An integral component of freshman year at Seton Hall Prep is Peer Group. During this time, precisely the first half of lunch daily, a freshman cohort of approximately 15-20 students congregate in a classroom with their two peer leaders. It is within these walls that the freshmen become acclimated to The Prep, as they engage in bonding exercises and activities that help them excel socially, academically, mentally, physically, spiritually, and everything in between.  

I am grateful to call myself one of the peer leaders for Peer Group 7. Assuming this role has been one of my greatest achievements as a Prep student. Not only do I contribute to the development of 16 other individuals, but also grow personally. Despite the grueling commitment and sporadic handling of misdemeanors, becoming a peer leader has been an excellent decision. Our primary advisor, Mr. Peter Ford ’04, shared some thoughts about Peer Leadership, and why he believes this program is unparalleled.  

Mr. Ford has early roots with this program, as some of his fondest memories from freshman year at The Prep were in peer group. He told me his peer group was “tons of fun,” and although he did not become a peer leader, his experience certainly propelled him to obtain a position on the board. He came on as one of the facilitators eight years ago, where he accompanied Mrs. Neglia and Dr. Incardona (Dr. J). Mrs. Neglia is known for spearheading the program in the 90s and running it until her retirement three years ago. Dr. J subsequently filled that role, but soon handed the highest duty to Mr. Ford. He has seen significant changes within the Peer Leadership program and finds himself excited to see how he, Mr. Merklinger ’06, and Ms. Wester can lead moving forward.  

Mr. Ford stressed the importance of becoming a peer leader and advantages of peer group for freshmen. There are simply too many benefits for Mr. Ford to count, but the apex is that becoming a peer leader works muscles no other student in the school uses. The application process of becoming a peer leader starts with an open video submission. The prompt last year was to display how you would present yourselves to the freshmen at orientation. After that cutting stage, current peer leaders conduct group interviews. Beyond the interview, coaches, teachers, and administrators add input on the interviewed juniors. It is after some “magic words” and discussion including all these components that the final cohort is selected.

The current group consists of 34 senior peer leaders. For freshmen, peer group is a quintessential and enriching experience. On the surface, they are being mentored by the best students The Prep has to offer. Yet beyond the door, freshmen meet some of their best friends, and encounter situations that will ultimately strengthen their outlooks and maturity as they transition to high school. Not only is Peer Group a playground for brotherhood to develop, but also a fulfilling break in the middle of long days and classes. 

When asked if he could change anything about the peer leadership program, Mr. Ford believes that a spring field day would be interesting to examine how far teambuilding has come. But he also voiced that there is not much for him to change – the program is in excellent shape. Going forward, Mr. Ford hopes that the program can start incorporating a more academic tone while maintaining the same fun and silliness crucial to the experience.  

I heavily recommend juniors to apply starting in the winter/spring. For ambitious sophomores and even freshmen, I encourage them to keep this opportunity in their sights. Of course, having the name “peer leader” on a college application would fulfill the “leadership” criteria; however, this name means much more. It is a testament to what The Prep values, and the type of individual this institution yearns to produce for life beyond high school.