PALS will be holding their annual meeting regarding the 2018 application process tomorrow at 8 a.m. and again on Jan. 23 at 4 p.m. in room 1403. This meeting is mandatory for students who are interested in joining PALS for their junior or senior year. Any students unable to attend either meeting need to contact PALS teacher Laura Freund before Jan. 19.

“Applicants will go through a process of writing an application and going through an interview,” senior Nathan Beasley said. “They will be evaluated on a variety of personal qualities that we look for in the organization.”

This year the application process will be more selective. The questions asked during the interview will show how the applicant would respond in certain situations. Applicants will be interviewed by two current PALS students.

“The activity sharing is new to the application process this year,” Freund said. “The last step of the application process will be a game or activity that applicants will share to me pertaining a selected scenario.”

PALS courses use the potential of youth to make a difference in their lives, schools and communities. Through PALS, students are taught leadership, communication and relationship skills.

“Being a PAL gives you the opportunity to build relationships, mentor others and strengthen your leadership skills,” senior Rylan Smith said. “Whether you’re walking around the school or in the community, you are representing PALS and it’s a huge honor.”

The skills learned in PALS last a lifetime. It will provide many life long relationships and skills that will help with any career.

“We just want to see who you are,” Freund said. “We want to see your heart and your passion. We want to get to know you. There is no right or wrong answer, just be yourself.”