Michael Schuller’s favorite part of going to Archbishop Carroll High School is the “friends”. Thanks to a Peer Mentoring program, the 16-year-old freshman is surrounded by them, writes Matteo Iadonisi for 6abc.

Schuller, who has Down Syndrome, was looking for the right high school to attend.

Carroll started a peer mentoring program when Schuller decided to go there, said Principal Bill Gennaro.

Rising seniors were invited to write essays about why they wanted to be mentors. When the new school year started, eight of those students were chosen to partner with Schuller.

“One goes to each class with Michael modifying work, helping him with work helping the teacher, and that’s really the difference,” said Gennaro. “Michael is, by all means, a regular Archbishop Carroll student.”

Domenic Venini, who will soon graduate, said Michael has become his “built-in best friend like I’ve known him for years, but it’s been seven months.”

Venini said he’ll miss Schuller while away at college but has set a goal to visit him every time he gets home.

The peer mentor program already has volunteers for next year.

Local elementary students with disabilities are being considered for enrollment in the peer mentoring program in the future.

Read more about Michael Schuller and Archbishop Carroll’s mentoring program at 6abc.