By Taylor Conley
On a cool Friday morning in September, 6th, 11th, and 12th graders bustle around the Student Union with light chatter and conversation. Normally, students new and old would not become friends. Yet, with the NHS’s 6th grade buddy program, events like these are planned just for that to happen. They drink orange juice and eat donuts while filling out sheets about their buddy’s personality. Weeks later, upperclassmen send letters to their buddies that include fun questions and things going on in their lives.
Having an upperclassman friend can really improve a sixth grader’s TPA experience. In the chaotic year that sixth grade is, new students may enjoy the comfort and companionship that comes with having a friend in an older grade. “It helps [sixth graders] adapt to the school. It lets me feel comfortable because I know someone who’s been at this school longer. It’s someone I can talk to,” said 6th grader Lillian Hess.
Most Tempe Prep students can recall the buddies they had in sixth grade and how it felt to have an older student guide them. According to Anna Melis, a junior in the NHS, “I have always wanted a buddy, I wanted one since sixth grade.”
While upperclassmen do receive service hours for their time, helping out younger students is the most rewarding thing. Buddies can also benefit the upperclassmen. “You get to meet sixth graders that you wouldn’t generally meet otherwise,” said Anna.
Eleventh and twelfth graders enjoy getting to know new students. They also respect their important positions as mentors. Being in charge of how a new student views the life of juniors and seniors is a big responsibility to take on.
The NHS’s work is much appreciated on campus. We hope to see many more fun activities planned for the future!