Creating mentors for our younger generation and setting goals to help students learn valuable life lessons are just a few things the PALs program is accomplishing every day. With 50 active members each year, the PALs program continues to grow and accomplish goals every day.

Started by Jeanna Sutton, the PALs program is a student-run organization committed to creating role models and shaping young minds. The club participates in many different activities throughout the year with the hope of making our town a stronger and more unified place, as well as teaching students to be better leaders along the way. 

“The PALs program is an organization that has taught us how to be better students and leaders around our school, as well as better role models for kids younger than us.” junior Sara Daniels said. 

The acronym itself stands for Peer Assistance and Leadership and offers upperclassmen a chance to build connections with elementary students in the Argyle school district in many different ways. 

“Most of the time you’re paired up with a particular buddy who needs a little extra help in a class or doesn’t have the best home life,” junior Carly Tucker Said. “Other times you’re in a lunch, recess, or PE period with an entire class to be everyone’s friend.” 

Outside of being a mentor to young children who need a friend, PALs members participate in other activities as well, including performing tasks around the school such as stacking chairs after mega lunch or joining special education PE classes. 

“We do many activities with our kids such as board games, school work, or just talking to them about life,” senior Ava Robinson said. “Outside of them, though, we do team building games and service projects, such as our annual present wrapping project around Christmas time.”

The process of joining PALs is more complex than an average club and includes multiple interviews to ensure the integrity of the participant hoping to join. The process includes filling out a packet, writing an essay on leadership, and an in-person interview with Mrs. Sutton or Mrs. Jackson. This usually takes place towards the end of the potential member’s sophomore year in order to begin their participation in PALs junior year. 

“I hope to join PALs for the inclusion aspect that helps me be involved with everyone,” sophomore Maddie Majerzyck said “I’ve always had a special place in my heart for kids with disabilities, growing up with my mom being a special needs teacher who always encouraged me to include all. She’s taught me that we rise by lifting others.”