Side-by-side images show OCDE’s PAL team recognizing Laura Lockwood at Lord Baden-Powell Elementary School in the Magnolia School District and Heather Roney at Oxford Preparatory Academy Middle School in Lake Forest for their Outstanding PAL Advisor Awards. Click the right arrow to see more honorees. 
Students from Aliso Viejo Middle School in the Capistrano Unified School District pose with their Peer Assistance Leadership advisor, a congratulatory banner and balloons after a surprise visit from OCDE’s PAL team. 
de Portola Elementary School students and their PAL advisor in the Saddleback Valley Unified School District are recognized with balloons and a banner during a surprise visit by the OCDE PAL team. 
Students and their PAL advisor at Dr. Albert Schweitzer Leadership Academy in the Magnolia School District gather for a group photo after being named one of this year’s Outstanding PAL Program Award recipients. 
Students from Oxford Preparatory Academy Middle School celebrate with balloons and a banner, joined by their PAL advisor Heather Roney, who was also recognized with a congratulatory yard sign for receiving the Outstanding PAL Advisor Award. 
Ranch View Elementary School students and their PAL advisor pose for a celebratory photo following a surprise visit from OCDE’s PAL team. The school is part of the Mountain View School District.
Quick look: Five school-based Peer Assistance Leadership (PAL) programs and two advisors were honored by the Orange County Department of Education for fostering safe, inclusive and supportive school communities.
Five school-based Peer Assistance Leadership programs and two advisors received surprise visits in May from the Orange County Department of Education for promoting school environments that are caring, inclusive and supportive for all students.
Coordinated by OCDE’s Youth Development Programs team, the PAL initiative empowers young people in grades four through 12 to become positive campus influencers through leadership, mentoring and service. Since its inception in 1980, the program has encouraged student-led efforts to promote peer connection and well-being while addressing issues such as bullying, mental health awareness, substance use prevention and positive behavior.
PAL may be implemented as a club, class or leadership component, and participating students receive training in communication, collaboration, problem-solving and other essential life skills. PAL outreach projects often align with school district Local Control and Accountability Plans by supporting school engagement and cultivating positive campus climates.
“Effective PAL programs support stronger connections to school, which research shows can serve as a protective factor against high-risk behaviors,” said Deirdre Hill, OCDE’s program specialist for Youth Development Programs. “We’re incredibly proud of this year’s honorees and all the student leaders and advisors who champion kindness and compassion on their campuses.”
Without further ado, here are the 2024-25 Outstanding Pal Program Award recipients and 2025 Outstanding PAL Advisors:
Outstanding PAL Program Award honorees
- Aliso Viejo Middle School, Capistrano Unified School District
- de Portola Elementary School, Saddleback Valley Unified School District
- Dr. Albert Schweitzer Leadership Academy, Magnolia School District
- Oxford Preparatory Academy Middle School, Lake Forest
- Ranch View Elementary School, Mountain View School District
Outstanding PAL Advisor Award recipients
- Laura Lockwood, Lord Baden-Powell Elementary School, Magnolia School District
- Heather Roney, Oxford Preparatory Academy Middle School, Lake Forest
In addition to the in-person recognitions, OCDE’s Media Services team produced a video announcement of the honorees, which can be viewed below.
For more information about the PAL program, contact OCDE Program Specialist Deirdre Hill at dhill@ocde.us or visit ocde.us/pal.