The Peer Leaders are a group of students led by two faculty members who strive to bring a more positive feeling to PrHS and to make students enjoy their time here. The Peer Leaders have done plenty of activities around the community as well as the school. 

Their goal is “to create activities and experiences that will enhance the lives of our Proctor community,” says Phyllis Currao, the organizer of the Peer Leaders. Tiffany Esslinger is the other organizer.

The Peer Leaders in the past have done food drives for the homeless. This year, they are looking to do that again, as well as providing socks and clothes to those who will need them with the cold winters Vermont has in store. Other monthly events that the Peer Leaders will plan are fundraisers, food drives, assemblies, give back days, sock and mitten drives, field trips, red ribbon week, kindness week, and any other event that will have a positive impact on our school and community. 

Senior Peer Leader Isabel Greb is looking forward to “ Assemblies, and the Costume Contest,” which is coming up shortly with Halloween around the corner. 

With younger kids looking on, the Peer Leaders will have to act like role models to the middle schoolers and the students of Proctor Elementary School. The Peer Leaders will work through both schools hosting events once a month. They will take time out of their days to help others and improve the atmosphere of Proctor High School and Proctor Elementary School.

Before Covid, there was a yearly talent show hosted at PrHS, but the tradition stopped when everyone returned from quarantine. The Peer Leaders wished to change that and are hoping to bring it back this year, hosting one themselves. Multiple Peer Leaders themselves were a part of these talent shows when they were younger, and are determined to restart it for all the students around Proctor.

Students with secret talents they want to show off just need to wait for their chance to show the school live on stage. This isn't the only event that will involve student activity and participation. Red Ribbon Week is the first upcoming event for the school. 

Students who are a part of the Peer Leaders will learn valuable life skills such as leadership skills, organizational skills, empathy, and how positive experiences play a role in positive feelings. 

Mrs. Currao is upbeat about this year's group with a whole lot of new faces. She hopes “That the impact will be so positive that all students will want to participate in the wonderful club.”

Senior Isabel Greb is surprised with the group this year saying, “We have so many people I wouldn't expect.”  

Isabel is a two-year peer leader, and joined for a couple of reasons “ because all my friends are in it . . . I also do hope the school gains school spirit again,” pointing to when she was younger the school had more spirit. Proctor used to have a solid fan section throughout the years, but lately, it has fallen off.

With Mrs. Currao and Ms. Esslinger in charge of the Peer Leaders, they are on track to raise school spirit this upcoming year.