Local elementary school program returns connecting students with adult mentors

The Lunch Buddy program resumed this year at STEAM Academy at Woodrow Wilson Elementary School in Port Huron, once again giving local students the opportunity to connect and develop role-model relationships with members of the community.

Having been temporarily shut down due to the pandemic, the program was created by Karen Jackson a paraprofessional with the Port Huron Area School District. Through weekly meetings where students can eat lunch and bond with their Lunch Buddy, the program is designed to build upon the educational experience of primary school, adding a deep community-based objective to learning.

Principal Shylah Eagle says not only has the program’s reintroduction led to a substantial positive response from both the kids and their Lunch Buddies, but the program has more than 30 students actively participating and continues to grow.

“The returning response from the adults has been positive as well, voicing that they enjoy making a difference,” she says. “We truly believe in the philosophy that it takes a village to raise a child. This program expanded our village and allowed students to form connections with positive adult role models.”

Harold Powell, who works as Community Correspondent for this publication as well as several other local media outlets, is one of several volunteers for the program.

Lunch Buddies Harold Powell (left) and Terrill.

“Our students don't all have a good home life and the time that I have spent as a Lunch Buddy has made a positive impact on both the students and me,” he says. “It feels good to help students know their value in the world.”

Powell says he was also able to discuss future careers with his Lunch Buddy and give insight into his job working for a radio station.

“My student enjoyed hearing about the unique career option, afterward sharing about how excited they were to hear someone they knew on the radio,” he says.

Eagle says in the 2023-2024 school year they anticipate their student population growing by approximately 50%. She says she hopes the Lunch Buddy program continues to grow each year and help as many kids as possible.

“Any opportunity to allow a child to make a connection with someone who believes in their potential is a crucial one,” she says. “In turn, these students are naturally growing their self-confidence and allowing them to envision who they may want to be in the future.”

Those who are interested in participating in the program as a Lunch Buddy can contact the STEAM Academy office at (810) 984-6530.