Peer Leaders at Dacula HS: Leading with a purpose

"A great way to welcome new students is to have a positive attitude and mindset. Our Dacula Peer Leaders make new students feel welcome by guiding them around the building. We also encourage students to join clubs, sports, or other extracurricular activities," says Cindy, a Dacula High School senior.

Peer leaders at Dacula High are selected through an intensive application, interview, and recommendation process. Dacula High Social Studies Department Chair and teacher Courtney Guess says these students are leaders in their classrooms, clubs, and sports, and in their community.

"You learn communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and how to support and mentor others, says Dacula High junior Nawal. “[Peer leading] also helps you build leadership skills, gain confidence, and make a positive impact in your school community."

Sydney, a senior and peer leader at Dacula High, says peer leaders not only greet and welcome students to the school, but they also reach out to the community and work with the children at the three elementary schools closest to the school. Peer leaders assist teachers in any way that can benefit the students. They also create informational PowerPoint presentations and videos to help teach freshmen rules of the school and how to navigate it safely and efficiently.