High school class helps students make a difference
Four years ago, students and faculty and Bob Jones High School saw a need for a class for students who wanted to make a difference in both the city schools and community. The Student 2 Student Peer Helpers course formed as a result.
Today, the class is still taught by founder Bridget Drummond–with additional help from two other instructors—and still going strong with more and more students wanting to help out around the community.
Earlier in the school year, the class organized an initiative where they helped transfer students become better acquainted with the school by giving campus tours and sitting with them at the lunch.
“These are kids who felt empathy and a desire to serve,” said Assistant Principal Julie Finley. “We encouraged Ms. Drummond to develop a course curriculum that would allow students to define areas of focus.”
More than 130 students have transferred into the school since classes began Aug. 9. Drummond said the students in her class have not only formed bonds with those transfers, but have also developed similar relationships with one another.
“It’s such a large school with so many students, it may seem like it’s hard to fit in,” Drummond said. “Some students are just overwhelmed and we don’t want them to get lost in the cracks.”
The peer helpers are also involved in other initiatives such as Red Ribbon Week, fundraising for St. Jude, anti-bullying campaigns and tutoring at-risk students. They signed contracts stating they will be drug and alcohol free as a way to influence others at the school to take the same stance.
Senior Steve Sellers has been in the class for two years. He said he took the course because he enjoyed serving the community and he participated in a similar program in elementary school.
“I’m always happy every time I go in the class,” Sellers said. “It’s always fun in there and the instructors are great. The best thing about the class is sitting with the new students at the lunch table.”
The class mirrors a Military Child Education Coalition program of the same name.
The non-profit coalition paid to send two students and two faculty members from the school to a training conference in San Antonio, Tx. that provided them with skills, tips and program ideas on helping others.
Finley said she would like to send students to the national convention in Nashville this year to show the coalition what they’ve learned.
