Senior Faith Banca, the main advocate for a peer leadership initiative, attended a field trip this past April along with seniors Roy Forys, Renee Kochinski and Prarthana Rajai. Student Assistance Counselor Mrs. Klamerus and Art Teacher and NHS Adviser Mrs. Colangelo accompanied the students to Lodi High School where they discussed the idea of implementing a peer leadership program at Becton.

“Lodi High School has a program called Big Little, where the big would be a junior and the little is a freshman,” said Mrs. Colangelo. “And it inspired us to bring the program into our school district.”

What would take place is every freshman would be assigned a junior buddy who they could go to with any questions or needed advice. The two would be paired up for the following two years, up until their buddy graduates, so the underclassmen could have some extra guidance as they adjust to high school.

“The idea for the peer leadership program came to mind during a project for Mr. Shin’s public speaking class. We had to come up with an idea to present to a fake town council, and being I remember how tough it was to come into a new school as a freshman, the peer leadership program came to mind, which became the idea I wanted the town to implement. From there, I found the courage to present it to Principal Dr. Sforza, and he really liked the idea,” said Faith Banca.

The seniors who were at the meeting are hoping to get the peer leadership program in place for next fall and want to use the annual freshman barbecue as the place where the incoming freshmen could meet the juniors they will be assigned.

To ensure the program will last in the school, a meeting for the buddies to get to know each other will be held approximately once a month.

“Like everything you do for the first time, things won’t be perfect. However, we’re hoping for everything to run smoothly once the program starts and for it to be successful for many years to come,” said Mrs. Colangelo.

Anyone could be a freshman buddy and interested applicants do not necessarily have to be a National Honor Society member. All they need is to show they are reliable and dedicated to the cause of helping others.