A number of Sanford High School students are making a significant impact in the elementary and middle schools within the district through a long-standing mentoring program.
This initiative, which began more than 15 years ago, allows high school students to earn elective credit or fulfill community service requirements while providing valuable support to younger Sanford students.
“It wasn’t just driven for kids that are interested in going into the educational field,” Sanford High School Social Worker Gayle Fallon said. “It was for kids that would be interested in being a mentor to the little ones or the middle school-aged kiddos, and giving back to the community.”
Seniors in good academic standing can apply to become mentors. Fallon matches these students with teachers who have requested assistance in their classrooms. Some mentors even choose to return to elementary schools they attended as children, creating a full-circle moment for them.
Among this semester’s mentors is SHS senior Tala Soule, who assists in Laura Houle’s second grade math class at Carl J. Lamb Elementary four days a week for an hour. With 18 students in the classroom, Soule’s presence provides valuable support.
“Getting to know the kids and watching them grow is very rewarding and cool,” said Soule, who plans to pursue a career in education after graduation.”
The impact of her presence is clear to Houle.
“It’s wonderful that she’s been helping,” Houle said. “And on the day’s she’s not here, my students are always asking ‘where’s Ms. Soule?’ so they enjoy her alot.”
Ten SHS students are serving as mentors across the district this semester, ensuring the program’s positive impact is felt throughout the community. The mentoring assignments are flexible, adapting to the high school students’ schedules.
Some participants dedicate a single block per day to mentoring, while others commit to two consecutive blocks. For those with alternating day schedules, Fallon works with school counselors to align mentoring opportunities with their class schedules.
The program offers more than just community service hours. It provides students with real-world experience that can shape their future career paths. This hands-on experience in different grade levels and educational settings helps students refine their career interests and gain valuable insights.