At Salem Community High School, students aren’t just excelling in academics and athletics—they’re learning the power of kindness and connection through a unique program called Peer Helpers. Guided by Jenny Knapp and Kyla Motch, Peer Helpers is a student-led organization dedicated to fostering a positive and welcoming environment for all. From organizing freshman orientation to hosting the annual Trunk or Treat event, these students are proving that small acts of kindness can have a big impact.

“The mission of Peer Helpers is simple,” says Jenny, who has overseen the program for several years. “It’s about spreading positivity, helping others feel included, and creating a school culture where everyone feels they belong.”

The program is open to all students, starting their sophomore year. To join, students apply during their freshman year, submitting essays and demonstrating their commitment to the club’s values. Once selected, they begin taking on responsibilities such as organizing events, decorating bulletin boards with uplifting messages, and helping new students navigate high school life.

For seniors like Keylie Hancock and Riley Vincent, being part of Peer Helpers has been a transformative experience. “I joined because I wanted to make a difference,” says Keylie. “High school can feel overwhelming, especially for freshmen coming from smaller feeder schools. It’s rewarding to know we’re helping them feel at home here.”

One of the highlights of the year for Peer Helpers is Trunk or Treat, a community-centered Halloween event that brings hundreds of families to the school’s parking lot for a night of fun and creativity. Each year, Peer Helpers take the lead in organizing the event, coordinating with local donors, and decorating their own themed trunks.

“This year’s Trunk or Treat was incredible,” says Riley. “We had over 20 trunks, each with a unique theme. My group chose ‘Cars,’ and we went all out, dressing up as characters like Sally and Lightning McQueen. Seeing the kids’ faces light up was priceless—it made all the effort worth it.”

The event, which replaced a former Halloween dance in 2017, has grown exponentially. With around $3,500 worth of candy donated to the school, the parking lot is transformed into a festive hub for trick-or-treaters of all ages. “It’s such a positive event,” says Keylie. “Not only do the kids love it, but it also gives us a chance to connect with the community in a meaningful way.”

Beyond Trunk or Treat, Peer Helpers are responsible for uplifting projects throughout the year. Each month, members design bulletin boards with themes like gratitude or self-love. “The boards are a simple way to spread positivity,” says Riley.

Keylie and Riley have each taken turns designing boards. For January, Keylie plans to create a winter-themed board featuring a quote to make passersby smile. “It’s all about bringing joy to someone’s day,” she says. Riley, meanwhile, enjoys crafting boards that encourage interaction, such as a Valentine’s board where students wrote notes of appreciation to one another.

The impact of Peer Helpers goes beyond school walls. The program equips members with life skills like leadership, empathy, and teamwork—qualities they carry into their future endeavors. Keylie, who plans to attend SIU Edwardsville to study psychology, hopes to become a child psychologist. “Being a Peer Helper has taught me how to connect with people,” she says. “It’s an experience I’ll take with me into my career.”

Riley, who will attend Murray State University to study elementary education, sees Peer Helpers as a foundation for her future role as a teacher. “Both my parents are educators, and they’ve shown me how rewarding it is to help others,” she says. “Peer Helpers has given me the confidence to do the same.”

Jenny Knapp, a Salem native and alumna of the Class of 2000, is proud of the work her students do. “It’s about showing students that kindness matters, that they have the power to make someone’s day better,” she says.

For Salem Community High School, Peer Helpers represents the best of what a student organization can be: a group of young leaders building a brighter, more inclusive community, one act of kindness at a time. (And, by my rough calculation, around 417 pounds of candy!)