Across Frisco ISD, Student Ambassadors and Peer Assistance and Leadership programs are teaching high schoolers how to make a difference in their communities and in the lives of younger students.
Through campus partnerships and community service, Student Ambassadors/PALs model positive behaviors and responsibility — and one Reedy High School teacher has earned national recognition for her program’s impact.
At Reedy, the Student Ambassadors/PALs program has become a model of what student leadership can achieve under the guidance of teacher and coach Amanda Miller, who was named the 2024-25 Chick-fil-A Leader Academy Southwest Region Teacher of the Year.
Recognized for her dedication to service learning and student growth, Miller was honored as one of only six educators nationwide for her commitment to “Impact Through Action.” Her award came with a $10,000 prize, which she’ll use to benefit multiple programs at Reedy and a meaningful initiative for the community.
Miller, a 15-year educator and 10-year FISD teacher, launched Reedy Student Ambassadors/PALs in 2020 and has seen it flourish into a program supporting four of Reedy’s feeder elementary schools.
“I’m so proud of the young adults who give their time and hearts to serve others,” Miller said. “And I’m thankful for the wonderful elementary school counselors, who work really hard to make this program successful.”
Reedy Student Ambassadors/PALs mentor elementary students, assist with community events such as the Wonderfall Family Festival and Diverse Abilities Day, and lead a variety of service projects. Last school year, they decorated buses for holiday outreach and brightened nursing homes with songs and visits. Through the Chick-fil-A Leader Academy, Reedy Student Ambassadors/PALs delivered books to local day cares.
One of their most memorable initiatives, the Reedy Day of Learning, brought elementary PALs to the high school for a special day that included science experiments, reading time in the library and a mini pep rally. The group also founded an annual student vs. teacher basketball game, now a beloved school tradition.
“I’m blessed to be at Reedy and work with students who are truly making a difference,” Miller said. “Every high school in Frisco has a Student Ambassadors/PALs program doing great things for our community, and I’m honored to be part of it.”
Student Ambassadors feel the same way.
“I've been a PAL/Ambassador for two years now and I'm proud to say it's the best class I've taken,” said Reedy senior Sophia Hirner. “Being a part of PALs has given me so many opportunities to not only connect with others but demonstrate and grow in leadership skills. Being a mentor to my pals is something so joyful and rewarding — it’s truly a class that not only helps me impact my community, but will have a long lasting impact on me too.”
More about PALs and Student Ambassadors
Student Ambassadors/PALs are active at all 12 high schools.
“They are the best group of students and teachers,” said Heather Mayfield, secondary counseling coordinator. “They do so much on their own campus to help build connections among the students and staff!”
Student Ambassadors are the representation of the student body on campus, providing a student voice in working with adults to improve their school. They are leaders in creating a positive school climate, and safety, health, wellness and prevention efforts. As Student Ambassadors and PALs, students develop and apply peer mentoring skills, communication skills and problem-solving techniques and plan and facilitate leadership trainings, charity events and community fundraisers.
Students are selected through an application and interview process the prior school year, and PALs go through a six-week training before working with elementary students. Their work with younger students helps promote the program, encouraging future Student Ambassadors.
Interested students should reach out to their school counselor for more information on their campus’s program.
- Rachel McReynolds