Best Peer Counseling Program

Often, students at Central High School face tougher challenges outside the classroom than in it. Some struggle with broken families, onerous peer pressure, lack of financial security, addiction and the simple difficulties of being a young person in America. And those can become obstacles to a high-quality education. So the kids at Central have taken to helping one another with a nationally recognized peer counseling program. More than sixty students serve as counselors, making it one of the most healthy programs in the metro area. While working to help fellow students find victory over their problems, Central's peer counselors also strive to boost the entire school's self esteem. "One of our goals is to stand out and show people that there is something good at Central High School," says De'Andra Jenkins, peer counselor and all-around super-student.