Always lending a helping hand

Dana Johnson, Charger Staff

Perhaps you have transferred schools during your high school years, and like me, wondered when you first arrived at CHS, “ What is this thing called Peer Buddy?”

I was under the misconception in the beginning that it was similar to another volunteer program you may be familiar with called Big Brother Big Sister.

However, I soon learned that Peer Buddy ( now known as Nature and Needs of the Exceptional Learner) is much different than helping new or younger students adapt to high school life.

Peer Buddy is an elective class designed to allow regular education students to form friendships with and act as role models to students with special needs.

The students begin by going through a series of classes to become acquainted with various forms of disabilities. Then they are taught how to interact with and help special needs students to build social skills and work on learning methods.

In order to join the class you must meet the following requirements:
- must be in grades 11-12
- have a genuine interest in the program
- maintain an acceptable GPA
- have good attendance
- obtain recommendation from teacher or counselor
- have a class schedule that allows for Peer Buddy

Erin Breeding, junior, explained that her becoming a part of Peer Buddy was not planned. However, she was happy to keep the schedule she didn’t expect.

Peer Buddy has humbled her and made her very thankful for what she has. Her favorite event with the program so far has been the Special Olympics.

Three time veteran of the program Jennifer Skimmyhorn , junior, says that “everyone should learn how to interact with these kids.”

She wants students to know how important this program is and how much fun she’s had doing it.

It has given her a chance to make new friendships , learn new skills, and has been very worth her time.

Her favorite activities were e-mailing soldiers in Iraq and helping with a greenhouse the students took care of.

Now at the close of my senior year, I regret not taking the opportunity to be a part of such a wonderful and life-touching experience. I encourage each of you to seriously look into adding
Peer Buddy to your plans for upcoming classes.