By: Hannah Turley

   Every year, the seniors and juniors in the National Honor Society are paired with 6th graders, and the pairs become buddies. 

   The NHS members and their buddies send letters to get to know each other and get advice about school. Sixth grader Cora Gorishek says, “I like that I can talk to my buddy about any problems with school or homework… Every time I get a letter from my buddy, I am excited to read it and learn more.” 

    Sending letters is not the only way they connect and get to know each other. They also hang out and do activities together. 

   For the most recent activity, the buddies played games such as Jenga, Twister, and Mancala. They also had fun snacks such as popcorn and pizza. Junior Leah Cady says, “The buddy event was a super fun game night in the auditorium! I enjoyed getting together with other people and their buddies and playing group games together.” “I liked that we all did things together, and there was never really someone on their own,” said Cora. 

   Buddies also hang out during holiday activities with all kinds of other fun games and plenty of free food! Leah says, “My buddy and I have played charades together, various board games, and spent time together…!” 

   Overall, the buddy system is a great experience for both the 6th graders and the seniors and juniors, and they really enjoy it. “I love sharing experiences and talking about our lives and getting a view of the older life of school. It’s really cool to compare your life [now] to how [it works] in the later grades of TPA,” says sixth grader Markus Amdam Bang. Although he feels there could be improvements in the system, he thinks, “Having a buddy is not only helpful for understanding how TPA works but also helpful in structuring your own life.” 

   Leah says, “I love being able to spend time with my buddy and giving her someone in high school that she can know and say hi to around school during the day!”