Mentoring takes on new meaning; empowers youth
RHMS and RCHS student mentors look forward to their weekly meetings with sixth grade students.
Article and photo by Amy Shanahan
Students mentoring younger students has proven beneficial to all those involved, and this is particularly evident with a new joint program at Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) and Rock Canyon High School (RCHS).
National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) students from RHMS and National Honor Society (NHS) students from RCHS have paired up with sixth grade students from RHMS this year to offer one-on-one help in academics, organization, study skills and work habits.
The pairs of students meet once a week for an hour after school, and the program has proven to be a huge success. Lori Qui, a counselor at RHMS, leads the program along with Lori King from RHMS and Marlaine McMechen from RCHS.
Qui remarked, “Our student mentors are great with the kids; they are patient, and kind. I see them actively helping the younger students work through their questions. I see them engaged in not only academic support, but kid conversations as well, laughing and having fun.”
NJHS and NHS are student groups that promote scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship. This mentoring program promotes those values and has resulted in tremendous bonds and friendships.
“The mentors light up when you talk to them about the relationships they are making with our sixth grade students,” stated King. “They know that they are making a positive difference in our school community. They feel empowered as leaders and role models, and they’re having fun!”
