Most would agree junior high was a time of awkward changes and musical-chair best friends. Having someone to talk to about problems at home, school or anything else would be a lifesaver for some.

The peer counseling class is involved in a Sister2Sister program with the junior high girls to bridge the gap between the two schools. Each junior or senior girl is paired up with a seventh or eighth grader and together they go to lunch and talk once every other week.

This is only the second year of the program, and most would agree that it is a success. Many girls that were in the program last year as seventh graders have returned this year as eighth graders.

?I decided to do the program again because I really enjoyed getting to know my ?big sister? last year,? Sarah Kruse, ?10, said. ?I am an only child and I?ve always wanted an older sibling to look up to, so I thought this would be the perfect opportunity, and it is.?

The peer counseling class has almost doubled in size since its start last year. Led by Molly Sargent, girls’ counselor, its popularity keeps growing.

?I?m thrilled that more young women are interested in developing strong leadership qualities,? Sargent said. ?Not only do they learn leadership and mentoring skills, they learn how to resolve conflicts rationally with ?I ? you? statements.?

The class has two components, Sister2Sister, and an inductive study of the Bible. Paul?s letter to the Romans, chapters 12-16, is the scripture studied, emphasizing service to the Lord, spiritual gifts, unity in the body of believers and living in peace in a conflicted world.

Part of the scriptural study is weekly memorization of Bible verses.

?The Bible study component is vital in the spiritual training of the class members,? Sargent said. ?It also greatly benefits the Sister2Sister program as well as the class members? personal spiritual development.?

The class members agree that the whole experience is beneficial to both parties.

?In the beginning I wasn?t sure what to expect, but now I love it,? Joelle Grimes, ?06, said. ?After taking my girls to lunch and talking about issues that are important to them, I feel like I?m helping in a small way to better their junior high experience.?

For more information about the Sister2Sister program, contact Sargent at [email protected].