Students often recognize the importance of giving back to their community. One of the ways they can fulfill this need is through the Reedy Peer Assistance and Leadership (PALs).

PALs is an in-school organization that allows elementary school children to have a high school mentor, someone they can look up to. As they begin the new school year they look for new members who would like to participate. 

“When I was in elementary school it was really hard to just make friends and also to express myself,” senior Kayla McCormick said. “Now that I’m older and more confident in myself, I definitely want to be there for my younger peers and also support them to make sure they are not alone.”

PALs members share their love for the organization because not only do they get to help kids throughout their youth, but they make many connections with others in the club. 

“I just love all of the friendships you get to make, and you just create so many close friendships with people,” senior Ella Purzand said. “Like the people from last year, I’m still such good friends with them. You make so many friends with people at the schools and you make really good connections with the teachers.”

PALs members feel that their close connections within the club help them grow as people through gaining leadership experience and truly seeing the impact that they have on their young peers.  

“This club has helped me grow as a person by allowing me to practice leadership skills in real life scenarios,” senior Sophia Hiner said. “It helps me connect with other people around me, and it also helps me practice patience and problem solving skills.” 

Members are not the only ones who notice their own growth. The teachers that guide them can see their success as well. 

“Watching them grow from the beginning of the school year to the end of the school year, they grow in their leadership skills, and they grow in their confidence,” PALs sponsor Amanda Miller said. “It’s really more of a family than it is a class when working together.”