award prompts leaders to chime in

Peninsula was recently awarded the Golden Bell, an honor given to fewer than 50 high schools and districts across California that demonstrate an outstanding capability for school leadership. Peninsula’s leadership programs do an outstanding service to the school.
Unfortunately, according to school officials, this year there have been increased reports of fighting, littering and behavioral misconduct, especially among underclassmen. Although the Golden Bell testifies to the school’s overall excellence, leadership groups need to be more proactive in setting a better example for the underclassmen. It is considered a privilege to attend a high school with a strong emphasis on leadership; however, student representatives must make more of a commitment to build a healthier environment at Peninsula.
For example, on Oct. 20, Principal Mitzi Cress released a statement regarding the disbandment of Peninsula’s varsity football team; the announcement resulted in an immediate uproar among community members. Many students placed the blame solely on Cress, claiming that her reasons were unsubstantiated and even misleading. Regardless of the reason, as leaders, it is our duty to make a positive example for underclassmen—making slanderous and degrading statements on social media and skipping class in protest will only corrode the school’s overall health.
Peninsula’s culture and social atmosphere need to drastically change, and it is only through student leadership that we can achieve this goal. Developing peer mentoring sessions, creating frequent and active participation among class levels and breaking the barriers between various groups of students are some enterprising ways we can bring decorum back to our campus.
Many teachers, including National Honors Society adviser Betsy Okamoto, have cited multiple acts of unruliness and apathy among underclassmen. However, if these underclassmen are exposed to the positive culture that has previously existed on campus, they will be inclined to bring it back.
Once freshmen, we were all welcomed into a community where school spirit brought comradery among class levels and a level of respect was expected by the administration, faculty and school. Whether we hold the captainship of a varsity team or serve as president of the class, upperclassmen are still seen as leaders; it is important that we all realize that our classmates are heavily influenced by our words and by our actions.
As the senior class prepares to leave Peninsula in June, it is our duty to leave a legacy of innovation, spirit and respect. We hope that this year’s Golden Bell is not our last.