High school student spend quality time mentoring youngsters

High school student spend quality time mentoring youngsters

(AP) — Memorial High School students broke from their routine and took a short a walk to hang out with some special kids.

A group of Crimson Chargers shared quality time Thursday with youngsters at Woodland Elementary, located directly next to the Elkhart Memorial campus, for a "Walk in Their Shoes," a mentoring program between the two schools that was established to enhance student engagement - from each side.

The "Walk in Their Shoes" idea was created as a credit program by language arts teacher Michael Henderson, who challenged the high school students to give 40 hours of their time at the elementary school.

Jacquie Rost, Memorial's athletic director, said the informal program helps get the older students connecting with kids.

LeVan appreciates students' effort in the program and how it helps with daily social skills.

Younger kids look up to the older kids and see that they are mentoring and just being role models, allowing them to talk to elementary school kids in a way the teachers can't break through.