Del Norte Seniors Show Elementary Students How to Live Life with Good Character by KATHY LOY | photo by Visual Photography
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f you’ve spent any time in a local elementary school, you’ll hear students, teachers, and administrators talking about the pillars of positive character development: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. These pillars are being reinforced by a special program for Del Norte High School students that provide them with leadership opportunities and a chance to mentor younger children in the area. Del Norte High School started the ambassador program this year in order to help elementary school students see the character pillars in action; reflected back to them in high school students they can look up to and emulate. The program, called SOAR (Success through Outstanding Achievement and Respect) consists of twelve students in their senior year, who travel to the elementary schools giving presentations, making classroom visits, and spending one-onone time talking to students. The kids are even given trading cards with SOAR member photos on them. “The most exciting thing about this program is being asked by the kids for our signed cards,” said Madeleine Johnstone, SOAR member. “They look at us like we are heroes, and that is more rewarding than any achievement in high school.”
18 • 92127Magazine.com • March | April 2013
The SOAR program was started at Del Norte by the new Assistant Principal, Keith Koelzer, who ran a similar program during his tenure at Rancho Bernardo High School. Mr. Koelzer held training meetings for the program members, gave them tips on public speaking and helped them related to younger children. SOAR student selection is done by school administrators and is based on having a strong academic standing, involvement with the school and/or community, and a commitment to live a drug and alcohol free lifestyle. “The Ambassador program involves encouraging and motivating young students to believe they can be successful in all they set out to do,” said Katarina Stapleford, SOAR member. “We encourage them to pursue their interests, be involved, to try hard in school and to stay off tobacco, drugs, and alcohol.” The inaugural SOAR students consist of athletes who play rugby, football, water polo, field hockey, and who are on the swim and cheerleading teams. Members are also in Drama, Band, ASB, and other school clubs. “The beauty of our program is that between all of our different interests and personalities, a younger student always finds at least one of us they can relate to,” explained Katarina. Mr. Koelzer said the program has received a tremendous response so far. Applications for next year’s ambassadors will be accepted in May. ¢