Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School

They are leaders among their peers.

They are 8th-grade students, 43 strong, who will make Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School proud.

They are the members of the Middle School’s first Peer Leaders, a group of ambassadors who will be the face of the school.

This well-thought-out initiative was launched by Lisa Lattarulo, Supervisor of Counseling and Wellness for K-8 at the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District, and Alyssa Carothers, Student Assistance Counselor for the Middle School.

Ms. Carothers, who is the director of these dedicated ambassadors, explained their mission for this school year.

“They serve as positive role models and leaders within the Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School community,” Ms. Carothers said. “Throughout the school year, they will lead classroom lessons for 6th-grade students once per marking period, welcome and support new students, and assist with school counseling initiatives and schoolwide programs.”

The Peer Leaders quickly went to work, assisting parents and families during the Middle School Back to School Night on Monday and Tuesday, September 14 and 15.

Then they assembled on Thursday, September 224, in the school’s auditorium, where they participated in the Peer Leaders Fall Retreat. This all-day session included training and challenges, and most importantly, getting to know each other.

“I came in here knowing two people, and now I feel bonded with everyone,” claimed Peer Leader Marco Ghanime

His teammate, Injela Ashar, shared her pleasure of attending the rewarding retreat.

“It was fun,” she said. “And it taught us to do better and get to work with a team.”

Here is the team of 43 students who are determined to be leaders.