The Mentor Program at Hingham High School has always been an instrumental club, ensuring freshmen feel comfortable in a new environment and have a helping hand in case any questions arise. With new advisors, executives, and more involvement, the Mentor Program has been thriving so far this year.
The Mentor Program has gained more freshman as well as upperclassmen participation, with the first advisory meeting of the month having more permission slips handed in than any other year. As an executive myself, with an amazing group of mentors, I have felt the difference. Most of the mentors attend each advisory meeting, always willing to add to discussions and answer any questions. Executive involvement has also increased with monthly meetings and emails as well as presenting to the freshman at each advisory meeting. After the effort put in, executive Sydney Bowyer shares that, “The mentor program has improved a lot this year and we can thank the effort and willingness to grow the mentees for that!”
This involvement has had a positive effect on the freshman, creating a welcoming atmosphere, allowing them to feel involved in the club and participate more with additional support from upperclassmen. Personally, my freshmen have replied to each of my texts and showed their interest in the events we have held so far this year. With the gingerbread house decorating event approaching, I predict a great attendance.
I am not the only one that can feel the progress this club has made. Mrs. Lytle, one of the advisors for the club, and an English teacher at HHS, noted, “The Mentor Program was created with the intent of easing students’ transition to Hingham High School through mentor support. The shared vision for the program this year is for it to become a vibrant student-led organization. We are off to a strong start in supporting freshmen advisory, and we hope to establish new traditions and activities.”
When conversing with my group of mentors, they have also shared similar notions. Sophomore Eva Perine, said, “I love being a part of the mentor program and helping people transition well from middle school to high school. I feel like I’ve been able to reach the freshman better this year, especially since I recently was one. I feel that everyone in the club has been much more involved this year, especially at the advisory meetings.”
One of the freshmen in my advisory, Sophia Kruzer, shared, “I think advisory is very effective in increasing students’ confidence and helping manage stress levels for academics and sports.” To have such positive feedback from a freshman shows the success the club has made in completing their mission.
Other executives also feel the same way about their groups and the club’s progress. Senior Ryan Hallisey feels that the club has become much more involved and feels that the freshmen are gaining a lot through it. She also noted that getting to know more upperclassmen is nice to have a better high school environment. Senior Luke Burke, another executive, wrote, “What motivates me as a mentor is to know that what I am putting out into my community can be beneficial for the future of Hingham High School.” Success can be measured by those in the club, and with this attitude, and the willingness from the club members to put in their best effort, the Mentor Program foresees a bright future.
