USCHS mentors host Freshman Field Day
The Upper St. Clair High School mentor program hosted its eighth annual Field Day event for freshmen and their junior mentors on Friday, Oct. 14, 2016, at the high school stadium.
“Freshman Field Day offers an opportunity for ninth graders and junior mentors to share in a bonding experience where the mentors foster genuine concern, build relationships, and promote student success,” Thomas Marquis, school counselor, said. “Over the last eight years, Field Day has evolved and become a staple event in our school culture.
The morning kicked off with a mentor-mentee breakfast in the cafeteria followed by a variety of team building events including tug of war, sack races, railroad relay, blind-folded dodge ball and others. Mentors, assigned to freshman homerooms, served as coaches, cheerleaders, and supporters to their mentees during each activity.
“From surveying previous classes, students have indicated that this day is the most unifying event of their freshman year,” Mike Funfar, mathematics teacher, said.
Students in grade 11 are eligible to apply to serve as mentors in order to assist freshmen with the transition from middle school to high school. Each freshman homeroom is assigned three to four mentors who provide information, encouragement and support throughout the year. Each year approximately 60 juniors serve as mentors in the program. Mr. Marquis, Mr. Funfar and Amanda Haas, mathematics teacher, serve as faculty advisors.
“We strive to assist students to achieve academic goals by encouraging involvement in the Upper St. Clair High School community,” Mrs. Haas said.
Freshman Field Day was led by a team of five seniors, who serve as super-mentors – Stephen Cuddy, Mackenzie Dominick, Megan Kramer, Eric Lehman and Allie Ryave. A team of approximately 20 senior mentors coordinated each of the competitive stations.
