It started with a meeting about behavior problems and ended with a standing ovation for the students who proposed the solution. At the April 9 Croton-Harmon Board of Education work session, the district celebrated the birth of "Leaders of Tomorrow," {{quote:808}} a mentorship program created entirely by high school students that has quickly become the largest club in the high school. What began roughly a year ago as a response to data regarding incident reports at the elementary level has morphed into a district-wide operation deploying 80 high school volunteers to the elementary school every other Tuesday. The program connects teenagers with third and fourth graders—recently expanded to second grade—to help younger students navigate strong emotions and social conflicts during recess and classroom time. Dr. Lauren Debec, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, recalled receiving an email last May from two high school students, Nikki and Ellie, following a counseling advisory council meeting where behavior data had been discussed. "I had a very productive meeting with two high school students a couple weeks ago regarding a multi-age leadership program they would like to start here at CCT," {{quote:851}} Dr. Debec said, reading from the May 2025 email. "I am attaching a copy of the draft proposal they sent me this week, which was a very impressive proposal. I am quite impressed and excited for what this could become. This was written entirely by them." {{quote:2890}} On Thursday, those students—now joined by officers Lila Ascar and Thomas Cornell and advisers Mrs. Boling, Miss Trudeau, and Mr. Dell—presented the fruits of that labor to the Board. **From Proposal to "Tiger Tuesdays"** The speed of the program’s evolution caught even its founders off guard. The students used the high school’s new "Tiger Tuesday" sessions—periods built into the schedule for extracurricular activities—to travel by bus to CET. They meet bi-weekly to plan lessons, then deploy to the elementary school to facilitate recess games and classroom discussions. "We have over 80 student volunteers from the high school that have attended," {{quote:1962}} Thomas Cornell told the Board. "Leaders of Tomorrow has emerged as the largest club in Croton Harmon High School." {{quote:3600}} The logistics are complex. The students organize themselves into groups of three to six, ensuring they don't "clump together" at recess but spread out to the blacktop, jungle gym, and field to interact with the younger children. "We like to try and keep the groups in the classrooms between three and six students," {{quote:1368}} said Robin Woolly, the CET school counselor who helped launch the program. {{quote:3020}} Inside the classrooms, the high schoolers facilitate lessons on topics such as friendship and handling strong feelings. But the impact goes beyond behavior management; it is about legacy. Nikki, the club’s president, explained that the motivation was personal. "I know when I was younger, I was definitely a part of these incident reports," {{quote:1125}} Nikki said. "I definitely would have benefited from some guidance from high schoolers." {{quote:2940}} {{photo:EVENT_ID:0:High school students present their mentorship program to the Board of Education.}} **Board Celebrates Technical Honor Society** Before the mentorship presentation, the Board recognized four students inducted into the National Technical Honor Society, highlighting the district’s success in career and technical education. Dr. Debec honored Avery Bradley, Sophia Massiti, Bodie Portoy, and Brooke Nusbaum for their excellence at the BOCES tech center. The students have pursued careers in cosmetology, nursing, law enforcement, and child development. "They have truly taken advantage of what our district has to offer and created their own pathways," {{quote:154}} Dr. Debec said. Neil Bole, the BOCES superintendent, attended to praise the partnership between the districts. He noted that with about 1,500 students in the technical programs, only about 80 receive this honor, making it a significant achievement. "Immediately, a background of how it occurs... is that being inducted at the National Technical Honor Society is a powerful reflection of BOCES' mission: service and innovation through partnership," {{quote:412}} Bole said. **A Model for Mutual Growth** The "Leaders of Tomorrow" {{quote:808}} presentation was not just a report on statistics; it was a showcase of a new model of leadership where students are both the teachers and the learners. Mr. Dell, a faculty adviser recruited to the program later in its development, spoke about the rigor required of the high school mentors. The students are given a template and asked to create lessons for children they no longer remember being. "We wanted them to create a lesson that would reach children of an age they've sort of left," {{quote:1542}} Mr. Dell said. "To be able to reach to them in a way that's going to be meaningful with an activity... and how are we going to support them?" {{quote:3110}} The Board members were visibly moved. Trustee Theo, who visited during a "Tiger Tuesday," noted that not a single child was left wandering alone during recess. "The reaction of the students to the high school students, particularly out in recess... to see how the kids really connected to the high school students who were um playing with them whether it was Gaga or kicking a soccer ball around... it was really it was really heartwarming to see everybody involved," {{quote:2747}} Trustee Theo said. "I'm so glad that it will continue because I know it's not just 12th graders." {{quote:3980}} **Budget Focuses on Innovation and Staff Support** Following the celebrations, the meeting shifted to the nuts and bolts of the district’s finances with the 2026-2027 budget presentation. Superintendent Walker framed the budget proposal as a demonstration of "vision and values," emphasizing that despite a "difficult budget year" {{quote:4076}} where new staff additions are limited, the plan expands student opportunities. CET Principals Carrie and Craig presented the elementary budget, highlighting new investments in a "nature space" (formerly the recess garden), a math and movement curriculum, and innovative classroom furniture. One significant change involves the master schedule and world language instruction. The district is moving back to a model where world language is taught more frequently for shorter durations, pushing into classrooms rather than pulling students out. "By the with the program that we're proposing for next year... what we're leaning toward is going back to... world language being incorporated as a special. It'll be uh more frequency, shorter duration of time for each period," {{quote:5035}} Principal Carrie explained. "It will not be a prep time for teachers. Teachers will remain in the classroom so that co-teaching can happen." {{quote:4800}} Principals also noted the success of the "vision map" implemented in recent years, pointing to rising ELA and math scores. They emphasized that the flexibility in the current schedule—removing rigid blocks for subjects—has allowed for more interdisciplinary learning and field trips. "We've seen a huge increase in each grade level wanting to take different trips," {{quote:4859}} Principal Carrie said. "They're going to be reading a novel... and then going and seeing what the zoo is like at Bear Mountain. It's a rehab zoo. So that's a neat spin on a zoo." {{quote:5110}} **Looking Ahead** As the meeting adjourned, the focus returned to the students. The "Leaders of Tomorrow" {{quote:808}} program plans to expand to second grade next year and eventually hopes to be school-wide. The founders, now juniors, are looking toward the future, ensuring the program survives their graduation. "We're asking these students... to create a lesson that would reach children of an age they've sort of left... and how are we going to support them," {{quote:1545}} Mr. Dell said earlier in the night. For the Board, the answer was clear: they will support them by watching them lead. "Your presentation has blown us away," {{quote:3378}} said Board President Mona. "To piggy back on what Theo was saying... this is definitely one of the more engaging presentations that we've seen... so thank you for being here tonight." {{quote:4250}}