The familiar buzz of a fifth grade lunch period recently took on a different tone as students gathered with high school student-athletes, leaning across cafeteria tables to share stories about school and sports. The experience was part of a new mentorship program designed to support fifth graders during an important transitional year while creating meaningful leadership opportunities for the high school students.
“One of the most meaningful moments was observing how invested the high school students were in the conversations – leaning in to listen closely to the fifth graders,” said Bronxville Elementary School Assistant Principal Dr. Michelle Tween, who organized the program with Interim Principal Adrienne Laitman and Athletic Director Anthony Vaglica. “At the same time, the fifth graders were genuinely happy and engaged throughout the session. The space was filled with productive noise and a different vibe than a typical fifth grade lunch period.”
Vaglica explained that by bringing these two groups together, administrators aimed to create a culture of mentorship where younger students feel supported and older students learn the responsibility of being a role model off the field. He said leadership is being taught by example and hoped the older students can model core athletic and life values such as active listening, resilience, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
“When a high schooler sits down with an elementary student, looks them in the eye, and encourages them through a simple task or game, the younger student learns that true leadership is about lifting others up,” Vaglica said. “We want the younger students to see that being a leader isn’t just about being the best player; it’s about how you treat people.”
Dr. Tween noted the program also paired the elementary school students with the varsity high school athletes who can reflect on their own experiences and offer guidance, encouragement and reassurance about growing up and moving onto middle school.
“We wanted to seize an opportunity to give the fifth graders some guidance from students who recently experienced many of the same challenges,” Dr. Tween said. “We hope the fifth graders feel a connection to the group leaders, benefit from their shared experiences, and will embrace leadership opportunities when they arise for them.”
Vaglica said the athletes already demonstrate leadership by handling pressure, balancing academics and athletics, and building a positive team culture.
“Younger students naturally look up to high school athletes,” Vaglica said. “There is an inherent hero factor there. We wanted to intentionally channel that admiration into a structured mentorship program. By selecting athletes vetted by coaches, teachers, and peers, we knew we were bringing in students with the maturity and character to take this responsibility seriously.”
The exceptional group of student-athletes represents a wide range of varsity programs, including football, field hockey, basketball, soccer, lacrosse and more. Of the 31 students who attended an informational meeting about the program – with no obligation to participate – every student chose to become involved.
“That was really incredible to me,” Dr. Tween said. “These athletes have led their teams through some impressive seasons this year, demonstrating hard work, dedication and teamwork. Their participation in the program meant they knew how impactful it would have been for them as a fifth grader.”