Peer Leaders- Leading the Way

The Saint James School High School is proud to continue the tradition of the Peer Leader Program for all incoming STJ freshmen. Each new 9th grader is paired with a senior student who embodies compassion, school spirit, strong communication, and love for learning. These students are known as the Peer Leaders.

Peer Leaders oversee small-group advisory sessions during the first semester of the school year and help facilitate a smooth transition into high school.

Each summer, the selected seniors attend a retreat training to learn how to be Peer Leaders. Since the kick-off at the retreat, all of the Peer Leaders have been ready and willing to work hard and prepare for the 9th graders. June Garzon, high school counselor and Peer Leader advisor, is thrilled with this year's peer leader group and the work they have done to welcome our high school Trojans.

“The peer leader retreat helped me to better understand what being a leader truly is. It taught me how to explore things beyond my comfort zone and allowed me experience new things in the process. ”

— India Bond, senior

The Peer Leader Retreat was held at Butter & Egg Adventures in Troy, AL on Aug. 4 and 5. The students participated in various team building activities and learned how to be effective leaders.

On Friday, Aug. 16, the Peer Leaders guided the 9th graders through various exercises and assisted and encouraged the 9th graders throughout the day. Students practiced communication, positive decision making, collaboration and working together, and had a blast getting to know each other!

The Saint James School Peer Leader program is designed to enhance the freshman experience within a framework of organized activities, experiences, and discussions.

“The Peer Leader Retreat was so rewarding because I got to see the students in my advisory open up and try new things. The best part is they had fun while doing it! ”

— Gracie Sullivan, senior