Student Ambassadors Lead the Way

By Keri Hehn, Director of Admission

Our annual Admission Open House invites those interested in Harbor Day School to come on campus, meet students and teachers, hear from alumni, and explore a variety of activities. Building relationships with prospective families and our school community is important. One way to achieve this is through a Student Ambassador Program which provides valuable leadership opportunities for our current middle school students.

Harbor Day’s annual Admission Open House on October 26 had 68 eager student ambassadors take families on campus tours. Rather than visiting empty classrooms, visiting families might watch a 6th-grade ambassador excitedly show the prospective family their locker, or bring them to Math class to try the Stumper of the Week. Another family may hear from an eighth grader about her anticipation of learning who will be cast as the lead in the school musical “All Shook Up.” The student ambassadors at HDS enjoy sharing authentic experiences and insights with prospective families and take pride in being students at Harbor Day School.

How does a student become an Admission Ambassador? Students in grades five through eight are welcome to apply to the student ambassador program. When they apply, students reflect on their HDS experience by answering questions about their motivation to become ambassadors, their gratitude for their education, and their favorite school traditions.

The responses we received remind us of what makes our community special. "I would like to be an ambassador because I am really proud of our school, and it is fun to tell people about it and show them the new campus," shares a current 5th grader. "I enjoy making people feel comfortable, and I think I could help make them feel at home." This sense of pride is repeated throughout the applications, with an 8th grade ambassador adding, "I love Harbor Day, and there are so many great opportunities at school, and it is a fun environment. I would contribute to the program by showing kids how great our school is."

When asked about what they're most grateful for in their Harbor Day education, our students mentioned the teachers and learning environment. Many appreciated "the wonderful teachers," while others appreciated "the small class opportunities” and “having one-on-one time with the teacher.” Students emphasize the strong bonds formed between teachers and students, as well as among peers, describing these connections as "welcoming and friendly."

In addition, each spring our student ambassadors volunteer to be a buddy and welcome new students to Harbor Day. Some remember their first-day jitters and are excited to help make the transition easier, while others can’t wait to have a new face in the classroom. Our buddies take pride in being trusted to answer questions like "What do you eat for lunch?" or "What clubs are the most fun?" 

Once enrolled, each new family is paired with a current Harbor Day family who arranges a time to meet. Additionally, new students join their buddies on campus in May for icebreakers, a scavenger hunt, and treats. Finally, right before school starts, buddies help at New Student Orientation, showing new students their lockers, walking through class schedules, and meeting advisors together. When the first day of school arrives, new students see a familiar face—their buddy, who's already shown them around, will play with them at recess, and include them at lunch.

Our Ambassador and Buddy programs provide valuable leadership opportunities for current students while welcoming every new family into the Harbor Day community.