Peer Group (PG) Launch Day is a day full of outdoor activities and games designed to help the freshmen bond with their peer group leaders as well as with the rest of their class. From the kickball tournament to a cheer competition, each activity is carefully sculpted to allow the senior leaders to not only get used to leading the freshman but also to get used to working and coordinating with each other. 

Peer Group Faculty Advisor Mr. Quigley commented, “It’s nice that as a ninth grader you have a big brother or big sister who is a mentor at this school and can help guide you through some of the craziness.”

Previously known as Battlefield Day, Peer Group Launch Day, was originally the yearly commencement for the Peer Group program. Over the years, the Peer Group program has evolved so that Launch Day is no longer the first time that the seniors and freshmen interact. Freshman orientation has been redefined to be an opportunity for the seniors to spend almost the entire day with the freshman and get to know them. PG Launch Day has now become a chance to build on these bonds and for interaction prior to the first lesson. 

Peer Group Leader Nica Martin noted that her favorite part of the day was playing kickball against other peer groups. “It was really fun seeing all of the ninth graders get so competitive,” Martin said. She considers it a great way to bring the seniors and freshman closer together. 

Looking forward, Mr. Quigley hopes to call PG Launch Day “The Fall PG Retreat” to better reflect the current organization of the program. Mr. Quigley hopes that this Fall Retreat will not only set the tone for the year, but also tie into the Spring Retreat which takes place toward the end of the program. One of the core Peer Group philosophies is to adapt and evolve which PG Launch Day’s development reflects perfectly; fostering greater opportunities for meaningful connection and heartfelt bonding for leaders, freshman, and faculty alike.