2024 National Principal of the Year Credits Hope Squad with Transforming Student Well-Being
Andrew Farley, named 2024 Principal of the Year by the National Association of Secondary School Principals, has been credited with transforming his school, Brookfield East High School, in Brookfield, Wisconsin.
Farley’s approach centers on a holistic student experience, where student well-being and academic excellence go hand-in-hand. As part of bringing this vision to life, Farley led Brookfield East to adopt Wisconsin’s first-ever Hope Squad over six years ago.
“All the research says kids in need of mental health support are more likely to go to peers,” Farley explains. “The whole vision of the Hope Squad is to take the students nominated and train them with a backpack of preventative strategies. Our kids aren’t therapists or counselors — they’re trained connectors [to professional staff and resources] and ambassadors for wellness.”
The impact of Hope Squad on Brookfield East’s culture has been profound. “Our amazing Hope Squad student-leaders are inspiring change agents who promote wellness and a thriving school culture where all students feel safe, stretched, and supported,” Farley shares. “Our Advisors and [Squad Members’] relentless commitment to their peers has made us a better and stronger school.”
The Hope Squad Members from Brookfield East echo Farley’s sentiments; listen to them explain the positive impacts on their school and community below:
Since Farley first brought Hope Squad to Wisconsin, the program has expanded rapidly, with more than 150 Squads now active in schools across the state, a testament to the power of student leadership in shaping a more compassionate and connected culture.
As Hope Squad continues to spread across Wisconsin and the nation, Farley’s leadership remains a wonderful example of what’s possible when school leaders invest in both the minds and hearts of students. Hope Squad is grateful to partner with leaders like Principal Farley, who help demonstrate that peer-to-peer wellness initiatives aren’t just impactful–they’re essential.
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