The Peer Assistance and Leadership (PALs) program held elections for upcoming 2026-27 student officers the Friday before Spring Break. The class elected four individuals to next year’s executive roles: Emma Beckwith (11) as President, Zahra Alam (11) as Vice President, Shireen Sabouri (11) as Treasurer and Talia Rosenthal (10) as Secretary. The PALs also voted for five committee positions, naming Axel Wiklund (11) head of the Digital Committee, Greta Pennock (11) head of the Physical Committee, Elizabeth Cruz (11) head of the New Student Committee, Gioia Nowers (10) head of the Outreach Committee and Benjamin Barry (11) head of the Wellness Committee.
Along with shifting leadership positions, Angela Willden, PALs advisor and Honors and Advanced Placement Chemistry teacher, is stepping down from her role in the program. Annie Polan, Integrated Math 1 Honors and Integrated Math 3 teacher, will be the new advisor for the class.
Q&A: Beckwith, next year’s PALS president
What was the running and election process like?
“The election process was super competitive this year, more than any other year we have had before. Each candidate made a slideshow or presentation outlining their qualifications and plans or goals for their role for the next year, and then we voted as a class. Since there were multiple people running for almost every position this year, it was a super tough selection, but I think we ended up with a super strong leadership team, so I’m really excited.”
What do you hope to bring to PALS as the president next year?
“As President, I have three main goals that I also highlighted in the election process. These goals are education, engagement and initiative. I want to bring in teen mental health first aid training to PALs next year so that we all feel prepared and comfortable handling crisis situations, making us better PALs and ensuring students on campus know we are qualified when they come to us for support. I also want to focus on expanding our outreach to more of our school community and beyond that to get more engagement for our events and for more people to hear our message. Finally, I want everyone in PALS to take initiative and take charge of their own ideas and know that I, along with leadership, will support them in doing so.”
Do you have any last thoughts on the new officers and the new advisor?
“I’m really excited for PALs next year. We have a new advisor, Ms. Polan, who is so kind and supportive, and I already know that she is going to be an amazing advisor to work with. I can’t wait to work with new leadership and the incoming PALs next year.”
Q&A: Alam, next year’s PALS Vice President
What was the running and election process like?
“Running for the election was exciting but scary. It was good knowing that even if I did not win, I would still have the ability to share my ideas and act like a leader in my class.”
Do you have any last thoughts on the new officers?
“Everyone was extremely qualified for the positions. Most of us have been in the class for a while and have put a lot of hard work in.”
Q&A: Polan, next year’s PALS advisor
How did it come to be that you are the next PALs advisor?
“I have always been super interested in the PALs program and its mission. Throughout my years at TP, I have made it a point to attend their events and consistently served as an adult group leader for Challenge Days. Because of my involvement over the years, Ms. Willden approached me about taking on the advisor role, and it was an enthusiastic ‘Yes’ for me.”
How do you feel about this organization and its mission, and how do you want to contribute to it (for example, do you have any hopes or goals for the class next year)?
“I think it is incredible that a program like this exists at our school. I think back to when I was in high school and how beneficial this type of organization would have been for our community. My goal is to uphold our core mission while also bringing fresh ideas and a new perspective to the program. Specifically, I want to expand our reach to students across all different campus groups, ensuring every student knows they can turn to PALs whenever they need support.”
What, if any, preparation do you have to do to become the PALs advisor?
“Fortunately, my preparation period this school year lined up to be at the same time as PALs, fifth period. I have spent a good amount of time learning the ropes from Ms. Willden and the current leadership. Everyone has been incredibly welcoming and helpful, sitting down with me to answer questions and make sure it is a smooth transition for next year.”
Do you have any comments on the officer elections that happened at the end of March?
“This was my first time getting to witness elections, and I was so blown away by how impressive everyone was. Each student who ran for a position really brought their A-game and should all be so proud of themselves. Every candidate would have been a great choice, and I think the students in the class elected an exceptional group for their new leadership team. I’m so proud of them and can’t wait to work more closely with them as their advisor.”
