District News

The Peer Leadership Program at Bernards High School continues to be a hallmark of student engagement, service, and leadership development. Guided by faculty advisors Justin Kaufman (Mathematics) and Alyssa Samson (Physical Education), the program brings together a dedicated group of students who embody empathy, inclusivity, and a passion for supporting their peers. Peer Leaders consist of mostly juniors and seniors, with some sophomores. Mrs. Samson returns for her 10th year and Mr. Kaufman for his 3rd year as an advisor for the program. Each year, the students collaborate to define what it means to be a peer leader, and this year they established the following vision: “A peer leader is a friendly and inspirational mentor and student role model who values inclusivity, leads with strength and kindness, cares about providing support to those in need, and is a guide to ease the transition to the BHS community.”

The Peer Leaders play an essential role in welcoming new students and building a positive school culture. This past summer, they facilitated the 8th Grade Summit in June and hosted New Student Orientation before the first day of school in September, both of which saw record participation and success. The Peer Leader board met with Mr. Kaufman and Mrs. Samson over the summer to plan the upcoming year, and then the whole program met at the end of August to prepare for orientation. Throughout the first semester, Peer Leaders meet weekly with freshmen in small-group sessions to foster social skills, leadership, decision-making, and a sense of belonging. These efforts culminate in a ropes course experience, where students practice teamwork, risk-taking, and safe decision-making in an engaging, supportive environment. Peer Leaders themselves also meet weekly in the evening to plan and reflect on upcoming sessions, strengthening their own leadership and collaboration skills.

Looking ahead, the program is deepening its impact through expanded community involvement. This year, Peer Leaders plans to partner with the local organization Community in Crisis to participate in service projects, leadership workshops, and fundraising initiatives—including an October 11th car wash to benefit the organization. The application and interview process for next year’s Peer Leadership team will begin in the spring, open to all incoming sophomores, juniors, and seniors, ensuring that the program continues to cultivate strong, compassionate student leaders who enrich both the high school and the broader community.

Congratulations to our 2025-2026 Peer Leadership Team: Will Simpson, Westin Lukes, Vanessa Moffett, Vadaant Vasandi, Sophia Fazel-Sarjui*, Sonny Liranzo, Sofia Velasco, Sean Arcelay, Riley Omlor, Nathaniel DeNicola, Maggie Todd, Lyla Carey*, Lucie Robles*, Lucian Spiteri, Liam Calulo, Leah Simpson, Laura Velasco, Krisztina Lekai, Kristen Lee, Keenan Metro, Kaia Alexander, Juliette Raguso, Julian Bonk, Julia Schmidt*, Joseph Sorge, Jessica Fu*, Jane Stauffer, Jack Rutz, Jack Martin, Jack Ecklund*, Hassan Shoukry, Hannah Vinegra, Fiona Dougherty, Emerson Schroeder, Ellie Hill, Ellie Frank, Ella Patel, Elana Babich, Charlie Quinn, Brendan Sharkey, Brady Stevinson, Avery Calulo, Ari Dori, Anakh Sawhney, Ana Carolina Borbolla Menare*, Allison Arcentalez, Alex Fraunfelder, Aidan Reaume, Abby Wolkow, and Abbie Dooley*. (*An asterisk denotes Peer Leadership Board Member.)