Irvington High School Launches Student Ambassador Program to Support Self-Awareness and Leadership

Irvington High School has introduced an exciting new initiative designed to strengthen connections between students and deepen understanding of the district’s Portrait of a Graduate attributes. The Student Ambassadors: Bringing Self-Aware Individuals to IMS program pairs tenth graders with sixth graders to explore what it means to be a Self-Aware Individual –– one of the core Portrait attributes that guides academic, social, and emotional learning across the Irvington schools.  

The program––developed collaboratively by high school and middle school faculty –– offers younger students mentorship from older peers while giving high school students meaningful leadership experience rooted in reflection, empathy, and personal growth.  
Earlier this month, the tenth grade Ambassadors participated in a full-day training that immersed them in understanding the Self-Aware Individual attribute. Through small-group discussions, personal reflections, and whole-group activities, students examined themes of self-care, balance, and compassion. Working in teams, they also began planning elements in their first lesson for sixth graders, which will center on The Good Egg, a book that explores managing expectations, emotional regulation, and being kind to oneself and others. 

The program grew out of work initiated by high school teacher Carleen Julian, who saw her students’ enthusiasm for learning about the Portrait of a Graduate and wanted to create an authentic way for them to extend that learning. Carleen partnered with Irvington High School counselor Heather Attenello to develop the Student Ambassador program for sixth graders. 

“This program started as a result of teaching one of my classes about the attribute and how it applies to them in and out of school.” Julian said. “The students were so enthusiastic that I knew I had to let them shine and continue their learning. When talking to my colleagues who teach sixth grade –– Jessica Doherty and Karen Acrish –– we partnered to bring this to life.” 

Sixth grade teacher Jess Doherty, who will help lead the initiative at the middle school level, shared her excitement for what the collaboration will bring to students on both sides. 

“The excitement and enthusiasm from the tenth graders is so rewarding,” Doherty said. “Seeing our former students return to collaborate with our current sixth graders is incredibly meaningful. This isn’t just mentorship; it’s a dynamic exchange where high schoolers share firsthand knowledge about developing self-awareness and resilience.” 

For the Ambassadors, the opportunity is both inspiring and familiar. 

“This program seemed like a great opportunity to help out the younger kids,” said tenth grade Ambassador Samuel Lee. “It reminded me of peer leadership and how great it was having a mentor. During training we learned about self-awareness, and I hope I can help the sixth graders become more self-aware and be there for them if they ever have questions.”  

The Ambassador program will continue throughout the school year, with tenth graders leading a series of lessons, reflections, and activities that help sixth graders strengthen their self-awareness both in and out of the classroom. The initiative reflects Irvington’s ongoing commitment to fostering leadership, empathy, and emotional intelligence across grade levels –– and celebrates the power of peer-to-peer learning within a connected K–12 community.