Senior Ambassador Program

Program Directors: Dr. Adell Sheahan and Mr. Drew Schwalbe ‘90

 

Purpose: The purpose of the Senior Ambassador Program is to assist with the transition from middle school to freshman year at Benedictine Military School. With a new group of friends, a new environment, rigorous study schedule, and adjusting to high school, life can be intimidating and daunting. The Senior Ambassador serves as mentor, guide, coach, resource, role model, and advocate for his mentee. The mentee’s “Big Brother” is able to answer the “Little Brother's” questions and concerns, as well as introduce their “Little Brother” to campus life, traditions, expectations, and make each ninth-grade Cadet feel comfortable in his first year at Benedictine Military School.

Not everyone is far enough along in his own development and true brotherhood journey to effectively serve as a Senior Ambassador. Thus, serving as a Senior Ambassador is a privilege and not all who apply are selected to serve as Senior Ambassadors. To serve as a Senior Ambassador each senior must:

1.            Be in academic good standing with Benedictine Military School.

2.            Be in good disciplinary standing with Benedictine Military School.

3.            Be a regular and positive contributor to school programs, activities, events, or sports.

4.            Demonstrate Character, Spirituality, Purpose, and Brotherhood. 

5.            Demonstrate dedication and maturity in living the teaching of the Benedictine Order. 

6.            Demonstrate responsibility, advocate for his peers, and respect those around him.

7.            Be a positive role model.

8.            Produce a teacher recommendation letter.

 

1.            Be a role model: As a Big Brother you must be an active member of Benedictine Military School and strive to represent Benedictine in a positive manner.

a.            Instill a deep understanding of what Benedictine Brotherhood means – Character, Spirituality, Purpose, and Brotherhood.

b.            Attend and participate in meetings before or after school.

c.            Be a responsible student. Attend class and continue to perform well academically.

d.            Follow the Student Handbook and continue to be in good disciplinary standing.

e.            Be an active participant in campus activities.

f.             Instruct mentees in the history and tradition of school lore, including the BC Fight Song, the BC Alma Mater, Commissioning, parades, and other special school events.

g.            Continue to develop mentorship skills. 

2.            Be a friend: Get to know your “Little Brother” as fully as you can. As you spend time with your group, move beyond superficial conversation and begin to share more about your history, goals, hopes, fears, values, experiences, and strengths. Introduce your group to clubs/organizations/teams on campus. Remember, communication is key to developing a close friendship and authentic brotherly connection. Continually practice and model effective communication skills.

a.            Listen more than you talk

b.            Express interest, eye contact, focused attention, and verbal reinforcement.

c.            Ask open-ended questions (to seek feedback).

d.            Pay attention to non-verbal cues and body language

e.            Ask about what is going on with your group. It takes some personal courage to ask the deeper questions about your “Little Brother's” personal thoughts, feelings, and emotions.

f.             Self-disclose. Make sure you tell your group about you, too.

 

3.            Monitor your group’s progress: It is crucial that you regularly discuss your “Little Brother's” progress with him and give him honest feedback regarding your perception of his growth and development within the brotherhood. This discussion should be a shared dialogue, not a critique. Ask your group how they prefer to receive feedback. Be sure to include compliments, as well as constructive criticism. Offer help to achieve goals where your “Little Brothers” may be falling behind.

a. Check in with the group during advisement periods.

b. Create time in your day to stop members of your group and say hello to them in the hallways, parking lot, Academic Well, or other areas of the school.

c. Be available to your “Little Brother.”

d. Share your schedule with your group either via a group chat, or myBC message.

e. Create one-on-one time with each member of your group.

f. Themes for each group’s sessions: organization, time management, social media usage, school tradition, school community/citizenship, study skills, and clubs/organizations.