While teachers and staff typically have a good understanding of student life, seeking nominations from the student population is beneficial. Frequently, students nominate individuals whom the staff would also select. At times, a significant number of votes will go to a student that a counselor or teacher might have not considered. Allowing students to nominate their peers gives them a voice and reveals who they would turn to when facing challenges.
That being said, we also recommend that Hope Squad Advisors and school administration work together to select students from a variety of backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, interests, hobbies, cultures, etc. The final call on who gets to be on the Squad is up to the Advisors and adminstration.