Advised by Mr. Naughton, Peer Mentors aims to accomplish a feat the faculty and staff of a highschool could only dream of; unity and understanding between all four grades. Peer Mentors puts on events and offers themselves to underclassmen to help their younger peers assimilate into the culture of highschool with the help of those getting ready to leave it. “Wantagh High School’s Peer Mentors Club is committed to cultivating a positive and inclusive school atmosphere,” Mr. Naughton says, “the club strives to improve students’ emotional well-being, foster positive relationships, and establish a strong sense of connection within the school community.” The club offers “peer-to-peer support, along with knowledge and tools to assist those in need of emotional support.”
Mr. Naughton took over Peer Mentors from Ms. Magnuson going into the 2023-24 school year after her retirement from teaching. Naughton has a clear vision for the group as he continues to advise them, “I want to have an impact on the lower classmen with the help of upperclassmen” he says. Naughton attributes his smooth take over of the club to the students involved. “If you put the right people around you, the right caring students, they can do so much good and they can lead. Really what I’ve learned is to trust your students because they always knock it out of the park… I have such great kids in my group and I want to harness their talents for the betterment of the Wantagh High School community.” With Naughton, a board of students made up of Francesco Pellicoro, Briana Henriques, and Morgan Masterson help to organize events such as Wantagh High Schools Mix It Up Day where freshmen interact with upperclassmen and other students in their own grade. Additionally, Wantagh made a contribution to Invent2Prevent, a national bullying prevention movement lead by the McCain Foundation.
Mr. Naughton sees a bright future for Peer Mentors and he encourages students to join, “It’s just a great group of kids,” he says, “you get to meet different people and you get to make a difference in the culture of the school and district you’ve been in for years.” As a true testament to Naughtons appreciation for his club members, he says his favorite thing about running the club is “see[ing] these students in a different light than just the classroom. I get to see and hear their ideas and I’m so impressed by their capabilities. I also get to meet students I don’t teach.” Naughton also adds, “this has been a great first year, next year will be even better. We’re going to continue to take on projects that will create a safe positive environment in school.”
So, with Mr. Naughton’s high praise and excitement for his Peer Mentors group in mind, picture an Uncle Sam style poster with Mr. Naughton’s face in the middle next time you hear the term “peer mentor” because he wants YOU to make a difference in Wantagh High School.