Select sixth-graders from all over Ohio County Schools went through orientation to be peer mediators in their schools.

Teachers handpicked the students, who they saw as leaders, to serve as mediators in the schools. The students will report and help teachers resolve any issues before they get out of hand.

Triadelphia Middle School counselor Betsy Jones said the program has been strong for many years, and they do it to take a proactive approach to students' problems.

"We train them in conflict resolution skills and help them know how to help other students solve a problem. And not only will they do that in a peer-mediation situation, but they're also going to take these skills back to their peer groups and help to solve conflicts," Jones said.

She said each year, the staff trains sixth-graders who will go on to serve as mediators in the seventh and eighth grades.