Peer Mentor Program at HCMS Strengthens Positive Relationships
By Jennifer WimmerThe Peer Mentor Program at Hancock County Middle School began in 2018, and was led by Meggan Clark. This valuable program, fostering positive youth development, is now led by HCMS Special Education Teacher Sara Roberts.
The 17 HCMS Students chosen for the 2024/2025 school year to serve on the Peer Mentor Program are: 6th Graders Parker Maxwell, Zaky Eubanks, Michael Fulkerson and Peyton Simpson; 7th Graders Abigail Thrasher, Jack Banta, Baylee Jackson, Hank Morton, Brylee Gibson, Ellen Meserve, Carli Beaver and Layla Shearn; and 8th Graders Toby Talley, Alyson Goodall, Ensley Staples, Jacey Husk and Madison Taylor.
“The Peer Mentor Program made an appearance when my youngest daughter was in the 8th grade,” Sara said. “It disappeared shortly after, when the advisor moved districts. When I started here, there was not a program in place and I realized it was a need. I could see my students needed positive interactions with those outside the classroom and I can remember how much my daughter loved being in the program. I talked to my Principal, Traci Sanders, about the need that I saw, and she was accommodating and allowed me to restart this program. I am, basically, building it from the ground up. The first year was a trial year, and it started after the Christmas break. Last year and this year, we were able to get started by Fall Break.”
This is Sara’s third year advising, and the program is open to all students at HCMS. Students who are interested in serving are required to first participate in an application process with a teacher recommendation to the program, and must also gain parent permission. Students are chosen based on their application and teacher recommendation.
This is Sara’s third year advising, and the program is open to all students at HCMS. Students who are interested in serving are required to first participate in an application process with a teacher recommendation to the program, and must also gain parent permission. Students are chosen based on their application and teacher recommendation.
“We look at the grades and other extra-curricular activities of each student before making our decision,” Sara explained. “This is a competitive program for students. We want students who truly want to make a difference in someone else’s life, are good role models in the school and community settings, and exhibit the 5 Cs of Youth Development.”
The Five Cs Model of Youth Development focuses on positive characteristics that enable adolescents to lead a productive and healthy life. It encourages them to contribute to the world in ways that benefit their families, communities, themselves, and civil society. The model focuses on these key features: competence, confidence, connection, character, caring & compassion, and contribution.
“This year we are engaged in job rotations during our school day. Students participate on a week-by-week basis, working in the middle school in different roles,” Sara said. “We rotate between Classroom Aide, Job Shadowing, 1-on-1 Mentoring and Peer Hangouts. The Job Shadowing is the rotation I am most excited about this school year. We have not done this in the past. I really wanted our Peer Mentors to see every job in the school, not just teachers, so they know what it takes to make our school run successfully and how we work as a team to serve our students. A lot of times, individuals do not realize what it takes to run a school. Our Peer Mentors all have goals for their future and this allows them to see different careers collaborating for one common goal.”
The students will participate in Child Abuse Prevention Month in April of 2025, by making a bulletin board in the HCMS front hallway with information about child abuse. They will incorporate the Pinwheels for Prevention Program during that time. In May, they are planning to participate in the HCMS Talent Show.
“This year we are engaged in job rotations during our school day. Students participate on a week-by-week basis, working in the middle school in different roles,” Sara said. “We rotate between Classroom Aide, Job Shadowing, 1-on-1 Mentoring and Peer Hangouts. The Job Shadowing is the rotation I am most excited about this school year. We have not done this in the past. I really wanted our Peer Mentors to see every job in the school, not just teachers, so they know what it takes to make our school run successfully and how we work as a team to serve our students. A lot of times, individuals do not realize what it takes to run a school. Our Peer Mentors all have goals for their future and this allows them to see different careers collaborating for one common goal.”
The students will participate in Child Abuse Prevention Month in April of 2025, by making a bulletin board in the HCMS front hallway with information about child abuse. They will incorporate the Pinwheels for Prevention Program during that time. In May, they are planning to participate in the HCMS Talent Show.
“We just chose our idea (for the talent show) and will begin practicing for this soon,” Sara said. “As a group, we are also looking for a community activity to serve others. If anyone knows of something, please reach out to me.”
She said the most important goal for the students serving as Peer Mentors to accomplish every year is to build positive relationships with others in the school setting.
She said the most important goal for the students serving as Peer Mentors to accomplish every year is to build positive relationships with others in the school setting.
“I believe that we have done just that,” she said. “Students leave Peer Mentors having a friendship and connection with others that they may not have had otherwise.”
Sara is from Lewisport. She and her husband, Todd, are blessed with one son, Leland Wilson, and five adult daughters: Madison Alexander, Paige Wilson, Mackenzie Roberts, Emma Mingus and Maggie Wilson.
Sara is from Lewisport. She and her husband, Todd, are blessed with one son, Leland Wilson, and five adult daughters: Madison Alexander, Paige Wilson, Mackenzie Roberts, Emma Mingus and Maggie Wilson.
This is her third year teaching special education at HCMS. She originally came from a background of case management and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. This position, she said, allows her to utilize the skills she gained through those roles in collaboration in the classroom to teach special needs students.
“I am passionate about serving others,” Sara said, “and working with and advocating for those that need everyday support, and spending time with my big family.”
