As the school year begins to wind down, members of Becton’s Peer Leadership Club are preparing to take an important step outside the building—connecting with future Wildcats.
Led by Ms. Gomez, the Peer Leadership Club will be visiting three local middle schools—Carlstadt Public School on May 8, Maywood Avenue School on May 13, and East Rutherford Middle School on May 27. During these visits, peer leaders will present to eighth grade students, offering guidance and support as they prepare to enter high school.
The goal of the trip is to help incoming freshmen feel more comfortable and confident about the transition to Becton. Presentations will focus on topics such as scheduling, academic expectations, and what students can expect during their first year. Peer leaders will also share their own experiences, giving eighth graders a more personal and realistic perspective on high school life.
About six to seven peer leaders will attend each visit alongside Ms. Gomez, speaking to the entire eighth grade class at each school. By hearing directly from current students, incoming freshmen will have the opportunity to ask questions and gain insight in a way that feels relatable and encouraging.
Ms. Gomez emphasized the importance of creating a positive experience for both the peer leaders and the students they are visiting.
“My hope is for peer leaders to feel a sense of accomplishment and for the 8th graders to feel inspired,” she said.
This initiative reflects Becton’s commitment to building strong connections within the community and supporting students beyond the classroom. For many eighth graders, the transition to high school can feel overwhelming, but programs like Peer Leadership aim to make that change feel more manageable.
Ms. Gomez also shared that this is something she has envisioned for some time and hopes to continue in the future, with plans to make these visits an annual tradition.
By stepping into leadership roles and sharing their experiences, Becton students are helping to create a welcoming environment for the next generation of Wildcats—before they even walk through the doors.
