Wide-eyed elementary students gazed way up at the over 6 feet tall Tiger basketball players and the MPHS National Honor Society members waiting for them in the E.C. Brice front office on Monday morning, October 2. The E.C. Brice Mentorship program officially kicked off in mid-September, and the high school students had arrived for their second meeting.

The program pairs a high school mentor with a Brice student, nominated by their classroom teacher, meeting once per month for about 30-40 minutes. The high school students play games and do craft projects to make their students feel comfortable, all while talking with them and building rapport. On this day, students were observed shooting basketballs, playing soccer, swinging, playing outdoor checkers, and enjoying board games. But all the while, the mentors students were engaging their elementary friends in conversations and modeling positive relationship skills.

“Our mentor program is designed to provide a supportive environment for Brice students to learn, grow, and gain valuable life skills such as strong interpersonal skills, self-confidence, self-esteem, teamwork, and cooperation,” said E.C. Brice Counselor, Jana Moore. The program will continue through April.

Photo 1 – Oliver Quiring (right) plays Jenga with mentor Kai Price
Photo 2 – Jayceon Rush (right) challenges mentor Reggie Webster to a dunk contest
Photo 3 – Twister Taylor (right) takes a break on the swings with mentor Tre Williams
Photo 4 – Emma Santistevan (right) and mentor Genesis Aguilar create an art piece