Ann Sobrato High School has recently established a new outreach
program which allows students to turn to their peers as an outlet
when in need of guidance. This new peer counseling class, also
known as the Guiding Lights, is currently laying the foundation for
this program.
By Ashley Tharayil, Amy Morimoto, Rachel Bakin – Special to the Times
Morgan Hill
Ann Sobrato High School has recently established a new outreach program which allows students to turn to their peers as an outlet when in need of guidance. This new peer counseling class, also known as the Guiding Lights, is currently laying the foundation for this program.
Last spring, 13 students were chosen to participate in the peer counseling program headed by counselor and teacher Melanie Anvari.
These 13 students have instituted separate committees focused on making this program a success in the Sobrato community, including the New Student Outreach, which helps new students adjust to a new environment; Counselor Credential that establishes the requirements to become a peer counselor; Community Outreach composed of students who introduce the program to other schools and the outside community, and also the Research Committee who are the eyes and ears for the program attempting to identify the problems in which peer counselors need to anticipate.
Sobrato’s Principal Debbie Padilla said her expectations of the program are that students, “learn tools and techniques to express themselves in a positive way.”
Students who are going through a time of discomfort, remorse or misguidance are encouraged to meet with a peer counselor, so their worries can be eased and expressed positively rather than in a violent or disrespectful manner.
“We hope to not only have an impact on the students of Ann Sobrato High School, but hopefully an impact on the community overall,” Rachel Bakin said, a Sobrato student and peer counselor. College counselor Ted Thomas added that, “in about 5-10 years, if we take this program seriously, it can have an impact (on the community).”
Guiding Lights strives every day to build their dream of achieving a successful program that they hope will be taken advantage of by the students of Sobrato. Through hard work, perseverance and dedication, Guiding Lights hopes to alter the attitude and environment to the highest extent and keep as many students feeling safe and assured of having an outlet to express themselves peacefully and positively.
