Monique Paes and Takeiyah Brown, advisors for PGC, share their expectations for this year’s program. Ms. Paes and Ms. Brown believe PGC is important as many freshmen often come into high school feeling lost and can’t find themselves. PGC, which started about nine years ago, meets every Wednesday from early October to late May or early June. Juniors and seniors PGC leaders selected in the spring serve as the mentors.

Peer Group Connection helps freshmen adapt to high school while also getting them out of their comfort zones.

“It’s best for upperclassmen to gain leadership and know what it’s like to be teachers,” Ms. Brown said. “They can gain skills which are great for colleges to look at. The lowerclassmen also get to learn what it’s like to be a part of the community and get outside their comfort zone.”

The program encourages students through fun activities like pizza parties and field days. It also helps with community building.