Case Study: Princeton High School

The Challenge: Overcoming “Initiative Fatigue”

In the world of education, teachers and administrators are often overwhelmed by the “flavor of the month”, new programs that arrive with fanfare but quickly fade into the background. Sara Scruggs and her team at Princeton High School (IL) were looking for something different.

With an enrollment of 500 students, they didn’t want another temporary fix; they wanted a foundational shift in school culture that was both authentic to the students and sustainable for the staff.

The primary goal was to move beyond academic jargon and find a “common language” that met students where they are in their phase of life.

The Strategy: The Student-Led “Green Standards” Process

Princeton High School is committed to more than just a one-off workshop; they have built a system designed to last. To ensure the culture remains permanent and leadership is passed down through every class, they follow a four-step sustainability model.

Step 1: Junior and Senior Mentors (The Year One Mentors)

Princeton utilizes a group of 25–30 juniors and seniors who meet with staff to learn the Lead ‘Em Up curriculum. These upperclassmen prepare to lead the next generation of students by practicing lessons like “Sugar and Salt” and “Go for the Gold.”

Step 2: Peer-to-Peer Mentoring (Freshmen Facilitation)

To ensure the program is relatable, these upperclassmen facilitate the curriculum for the freshmen. This peer-to-peer connection ensures that leadership concepts are reinforced by student voices rather than coming solely from a top-down mandate.

Step 3: Student-to-Student/Peer Recognition (The Green Standards)

Every month, students use a digital process to recognize classmates who consistently model the five student-defined Green Standards:

• Trustworthy
• Hardworking
• Open-minded
• Respectful
• Responsible

This process turns the focus toward “finding the good” and rewarding positive character traits.

The Impact: A Shared Language for Success

By establishing a “common language,” Princeton has seen a qualitative shift in how students manage themselves and hold one another accountable.

Increased Self-Awareness: Students have begun using program language in the hallways to monitor their own conduct. They recognize when they are “swaying red” (losing focus or being negative) or in a “gray space” (lacking effort) and encouraging peers to “go be green” (show up with their best attitude and effort).

Peer Recognition: Every month, students use a Google form to recognize classmates who consistently model the five Green Standards. This process turns the focus toward “finding the good” and rewarding positive character traits.

Staff Sustainability: By using a dedicated facilitation team and student mentors, the school avoids overtaxing the entire teaching staff while maintaining the integrity of the culture work.

The “A+ Alignment”: SEL and RSSI Excellence

The Lead ‘Em Up Takeaway