More than 200 students at Bensalem High School are honing their leadership and communication skills — all while celebrating their BHS pride — as members of the Owl Ambassadors program.
Formed during the 2023-24 academic year, it’s a blend of the Student Government Association and Blue Crew club. Ron Morris, a business technology teacher and one of the program’s staff advisers, explained, “Owl Ambassadors is our student government in alliance with our core standards, school spirit, mentoring and community service.”
Members assist with a slew of BHS events, from Spirit Night and the Homecoming bonfire to the Powderpuff football game, and participate in numerous initiatives that work to make the school a better place.
They make small gift bags for teachers to show appreciation; organize the BHS Give and Take Table, which is filled with donated school supplies for students in need; take part in Bensalem Buddies, working with special-needs students after school; and ensure that, through the Someone Cares Campaign, feminine hygiene products are always stocked in the women’s restrooms and leggings are on hand in the office in case someone needs them.
“Part of the program is, we want to make this a place where kids want to be,” said Karen Sibley, English teacher and the other Owl Ambassadors staff adviser. “They’re only here for four years. It goes way faster than you think, and we try to let them know that this is their time to get involved, to have fun and be a big part of it.”
In order to become an Owl Ambassadors member, students must complete an application, have good academic standing and attendance, and no behavior issues. This year, freshmen were permitted to join so that, by the time they reach their senior year, they’ll have a strong understanding of the program and be ready to take on leadership roles.
“We have 200 students that want to make this place a great place. We have a lot of great students here, and we try to showcase that as much as possible,” said Morris, who is not only an alum of school, but had two kids graduate from BHS last year. “Giving them these avenues to showcase their talent is something that they’ll take with them forever, and we’re just really proud of this organization.”
Morris added that Owl Ambassadors members are on hand for Back to School Nights, providing directions and other information to parents. Plus, when a new student registers, a guidance counselor may call on them to provide a personalized tour of the building. According to Morris, having strong communication skills and the ability to speak to folks of all ages and backgrounds will take them far in life, as many people are lacking in this area.
“Being able to have the communication piece of being able to talk to people, how to express your opinion and your views on what you think we should do for each event, because it is student-led, is vital,” he said. “There are leadership positions, student advisers of the club. Overall, it gives them good leadership capabilities, it gives them communication skills — two traits that will help you with everything that you do in your life.”
Though Sibley isn’t an alum, she proudly stated that she “bleeds blue and gray,” and is thrilled to see so many students stepping up to make BHS a positive environment and setting themselves up for success in the future.
She said, “We just try to encourage them to be good people and good mentors for their younger classmates. It always looks amazing on a college resume to say that you were involved in a program like this.”
Samantha Bambino can be reached at sbambino@newspapermediagroup.com
