Cayce Makes Big Strides in Mentorship Program for Students
CAYCE — A bright spot is emerging at Cayce Elementary School as teachers, students, and community leaders come together to create a powerful mentorship program that brings high school students together with younger kids, fostering friendships and building confidence.
Recess – A Time for Growth
When Dilan Rodriguez, a fourth grader who recently moved to the U.S. from Honduras, arrived at Cayce Elementary, the playground felt more like a lonely island than a place for fun. “I felt alone,” he shared. “I didn’t want to come to school.”
Observing him from the sidelines, Elaine Lundy, the new principal at Cayce Elementary, recognized the need for a program that could help bridge gaps and include students like Dilan. And thus, the idea for “Full Circle” was born, a delightful mentorship initiative that pairs third and fourth graders with high school students from Brookland Cayce High School.
High Schoolers Step Up
With the vision of enhancing students’ educational experience during recess, Lundy teamed up with Ryan Van Omen, the high school’s assistant principal, and John Spigner, a leadership teacher. Together, they crafted the Full Circle program geared at connecting high school mentors with elementary students in need of that extra support.
“When younger kids hear it from older students, it resonates differently,” Lundy explained. “They look up to these high schoolers and see them as role models. These mentors help the younger kids understand the significance of education in a fun, engaging way.”
Picking the Right Matches
The program is precise in its approach. Students at Cayce Elementary, particularly those in the third and fourth grades, were selected based on need. They were looking for kids who might need a confidence boost, additional educational motivation, or perhaps inspiration to consider careers in teaching themselves.
Once a month, the high school mentors visit the elementary school, and every Wednesday, the kids spend their recesses engaging in activities that go beyond just play—much to the delight of students like Dilan.
Making a Difference
Mentors are drawn from Spigner’s leadership class, where students learn the importance of being leaders both in their schools and their communities. “I wanted them to see that leadership transcends the classroom,” Spigner said. “It’s about shaping the community.”
Ashlee Medina Galo, a junior who is a part of this initiative, feels a personal connection to the program. Having been in fourth grade when the school first opened in 2017, she couldn’t be more excited to give back. “I wish I had this program when I was younger; it would have helped me,” Medina Galo confessed.
A Beautiful Friendship
And for Dilan, things have taken a turn for the better. Thanks to Ashlee, who can relate to his background, recess is no longer a time of loneliness. Now, it’s filled with laughter and fun. “It makes me feel good to have someone to play with and not be alone anymore,” Dilan shared, enthusiasm shining in his eyes as he talked about their favorite games—tag and racing.
A Promising Future
Since launching the Full Circle program, principal Lundy has observed a remarkable decrease in student discipline issues, illustrating the positive impact this initiative is having on both elementary and high school students. The project aims to serve as a model for other schools within the district, potentially evolving to include mentorship opportunities from university students for the older kids as well.
As Cayce Elementary takes these big steps towards building a more inclusive environment, one thing is clear: the Full Circle program is much more than just a mentorship; it’s a network of support, encouragement, and friendship that will benefit the greater Cayce community for years to come.
