Pearce High School expands SOS Lifeguard mentorship program for freshmen

Pearce High School has selected 104 seniors to serve as mentors for incoming freshmen through the Starting Off Strong (SOS) Lifeguard program. The initiative is designed to help new students navigate the transition to high school by providing peer support and introducing them to school traditions.

Lifeguards participate in eighth-grade tours and meet incoming freshmen before the first bell rings. During the first week of school, they walk students to class and introduce them to campus culture. Throughout the academic year, groups of four seniors, known as SOS Quads, volunteer to lead lessons during freshman Advisory.

Topics range from Homecoming Week to ensuring student intent matches impact, allowing freshmen to ask questions of their peers.

The selection process for Lifeguards is rigorous and begins at the end of the junior year. The program receives hundreds of applications annually from students with diverse backgrounds, including athletes, AVID scholars, bilingual students, and National Merit Semifinalists. Five staff members, referred to as Coast Guards, lead the seniors, guide lesson planning, and select the students.

Alex Gandy, a Pearce teacher and one of the original founders of the SOS Lifeguards, noted that the seniors act as trusted individuals who connect with students. "For us, it’s almost like having a second group of faculty; they are trusted individuals who do everything teachers want to be able to do and truly connect with kids," Gandy said.

Freshman John Hanold stated that having four trusted seniors to talk to and help with homework has been beneficial. Senior Kyle Lane, one of Hanold’s Lifeguards, said that being a community for other students makes the role worthwhile. Naomi Drazin, a Lifeguard, emphasized that the program ensures every student can find someone they can relate to.

Anna Saleh, an SOS Lifeguards co-founder, added that the program has created long-term connections, with some students staying in touch through college and even returning to teach.