Everyone knows that going into freshman year is incredibly frightening. Between the crowded halls, all of the new faces, and the extra load of homework, it is understandable that students beginning their high school career may have a stomach full of butterflies.

All of the seniors seem really big and classes are spread all across the school, making going from class to class a sweaty workout. So to help make this transition a little less stressful for these new students, the Cy Ranch assistant principals created a mentoring program called “Pony Up.”

Pony Up is a monthly club that allows for upperclassmen mentors to sit and talk with freshmen. Each mentor is assigned a group of 2-5 students. During group time, the mentors share news going on in the school. They answer questions regarding schoolwork and give advice on school, friendships, and everything in between.

This club is beneficial to both the older and younger students. The juniors and seniors are able to help lead their mentees, while the mentees have a safe place to discuss and ask questions to someone who has most likely already gone through all of the obstacles in high school.

Working with younger students gives the upperclassmen a leadership position, and makes the freshmen feel like they always have someone to talk to. Pony Up is a club with endless positive effects on both the mentor and mentee.