“Your students’ performance was exceptional, and we believe your team deserves to be celebrated for their excellence in peer mediation.”
September 4, 2026 – Four Cresson Elementary School students trained through WPDI’s Domestic Harmonizer Program (DHP) have been named the winners of the 3rd Annual International Online Peer Mediation Tournament Elementary Division.
Matthew Herrera, Benjamin Bacon-Liu, Eden Mundo, and Rhiley Rios earned the title after advancing through three competitive rounds and achieving the highest overall score in the championship. The team was led by Martha Robles, Cresson Elementary School Counselor, who was also trained through DHP’s professional development program for teachers and school administrators.
Presented by the JAMS Foundation, the Association of Peer Program Professionals (APPP), and the Online Peer Mediation Platform (OPMP), the tournament brought together student mediators from schools around the world to demonstrate their conflict resolution abilities.
For each round, teams created a video showing students completing a mediation scenario. Two team members served as mediators, while two others assumed the roles of peers experiencing a conflict. Judges assessed the participants’ communication, neutrality, active listening, problem-solving, and overall effectiveness in helping both parties work toward a peaceful resolution.
The tournament followed an elimination format, with only the highest-scoring teams advancing after each round. Cresson Elementary progressed through every stage of the competition, consistently receiving strong evaluations before earning the highest score in the final championship round.
The students developed their skills through our program, which uses Transformative Social-Emotional Learning to promote empathy, self-awareness, responsible decision-making, and constructive communication. Through structured training and hands-on practice, peer mediators learn to help their classmates discuss disagreements, understand different perspectives, and identify mutually acceptable solutions.
WPDI also works with the adults who support students each day. Through its training for teachers and school administrators, the program equips school personnel with tools to reinforce conflict resolution, social-emotional learning, and restorative approaches across the school community.
As Cresson Elementary’s school counselor and the team’s leader, Martha Robles worked closely with the students to refine their mediation techniques, practice effective communication strategies, and build confidence in their ability to navigate complex conflict situations.
In the official announcement, tournament organizers praised the team’s achievement, stating, “Your students’ performance was exceptional, and we believe your team deserves to be celebrated for their excellence in peer mediation.”
Organizers also recognized the preparation behind the students’ success, noting that their “dedication, preparation, and outstanding demonstration of peer mediation skills have set a high standard for students around the world.”
The championship reflects more than the team’s success in competition. As trained peer mediators, Matthew, Benjamin, Eden, and Rhiley are helping foster a school culture in which students can approach disagreements through dialogue, empathy, and respect.
Their achievement demonstrates the impact of equipping both students and educators with practical tools to create safer, more inclusive learning environments. It also reflects the mission of the Domestic Harmonizer Program: empowering young people and the adults who support them to become active contributors to peace within their schools and communities.
Read the full competition announcement from the Online Peer Mediation Platform.
To learn more about WPDI’s Domestic Harmonizer Program and access educational resources, visit the DHP Virtual Center.
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