“When presented with a tough situation, take a step back and assess all your options.”– Summit participant Jakob L.
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ore than a dozen grade 10 and 11 students, accompanied by three teachers and MCS Principal Matthew Sloane, traveled to Killington, Vermont, for the Sweethearts and Heroes Summit and Spartan Race on Sept. 11-13. They returned with new personal strategies to use both inside and outside of school.
The Sweethearts and Heroes Summit aims to promote positive relationships and prevent substance abuse. For many, this was a transformative experience.
“This was one of the most impactful youth leadership conferences I have ever experienced,” said Sloane. “Students developed relationship skills, grew in confidence, and will positively improve school culture.”
“I feel like it was a great experience with so many opportunities,” said Marley M.
Last year, MCS hosted Sweethearts and Heroes assemblies and activities at the elementary and Jr./Sr. schools. District administrators were impressed with the impact. This year, the Summit experience was made possible through a $50,000 grant awarded to the school district by Schoharie County Community Services and Mental Health Office. Sloane said the investment will have long-term benefits.
After witnessing the impact of “talking circles,” history teacher Katelynne Schuttig is now making plans to recreate that experience in her classroom.
“They are a great way for students to connect with each other and to foster a sense of belonging,” Schuttig said. “I learned so much about our students through the stories they were willing to share, and it helped me to understand them better. No one is alone in their struggles, and I’d love to incorporate that idea into my classroom.”
After learning about other people’s stories, Ava S. and a fellow attendee from Oppenheim-Ephratah-St. Johnsville Central School District both said, “It really opens your eyes to how much people go through without showing any signs of it.”
Schuttig says she saw the students grow in resiliency as she and six students took on the Spartan Race course. The race up a ski mountain was intense, but students helped one another, and the team won.
“The Spartan Race showed everyone’s true colors,” said Lillian K. “Because it was so physically and mentally demanding, you had to put your differences aside, and work together. And that’s exactly what we did.”
Jakob L’s experience also reflects that, “A moment that made a strong impact was definitely at the race when I had to decide between being done or doing the extra mile. When I finally decided I was going to do it, it made me realize that I was stronger than I thought.”
Another Sweethearts and Heroes learning opportunity is scheduled at MCS this year. In October, faculty members will meet with founder Tom Murphy during Professional Development Day. Murphy won’t be alone in presenting; some of the students who attended the Summit will be called on to lead demonstrations.
Photos courtesy of Ava S,. Marley M and Katelynn Schuttig.
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