Operation Impact is a program that matches up Huntington North High School students with 5th grade students throughout the corporation. This is the second year for Operation Impact, and the kickoff for this year’s program was held at Huntington University. The purpose is to mentor the younger students in areas of decision making, leadership, drug awareness, and self-confidence.
“HCCSC has been a strong advocate for teaching the importance of life skills and preparing our students for the future. Our older students can be some of the best role models for our younger students because they can more easily relate to today’s issues. Operation Impact gives all of our students the ability to apply these teachings in a collaborative effort. Our high school students are given the opportunity to model and talk about their life experiences with our elementary students, and that is powerful,” stated Principal Mark Dubois – Horace Mann Elementary School.
Principal Aimee Lunsford of Flint Springs Elementary also supports this initiative. “The impact this program has on our kids is significant. While I was a strong supporter of the DARE program, what has been done through Operation Impact gives us the same message, yet reaches a bit deeper. I think a lot of this is due to the tie many of our kids have to the mentors that do the teaching. Our kids see them as role models and want to emulate them. Hearing this message straight from those they look up to so much is very powerful!”
“Operation Impact is very rewarding for our high school students to have a positive influence and make a difference with younger students in our district. Our high school students possess high character and integrity, and it is a great opportunity for them to share their life experiences and speak to life lessons with the 5th graders. The relationships that were formed and the fun experiences were bonuses and things that our students will be able to remember for a lifetime,” explained Dr. Russ Degitz – Huntington North High School.
Operation Impact will continue through January and February. HNHS mentors will visit classrooms and share lessons with their groups, culminating in a graduation ceremony in the spring.