A group of fifth graders is playing an integral role in helping younger students be BRAVE. This fall, the Sweethearts and Heroes program was introduced to elementary students during a visit from Tom Murphy and Retired Sgt. Rick Yarosh. The program has already been implemented with faculty and staff, and in the Middle/High School, for several years. The overall focus is spreading purpose, compassion, and empathy among students and staff, as well as cultivate a positive school environment and build a strong school community.

            After Murphy and Yarosh’s October visit, team members returned to WES this fall to launch the BRAVE Program. The peer-to-peer, mixed-age leadership program aims to help students learn together, support one another, and make school a more caring, inclusive community. Grounded in play and social-emotional learning, it teaches kids how to show compassion, build confidence, and take action when someone needs help. A key part of the program is circle work, where students sit together in a circle to share thoughts, listen, and connect. This helps build trust, understanding, and a sense of belonging.

            Fifth graders applied to participate in the BRAVE Buddies six-week program. Selected students worked closely with Sweethearts and Heroes facilitators to learn leadership skills that helped them work directly with first graders. The older students helped first graders learn how to show empathy and compassion through games and activities, and gain confidence in standing up for what’s right and support their peers.