Kasen Triplett, a freshman, participates in one of the games organized by seniors to help freshmen relax prior to more formal PGC classes. Photo Courtesy of Addi Parker, Watauga Yearbook.
PGC, a class introduced to Watauga High School before COVID, has flourished after the pandemic. PGC serves to help support freshmen and foster bonds between the lower and upper classes at the high school.
¨PGC stands for Peer Group Connections,¨ said Lora Davis, one of the PGC teachers. “It is a program designed for juniors and seniors. It's a leadership program, and they’re trained to help 9th graders with transitioning into high school and supporting them throughout their 9th grade year.¨
While PGC has many benefits, its main focus lies in supporting freshmen and their adjustment to high school.
¨The main focus of the entire program is to help freshmen get comfortable being in high school,” said Carrie Boone, another PGC teacher. “It’s helping them with that adjustment period.¨
This extra help with adjusting to a high school environment has a number of benefits to aid freshmen in their development of life skills.
¨The students learn to work with different people,” said Davis. “They learn to build on the leadership skills they already have.¨
Students who participate in PGC have the opportunity to expand their leadership skills and also offers students the opportunity to make new friends.
¨When it comes to freshmen,” said Boone, “I've really seen them become more comfortable with hanging out with the upperclassmen.”
PGC allows underclassmen the chance to make friends with upperclassmen.
¨As a freshman,” said Skylar Moss, senior and leader in PGC. “I was terrified of the Upperclassmen.”
As Moss later became a leader in the program, her goal was to foster friendships between upper and lower classmen.
“Being in that position,” said Moss, “I try to change [freshmen’s] perspective to help them know that we aren't these big, scary, mean people.”
PGC offers a variety of activities to encourage freshmen in their journey throughout high school.
“We did some activities outside,” said Marisah Sluder, a freshman at Watauga. “By connecting with one another and creating rules for the group, and just got to know each other more.”
PGC has helped students develop social, communication, and life skills.
“I highly recommend it,” said Moss.
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