection process for the Peer Leadership Program begins during junior year for interested students with a rigorous application process including a written application, group interviews, and faculty recommendations. Once selected, the students will attend a three-day retreat in August to begin their training. Then, once the school year commences, the first sponsored event will be an Activity Day at the Beckerman Athletic Center with the entire freshman class enjoying a full day of games, activities, lunch, and conversations facilitated by the senior Peer Leaders.

Throughout the year, each pair of Peer Leaders will meet with their assigned freshman group to carry out community-building activities and weekly meetings where they will lead conversations on myriad topics including academic pressure, social and emotional issues, friendships, coping with stress, and more. The second half of the school year for the Peer Leadership groups involves community service projects. The groups are tasked with using the leadership and community-building skills they've acquired thus far to help effect change within the Hamden Hall community and indeed the greater community, if possible.