At this year’s freshman orientation, Peer Ambassadors were on hand to assist incoming freshmen and help acclimate them to the high school building. Peer Ambassadors were established at the end of the 2015-2016 school year, when the older students visited the district’s middle school to talk about the transition into high school.

For the Class of 2020 orientation on Aug. 31, the Peer Ambassadors began the day with a meet and greet as students entered the building. After a presentation by building administrators and support staff, the incoming freshmen were taken on a tour of the building, followed by an orientation barbeque. Among the volunteers grilling hamburgers and hot dogs and assisting during the festivities were members of the Islip Fire Department, Board of Education President Brian Clock, trustee Daniella Flora, Islip American Legion Rusy Bohm Post 411 1st Vice Commander Dominick DeCrescenzo and freshman parent George Hauck.

“The Class of 2020 is off to a great start thanks to the help of many,” said Assistant Principal Lisa Ward. “As the year progresses, we hope to continue to develop our Peer Ambassador program, and to meet with our new freshmen as they begin their journey through the high school.”