“As a teacher, it’s not easy being in a class with 20+ students all at varying degrees of readiness and learning styles – and due to district cuts – losing classroom support. I have had quite a few high school and college volunteers. They all do a great job but there is a difference in the preparedness of students coming through this high school class/curriculum. They understand the struggles many students have – and some have lived that struggle. The teens come in knowing they can make an impact. Their intent is to model a caring community member. Because I have been a part of this program for many years, I have seen some of our elementary students – now in high school – return to our school as leaders impacting young people knowing those students will most likely take up the mantle as teen leader in the future. This is a great program.”