If you walk the halls of Woodland Elementary during the afternoon every Wednesday, you'll notice students who stand much taller than their younger peers -- they are the Woodland Helpers.
Portage Central High School students visit with elementary students weekly as part of the mentoring program started by a PCHS student as a service project.
About 25 students are paired up with elementary peers based on shared interests, Sophia Loso, a senior at PC and leader of the Woodland Helpers, said.
The project began three years ago by Sophia's older sister, she said. Teachers refer students they believe would benefit from the time spent with an older peer. The high school students spend time with their younger student every week working on homework or simply catching up playing games.
"It's been amazing to see the firsthand effects that mentoring has on these kids," Sophia said.
Marianne Loso, the engagement specialist at Woodland and Sophia's mother, said the elementary students are excited every week to see their older peer. The program, which is open to students from Young Fives to 5th Grade will continue under the leadership of a new high schooler in coming years.
