Berthoud High students describe peer support counseling program to Thompson School Board

Students and staff from Berthoud High School presented the district board with a student-led overview of their Peer Support Counselor (PSC) program on Oct. 15, emphasizing peer mentoring, leadership development and mental-health and safety training.

"Being a PSC isn't just another class. It's a chance to help out our students, build our own leadership skills and make our school feel more connected," said Morgan Brown, a senior at Berthoud High School who described the program's structure, training and activities.

Jordan Jennings, a counselor at Berthoud High School, introduced the PSC team and credited former counselor Janet Klein with creating the program. Jennings said nearly 500 alumni have gone through the program and that current PSCs support underclassmen, assist with credit recovery, and help the counseling office with outreach and events.

Students described a mix of activities and trainings: a two-day team-building retreat, outdoor challenge activities at the YMCA of the Rockies, a full-day SART (Sexual Assault Response Team) training, a domestic-violence-awareness workshop with the Ashley Doolittle Foundation, and certification through the Alliance for Suicide Prevention. The PSCs said they also lead awareness campaigns, mentor transfer students, produce communications for school events and organize community service such as weekend food packs.

"Some of the things we do that's more specific is welcoming new students ... We pack Berthoud bags including resource cards, fun stickers and Berthoud gear to make them feel welcome," Brown said. Claire, another PSC student, outlined semester projects ranging from academic tutoring partnerships to spirit and awareness campaigns and logistics for school tours and events.

Dooley, who serves as an academic tutor through the program, described working one-on-one with students who need extra help academically or emotionally. "...I encourage people to give people who have learning disabilities more of an opportunity," Dooley said, describing the value the tutor role has had in broadening perspectives.

Board members responded with praise. One board member noted research linking peer support to better student well-being and school belonging. The board took no formal action on the presentation; the segment was part of the meeting's public participation and recognition items.

Why it matters The PSC program is student-led and designed to reduce stigma, build peer-to-peer supports, and increase student connectedness — factors district staff cited as tied to academic engagement and safety. Presenters emphasized training and community partnerships as key program components.

What's next Students noted upcoming events including a Red Ribbon Week spirit and prevention campaign and community presentations at other district schools. The board acknowledged the presentation and thanked students and staff for their work.