Throughout the school year, one may have noticed tours that are conducted around campus. Although the admissions office organizes visits for prospective families, students are now being given the opportunity to display The Benjamin School from their point of view.

      The student ambassador program is fast growing. Mr. Andrew Marsiglio, Assistant Director of Enrollment, has teamed up with the Dean of Academics, Mrs. Stephanie Oster, to create a workforce of students who volunteer their time for school-related events. A handful of the ambassadors were selected and offered their positions over the summer. Mr. Marsiglio comments, “I hope that there are a lot of opportunities where the ambassadors can be representatives to prospective families show great, smart, athletic, and talented our students. ”The program will soon open its doors to the entire Middle School. However, it’s not as easy as just signing up. If a student wants to be a part of the ambassador program, he or she first needs to fill out an application. Each entry is reviewed, looking at aspects such as grades, personal characteristics, and previous experience. Marsiglio says the program wants students who will be dedicated to their work.

      Although the process is not yet open, people in the middle school community are already planning to apply. Many current ambassadors have valuable advice to offer those who are interested in the program. Student Council Vice President and seventh grader Dachelle Searcy was a shadow day host last year and was interested in further serving the community. He says, “I enjoy being a role model for other students in my grade. When I got the opportunity to become an ambassador, I knew it was something I wanted to participate in.” 

      The current student ambassadors recently served at Back to School Night. Parents of new and returning students had the chance to move among classrooms and meet teachers. The event followed a seven-period schedule, and classes changed every ten minutes. Student ambassadors were assigned to various locations throughout the middle school campus. Students directed parents who needed help finding their way. Faculty members agreed that the night ran smoothly, thanks to the ambassadors. “The fact that we had students, teachers, administration, and parents on campus that evening, all working together to communicate the best aspects of the middle school; I think that is a wonderful thing,” says the Dean of Students, Mr. Nicolas Crisafi.

      The school year has only just begun! Crisafi adds, “They’re modeling that kind of positive leadership for students. Other students who are in sixth or seventh grade can look up to the ambassadors who are maybe in eighth grade.” The student ambassadors will surely be called upon for service again. If middle schoolers are interested in showcasing the uniqueness of the Benjamin Experience, this is a program to explore!