Peer Leadership Program Inspires Freshmen Success

The power of Peer Leadership is key on the success of future students. Sometimes group icebreakers are all it takes to open conversation and create lifelong connections.

On a sunny day at the Beckerman Athletic Center, ninth-graders met with a selected group of seniors for a Peer Leader Activity Day. Broken out into six individual groups each with two designated Peer Leaders, the day opened with a high-energy handshake line followed by student introductions.

Morning activities included the egg drop experiment in which students constructed a safety basket using straws and tape to protect the egg when dropped from the bleachers. All groups then scripted and performed infomercials about selling eggs. Following a lunch break, Peer Leaders led an in-depth discussion session about various personal topics meant to break down barriers and create engaging dialogue.

With faculty advisors Chase duPont 2002 and Lisa Daly, Peer Leaders will meet throughout the year with their freshmen groups for advisory sessions, mentoring workshops, and hands-on projects. The 2021-2022 Peer Leaders are: Sophie Bannon, Nolan Cotlier, Julia Davies, Michael Ferneini, Clayton Johnson, Ellie Moffat, Geraldi Nie, Cameron Parnoff, Ethan Qian, Gaby Rosen, Ava Vingiano, and Marlon Ward.

 “Watching bonds form between the students is one of the most rewarding factors of the program,” said Mr. duPont and Ms. Daly. “Seeing the faces of freshmen students light up as they walk past their peer reminds us that the community is as close- knit as can be. Each student is learning from one another and developing interpersonal skills that will serve them well in the future.”

Established as a mentoring opportunity, the Peer Leadership Program serves as a valuable student network that allows incoming students to learn more about the school community through the guidance of the Peer Leaders. Twelve rising seniors are selected the previous school year following an application process, individual interviews, and faculty recommendations. The hand-picked group undergoes training courses during a summer retreat to prepare for the upcoming year.

The year-long program streamlines the path of academic and personal success for ninth-graders, while the senior Peer Leaders continue growing on the leadership path and applying their training to future endeavors.