{"id":13988,"date":"2025-06-06T14:52:13","date_gmt":"2025-06-06T18:52:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vbcpsblogs.com\/core\/?p=13988"},"modified":"2025-06-06T14:52:37","modified_gmt":"2025-06-06T18:52:37","slug":"green-run-high-school-and-white-oaks-elementary-recognized-for-model-partnership","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vbcpsblogs.com\/core\/green-run-high-school-and-white-oaks-elementary-recognized-for-model-partnership\/","title":{"rendered":"Green Run High School and White Oaks Elementary recognized for Model Partnership"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"<\/a>
Green Run High School seniors visited White Oaks Elementary students to interact with students about once a week this past year. The mentorship program was recognized as a 2025 model partnership by VBCPS.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

By Cindy Butler Focke<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Green Run High senior Autumn Gouch, right, played a game with White Oaks Elementary student Milania Wimberly during a visit as part of the mentorship program between the two schools.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

VBCPS office of family and community engagement (FACE) announced their 2025 Model Partnerships, including the mentorship program between Green Run High School and White Oaks Elementary.<\/p>\n

Green Run High AVID teacher Jennifer Eason and White Oaks Elementary counselors Karidah Cotten and Leah Brown created the interactive partnership between the two schools several years ago.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe purpose of this partnership is to connect students with mentors that can serve as \u2018cheerleaders\u2019 for our students who are in need of a little boost of confidence, connecting in school and, or some social-emotional support,\u201d Cotten said.<\/p>\n

This year, 13 seniors were chosen as mentors based on their demonstrated leadership abilities and school involvement. Most were in the AVID program, and some in ROTC.<\/p>\n

They were paired with one or two of approximately 30 White Oaks Elementary third, fourth and fifth graders.<\/p>\n

Mentors visited the elementary school almost weekly. They read together, played games and had conversations about doing well in school, building relationships with peers and more.<\/p>\n

Green Run senior Amariah Bankston said she enjoys mentoring younger kids.<\/p>\n

Both of her mentees were excited to see her each time she arrived, she said. \u201cWe always had something new to talk about.\u201d<\/p>\n

They discussed their pets and families, plus created bracelets with words of affirmation to help them think positively when taking a test.<\/p>\n

Senior Frankie Banks said she wanted to participate in the program to help build leadership skills, especially since she wants to be a teacher one day.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy mentee was shy at first, but as time went on, we got really close,\u201d she said. They talked about school, home life, interests, hobbies, video games and music preferences.<\/p>\n

Senior Edynizer Ordonio said he hoped to make a difference in his mentees\u2019 lives.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wanted to show the kids that no matter who they are, they can make connections with different people.\u201d<\/p>\n

He talked with one mentee about music, video games and friends and learned a lot from him about airplanes and the military.<\/p>\n

Another mentee needed some help controlling emotions better. \u201cI taught him some breathing techniques and to have a positive mindset,\u201d Edynizer said.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Cotten said the partnership has increased the White Oaks students\u2019 confidence and sense of belonging.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur students that have mentors have increased self-esteem and relationship building skills,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Rayne Prichard said her mentor made her feel better, while Londyn Hamlett said it was like having an older sister. \u201cShe told me things to do and not to do in high school and life,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Melody Ball said her mentor was nice. \u201cHaving a mentor helped me focus more in class,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Eason said the mentorship program was beneficial for both sets of students.<\/p>\n

The high school students served as positive role models and \u201clearned about the importance of patience, leadership and communication,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Cotten said the seniors not only received credit for their community service requirement, but realized they could \u201cmake an impact on the world.\u201d<\/p>\n

2025 \u00a0Model Partnerships: \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n