Reflections on Ignite

By Sophia Rudin

New Rochelle High School’s Ignite Program recently held its latest and final meeting of the 2024 school year this March in the freshmen English classes, concluding a successful term of introductory and bond-creating connections between ninth graders and upperclassmen. The Ignite Program, run by Mrs. Locke and Mrs. Winter, was started around a decade and a half ago with the purpose of helping the new freshmen class adjust to life in the high school through juniors and seniors, who offer companionship and their own personal advice. Meeting monthly, Ignite mentors get together with groups of kids in freshman English classes, where they are able to form friendships and engage in activities. From the teachers to the executive board members and mentors and to all of the freshman classes, Ignite strives to make our school’s environment more welcoming.

Every person in our school has felt the nerves of a first day with new people, and Ignite does a wonderful job of supporting the freshmen walking into a different social setting than what they are used to. Through their own experiences, mentors get to connect with the newest students and offer a hand to those who are still figuring out their way in New Rochelle High School. Mrs. Locke, one of the advisers of the Ignite Program as well as a spectator to these monthly meetings, says that “[Ignite] gives students the opportunity to get the student perspective on… social development and growth, clubs/sports, different courses, and the difficult transition between middle school and high school. It’s a day to… focus on other aspects of school, besides the academic pressures of high school.” 

“I really like Ignite meetings; they let me have fun and I look forward to going to ELA when I have them. My mentor brought us brownies that were perfect and then we played a fun game after,” said Romy Esposito, a ninth grader in the program. 

Additionally, mentors gain their own advantages through the program. During meetings and conferences, mentors gather training to aid their communication and social skills. By helping the freshmen classes during monthly get-togethers and by working in collaboration during gatherings to fuel the program, mentors and executive board members can strengthen and support each other as well as themselves. Mrs. Locke says that taking part in Ignite as a mentor is “a way to develop leadership skills [and] get to know other people who enjoy helping and are motivated to be active in our respective community.” Patience and communication are important to mentoring in Ignite. Yadhira Vivaldo, a current executive board member and previous mentor, explained an experience she had with a certain class where some difficulties arose and she had to come together with a few mentors to make the meeting inclusive and fun for everyone involved. 

“I am so grateful for the rest of my mentors because they are also so patient and understanding,” Yadhira says. “...we hope that the 9th graders are excited for the next connection and had a good time. It’s heartwarming knowing when we come back, or when we see students in the hall and they ask when the next connection is or ask more about Ignite.” The mentors of the Ignite program make it their intention to create a safe space for their groups, as well as to portray qualities of tolerance and kindness. It’s one of Ignite’s many thoughtful and service-oriented goals to create strong bonds between the students and a safer bridge between middle school and high school. 

Through activities, meetings, and comprehensive conversations, Ignite’s mentors connect with the ninth grade students, making their transition into high school much more comfortable. As a sophomore who applied for the program said, “I saw how much [Ignite] helped me, so I wanted to become [a mentor] myself to help the incoming freshmen”.