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Falcon Ambassadors Strengthen the Sense of Community at PSLA at Fowler

This is a photo of PSLA seniors standing in their school's foyer and smiling at the camera.Once a week during last period, a group of 15-20 seniors gathers with the school deans at PSLA at Fowler. They talk about upcoming events and how they can help.
 
New this August, the Falcon Ambassadors, as the students are named, have volunteered to get involved with all schoolwide events. They gave tours and talked about their Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs at the Freshman Orientation in August; they volunteered at the Back to School BBQ in September; and they guided parents to classrooms and answered questions at October’s Curriculum Night.
 
“They help out with everything,” Dean of Students Quentin Scott explained.
 
At a conference of professional educators last year, Mr. Scott heard staff from several other schools nationwide express how student mentoring programs were transforming their schools – so he brough it back to PSLA this year!
 
“As staff, we understand that sometimes students don't feel comfortable coming to staff with concerns,” Mr. Scott added. “Our Ambassadors help bridge that gap between students and staff. At PSLA, we have a strong focus on college and career readiness after high school. Our hope is that our Ambassadors will use this as experience as a resume builder for college and for job applications.”
 
Staff sought out good students who can sometimes fall under the radar, who are athletes, or who are heavily involved in their CTE programs. They also requested teacher recommendations.
 
“For me, it’s about making a difference in the community,” senior Abdulahi Omar, a Law Enforcement student, shared. “I get to be that helping hand. Everyone needs friends to lift them up in high school, instead of drag them down. Plus, it looks good on my college resume!”
 
Abdulahi hopes to study Political Science next year, with a minor in Pre-Law.
 
“When I was a freshman, I needed something like this to guide me,” senior Badr Aly, a Fire Rescue student, explained. “It can be so helpful to hear from someone who’s not a teacher. In the lunch room, we invite the freshmen to join us. The freshmen see the teachers shouting us out in the hallway… they look up to us. I like being able to show them that even if you had a rough start to the year, you can still turn things around.”
 
The benefits of the Falcon Ambassador program have extended far beyond just the freshmen, with staff noting the difference in behavior of the senior class as well.
 
“The freshmen conduct themselves differently around seniors,” Mr. Scott said. “They step their game up. And the seniors – some of whom were tearing up the building as freshmen – they have really developed a sense of pride through what they’re doing. It gives them a chance to make an impact on the school.”
 
“The children are out future,” Dean of Students Nastassia Clarke added. “This group is a great representation of what our future will hold. This experience has given them great leadership skills.”
 
We’re proud of the students who are serving as the first group of Falcon Ambassadors and can’t wait to see their positive impact continue as the program expands!
Anthony Q. Davis, Sr., Superintendent
725 Harrison Street
Syracuse, NY 13210
315.435.4499
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