The Joseph Stilwell Military Academy of Leadership recently spotlighted its new mentoring initiative, where eighth graders offer guidance and support to their younger sixth-grade peers. The program, operational from this fall, is the latest attempt by the school to enhance community spirit and instill values of kindness and inclusion among students.
In an endeavor to bolster school unity and culture, the students are engaging in discussions about bullying and the importance of being kind, as reported by Duval County Public Schools. Nitza Palomino, the Magnet Coordinator and Lead Leadership Teacher for the eighth grade at Joseph Stilwell, emphasized the program's role in building a sense of community. "It's fostering unity within our battalions," she expressed. Palomino further stated, "It builds a lot of community, and it helps school culture more than anything."
Through the program, sixth graders like Chrishawn Taylor can look forward to receiving academic help and valuable advice from their senior mentors. "Maybe he can teach me more about science, and he can help me with my math," Taylor shared with Duval County Public Schools. Fellow sixth grader My'kakyla Wallace also acknowledged the benefits of having an eighth grader to guide her through the new challenges of middle school.
The mentorship isn't one-sided; eighth-grade mentors are discovering the responsibilities that come with being role models. Landon Howard, one of the mentors, mentioned the positive influence they aim to pass on: "I can help out the sixth graders and guide them toward success," he told Duval County Public Schools. According to Palomino, the mentors themselves are learning the significance of leading with respect and responsibility due to their engagement with mentees.
While the program is still in its initial stages and not accessible to the entire student body, the intent is clear: an all-inclusive kindness and compassion initiative is underway. Palomino witnessed the positive changes emerging from the program, expressing optimism for its future. "The big goal is to promote kindness and compassion in a supportive atmosphere—for all of us," she declared. As it gains momentum, Joseph Stilwell's mentoring program aims to extend its reach, shaping not just individual relationships, but the school's culture at large, as mentioned by Duval County Public Schools.
