Bullard ISD is piloting a new student-to-student mentoring program called Panther Pals.  Through Panther Pals, 23 Bullard High School juniors and seniors are serving as mentors to 23 pre-K and kindergarten students at the Bullard Early Childhood (BEC) Campus. 

The idea for the program came from a discussion during the November School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) meeting about possible ways to improve the social-emotional health of students. Amy McKeethan, Health Science teacher at BHS, says she and BEC Principal Amanda Goode hope that in the long run, “mentors and mentees will experience personal growth in compassion, relationships, communicating, dependability, and responsibility that will have a lasting impact on both sets of students.”

Mentors were carefully selected through an application and interview process and received mentor training through the Children's Advocacy Center.  Mrs. Goode then matched each mentor to a mentee based on specific criteria from the application and interview.  Each week, they will spend 30 to 60 minutes with their mentee playing games, reading, working on school work, eating lunch, or just being positive role models and friends. 

Mentors and mentees recently met for the first time at a kickoff celebration in the BEC library, where they enjoyed pizza, games, smiles, and conversation.

“I love this experience,” senior Asher Breedlove said.  “I hope I can be here for my mentee and all these kids and just give them someone to look up to.” 

Junior Rylie Jo Garner is excited to begin the program.  She hopes her mentee feels supported throughout their time together.  “I am excited about this opportunity,” Rylie said.  “I’ve always had a lot of family supporting me along the way, so I look forward to being here to support these children as well.”