Principal John Snyder, Rachael Broadbeck, and Mike Hanback overlook students working on their mask project.

SOUTH WHITLEY — For nearly 15 years, a program called Peace Keepers has been providing support to students through the group mostly likely to relate — fellow students.

Students at Whitko Jr.-Sr. High School in grades seven through 12 provide a positive force inside the walls of the school. Peace Keepers are first responders to everyday events, according to a Whitko School Corporation press release. Peace Keepers encourage their fellow students to make wise choices.

Mental fortitude, self respect, fair tone, proper response, being assertive and understanding personality types were all topics of discussion throughout the three-day overnight event hosted at Koinonia’s conference center by Whitko’s Peace Keepers.

Peace Keepers chose this location while discussing sensitive topics like bullying, cheating and the use of words used to degrade others. Their goal was to lead their fellow classmates to rise above. Together, they would expand their worldview to include a shared set of morals and ethics.