The counseling department began a new program called Mentors and Mentees (M&M) in which upperclassmen provide guidance to freshmen throughout the year.

“It is well known by grades (and) behavior patterns that high school is a huge adjustment from middle school,” counselor and founder of the program, Lisa Davis said. “We are trying to find multiple ways to provide support systems for our ninth graders.”

Senior Torris Curry said he is eager to participate.

“I want to help someone better themselves,” Curry said.

The program has already brought about improvement in students.

“I have seen increased involvement in school, heard excellent conversations taking place and seen a lot of smiles,” Davis said.

The upperclassmen assist mentees with their goals.

“Mentors help mentees set three realistic goals and help them reach them by the end of the year,” Davis said.

Juniors are also encouraged to participate.

“My goals are to help my mentee branch out of her shell,” junior Tayia Anderson said. “I want her to be able to have her own opinion(s).”

Davis said she would like students to take their journey in the program into account and continue to participate in the future.

“I hope that the current mentees will eventually want to be a mentor to a ninth grader when they become juniors and seniors,” Davis said.

The program has not only benefitted the freshmen, but also the juniors and seniors involved.

“It’s made me take a step back, evaluate myself and see what I can use to help others,” Curry said.

Davis said she expects the program to help students in many ways.

She said, “I am hoping this program will continue and it can help produce an attitude of serving one another through fellowship and caring.”