The ring of the bell was quickly drowned out by the excited chaos that filled the hallways as everyone hurried off of campus, eager to start their break. Despite the quickly thinning crowd, a group of equally excited students remained, piling in front of a classroom door. As they pushed their way to the front, congratulatory wishes and exclamations of joy could be heard above the noise.

The 2017-2018 Peer Assistance Leaders (PALS) list was posted on teacher Alejandro Garcia’s door at 4:30 on the Friday before spring break. PALS requires application, and is a class that gives a chance for students to travel to different elementary schools throughout the district and work with younger kids.

To be considered for the PALS program, students must be nominated by a teacher. Every year, out of the roughly 100 people that apply, only up to 30 students make it into the program.

“This year we had the largest amount of applications that I’ve ever seen in my six years of doing this,” Garcia said. “It’s a tough process but, in my opinion, PALS gives such an incredible opportunity for students grow as people, and to gain empathy towards other people’s situations.”

PALS predominantly consists of seniors, as they make up about two thirds of the program. The rising seniors returning to the class lead the interviews for the incoming applicants.

“I’m really excited with the group of people that we chose. Interviewing the rising juniors was extremely rewarding because I saw how many amazing people are at Bowie, and I can’t wait to see what program they cultivate next year,” junior PAL Linnea O’Donnell said.

PALS applicants must complete an essay on top of their interviews.

“I was definitely pretty nervous going into it. I spent a lot of time preparing for everything because I thought it would be such a good program to be a part of,” future PAL sophomore Amanda Harms said.

During the PALS block, the class travels to Cowan, Baranoff, Kiker, and Mills Elementaries. PALS are partnered with a child that they get to work with and visit regularly.

“For Bowie PALS to have a chance to serve as a mentor to a younger child teaches the students a lot about what kindness means to the world. They get to look outside of themselves and really offer an extended hand to somebody who just really needs a kind word, or a friend, or a hug,” Garcia said.

The PALS work with children ranging anywhere from kindergarteners to fifth graders.

“Getting to see the world through a child’s eyes is extremely eye opening,” O’Donnell said. “Especially in the world today it’s good to see the younger generation with all these amazing qualities.”

New PALS members that completed the process have the rest of the year to look forward to the class.

“I’m really excited to meet a new group of people in PALS and in the elementary schools. I’m so happy I got in and can’t wait for the great experience,” Harms said.

Returning PALS and new PALS alike are very optimistic for the new school year and their chance to work together and shape the program.

“A class like this can serve as a big inspiration for teenagers. Being in service to others and getting a chance to really change and influence people’s lives is extremely rewarding for both me and my students,” Garcia said.

The PALS program provides an important community and experience for many students who get to be a part of it.

“I definitely don’t think I would be the person I am today without being in this program. PALS and every person I’ve met through it are so near and dear to my heart,” O’Donnell said. “I am so humbled and happy to be a part of it.”