As John Weicker finishes his final two months of school, he’s counting down the days with a small ticker in his office.On Thursday, the counter read 44 days, plus a few hours, minutes and seconds.Older students are mentoring their younger peers and both sides benefit, Anthis Career Center Principal Larry Gerardot said.
The program was developed by Gerardot and Brentwood Elementary Principal Dianna Chadd.
The partnership was started seven years ago when Chadd was principal of Pleasant Center Elementary. For the past six years, she was been the principal of Brentwood Elementary.
“I saw a lot of the students becoming disinterested in school and not understanding how important it was,” she said. “They were apathetic. I was worried.”
The two principals talked and decided to let the older students give hands-on demonstrations to the younger ones to show them why school is important.
They began by choosing a group of at-risk boys, Chadd said, but have since added girls to the mix.
The Anthis students are matched with an elementary student and the two work on an activity – and possible future career option – such as culinary arts, graphic design, automotive or cosmetology.
“Our students get as much from this program as the younger ones,” Gerardot said. “They get an opportunity to share their skills and passion and to share their plans for the future.”
At least two of the Pleasant Center students have come full circle and are now attending Anthis Career Center, Chadd said.
Announcements
•Bishop Luers High School is now accepting applications for new student registration. Contact Jenny Andorfer, director of admissions, for an appointment or more information at 456-1261, ext. 3141, or jandorfer@bishopluers.org.
Indiana Tech
•Students interested in enrolling at Indiana Tech in fall 2013 are invited to spend the day as a Warrior on Saturday. From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., prospective students and their families will have the opportunity to tour the Fort Wayne campus, meet with professors and current students, and participate in information sessions on a variety of topics. To register, go to www.indianatech.edu/events or call the admissions office at 422-5561 or 800-937-2448, ext. 3103.
