GHS launches peer mentoring program

Did you ever feel like you needed guidance as a freshman? Did you wish you had someone to show you around, help you with homework, or take you to lunch? This year, members of the GHS National Honor Society hope to make those wishes come true.

Last month,  a small group of freshmen were paired with current NHS members as part of a new, long term, peer mentoring program.

“I love my mentor,” said freshman mentee Rebecca Pollock. “I hope she will be able to help me with my freshmen studies.”

The freshmen were matched with their mentor through a survey they took saying they wanted to be part of the program and what interests they have.

The initiative is being lead by the freshmen cohort including Ms. Stackhouse, Ms. Heinzinger, Mr. Barry, Ms. Canavan, Ms. O’Reilly, Ms. Kamm, Mr. Gallinelli and Mr. Dipietro who is also the advisor of the NHS.

“Right now this is a test pilot,” said NHS Adviser Mr. David DiPietro. “The hope is that next year, freshmen will want a mentor, and when their friends see it, they will want one too.”

DiPietro hopes that these relationships will make it easier for the freshmen to get help,  even if they don’t feel comfortable with their teachers.

The cohort is optimistic that the mentored freshmen will become future mentors and future members of NHS.

“I hope a strong bond forms between us,” said NHS member and mentor Lily Sanfilippo.  “Where she can come to me with her problems,  I can help and assist in any way possible.”

For more information about the peer mentoring program see Mr. DiPietro in room 3215