The new school year is underway and the PAL’s are back for their 2012-2013 campaign, looking to serve the community and the school.
PAL’s, the Peers As Leaders program is in full swing, focused on community service and spreading a positive attitude throughout the entire school. Mrs. Gerish and Mrs. Flood are running the program, while the new officers representing the students this year are President Sal Schimmenti, Vice President Conor Sheehan and Secretary Faith Battinelli.
Mrs. Gerish, who is now entering her fourth year as the head of the PAL’s program, was asked what her expectations and goals were for the group this year, as well as what activities or services might be planned.
The biggest piece that was added into the PAL’s program this year was the Freshman Transition Program. Mrs. Gerish explained, “The Freshman Transition Program was created to work with incoming freshman, to help them transition from middle school to high school and have them connect with the older students who can give them guidance and mentoring throughout their high school career.” The transition groups consist of two PAL’s and a group of approximately 13 freshmen. These set groups have conferences throughout the year. The group sessions are used to discuss different ways to study and succeed, interact with upperclassmen, and take advantage of everything WMHS has to offer.
Another new feature of the program is that sophomores were allowed to join this year when previously it was only juniors and seniors who were eligible. The number of members this year is over fifty. As a result, PALS has the potential to be a driving force in the school.
Mr. Gerish also commented on how she felt about the group as a whole saying, “I love the group! They’re a diverse group of students who add a lot of different qualities to the activities we’re involved in. I think they’re students who have a lot of energy and desire to change things for the better.”
PALs member Dan Popoloski was asked what he felt it meant to be a PAL. He replied, “to be a positive leader, and a good example for the school.” In just a few words that sums up the meaning of being a PAL, a positive leader and a good example both here and in our community.
Later this spring the PAL’s are taking a trip up to Lake Champion in New York State. This trip is a way for the members to really get to know each other and spend quality time together to create a family bond.
