Love means wanting good things for the other person. The phrase “love your neighbor” comes to mind. But what does that look like, and how might we do it in our city, or even in our schools?
Students at Allen ISD are learning how and leading the way through the PAL (Peer Assistance and Leadership) and WINGS (Where I Now Gain Success) leadership programs. With guidance from faculty sponsors, students serve as mentors, role models, ambassadors, and servant-leaders on campus and around town. They know school and peer relationships are tough. They’re here to help.
The program’s student leaders repeatedly highlighted selflessness, respect, and courage as qualities that make a great mentor.
“We’re a listening ear,” Brooke explained. “We don’t fix our mentees; we support them.”
Through PALs, student-leaders in grades eight through twelve mentor K–9th grade students one-on-one for 25 minutes each week. These mentors undergo extensive training to build healthy relationships, understand confidentiality, and develop emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and communication skills. They also welcome new AHS students, plan campus events, interview staff applicants, and complete service hours each grading period, living out the program’s call to lead with integrity and compassion.
WINGS mentors—students in tenth through twelfth grade at Allen High School—work with small groups in the Lowery Freshman Center’s Connections classes. Like PALs, WINGS mentors commit to staying drug-free, maintaining strong academic standing, and serving as positive role models while completing 10 service hours each grading period.
The transformation is mutual. Students in the programs spoke of newfound confidence—of stepping into leadership at work, in classrooms, and in unfamiliar rooms.
“I used to be really shy,” mentor Andriea said. “This program helped me find my voice.”
Madeline described her approach to the students she mentors, “You don’t just mentor; you grow with them. You see who they’re becoming, and you help them discover who they want to be.”
For these teens, the work is personal. “One-on-one makes an impact,” said Allen High School senior Audrey. “You connect on a deeper level, and you can see the difference right in front of you.”
Will, who has served in both programs, added, “In PALs, I built strong bonds with younger kids. In WINGS, I get to teach life lessons that help freshmen feel ready for high school and college.”
This February, PALS and WINGS will help lead AISD’s 45th Annual Love Your Neighbor campaign benefiting The Samaritan Inn.