Senior students are going to freshman homerooms to help them navigate their first year. This new mentorship program pairs experienced seniors with incoming freshmen by providing guidance, support and friendship. Senior mentors offer advice from managing homework to finding activities that match their interests.
Seniors had to go through an application process and get approved to be a mentor. The application process included filling in the blanks, why they believe they are fit to be a mentor, how they can help and their school record to ensure they do not have demerits. Senior mentor Branson Adams explains the importance of having to apply.
“Explaining why you believe you are fit to be a mentor is the most important part of the application process,” Adams said. “It’s about wanting to help navigate students and making them feel good about coming to school.”
Mentors are paired together and go to freshman homerooms during seminar time. Seniors meet with freshmen once a month going over how they can get involved and manage time well.
“Honestly, the first time the seniors came to our homeroom, it was awkward,” freshman Marissa Kanouff said. “I didn’t know how to get involved and join clubs, but I took their advice by branching out and now I’ve joined several clubs.”
Assistant principal Keri Harrington is the head adviser for senior mentors alongside the English department. Dane Leone is one of the leading teachers in charge of the program. All mentors meet with teachers and Harrington to discuss how things are going and what they can improve on. Within these meetings, new handouts are created for the next visit. These handouts are a visual for freshmen and an aid to guide seniors through their lesson.
“Altoona is a large school, so it’s good for freshmen to find extracurricular activities, sports and clubs,” Leone said. “Learning time management can be a good skill for the freshmen.”
