For the upcoming school year, Student Leadership discussed several ways to unite the student body. The seniors will impliment a few ideas, but one of the most prominent was Senior/Freshmen Buddies. Each senior will be assigned one or two freshman depending on their personality.

Seniors Kristen Rosenthal and Stephan Melendez spent time organizing the program to ensure success. The point of the production is to connect incoming high schoolers with upperclassmen to talk with them about what to expect in high school and give them advice on how to handle certain situations.

The expectations for this program according to Rosenthal are to, unite the student body through creating a bond between the oldest and youngest people in school.

“This year, I really wanted to find a way to impact the younger people of high school. I remember when I was a freshman, and I always wanted to talk to the older students but was intimidated,” Rosenthal said. “So, through Senior Buddies I am hoping to eliminate that wall.”

In the annual alumni chapel, after guests had played, Rosenthal and Melendez announced the seniors and their buddies and the pairs will eat lunch together, Aug. 24.

“We are going to announce the buddies and explain the program at chapel,” Rosenthal said. “Then, later, to get to know the freshman, the seniors will eat lunch with them, and Student Leadership will provide board games and activities for them to take part in.”

Seniors will not only have an opportunity to mentor a freshman, but aslo show their leadership skills.

“I think this is a great way for seniors to have some responsibility, and help out,” Rosenthal said. “I think this will be a great experience across the board.”

Melendez promotes Senior Buddies because it encourages seniors to be good role-models and lead younger students.

“I think this is a good opportunity for seniors to demonstrate their leadership to the freshmen because I know from experience being new in high school is daunting,” Melendez said. “This will give them someone to confide in and look up to. Hopefully the seniors can lead them closer to God and help unite the school.”

For more news articles, read the Aug. 20 article, BRIEF: Luncheon promotes new student bonding.