Moses Lake mentor program in full swing

Children work first, then play

MOSES LAKE — A mentor program that links elementary school children with senior citizens is in full swing with plenty of kids carrying lots of homework.

Four times a week children from Lakeview Elementary School meet at United Methodist Church in Moses Lake for Youth-Senior Connection, where seniors help them with school work. After their homework is finished, students make crafts and play games.

Audrey Rhodes, 10, said she joined the program because her mom wanted her to improve her math skills. The program has helped, Rhodes said.

"I like that I can get my homework finished first, and after I get to play with my friends," Rhodes said.

Allen Hernandez, 9, said he did not really need help with his homework, but the program is fun. Hernandez' mentor, Rita Noland, said she is involved in the program because she enjoys helping others.

"I know he's a nice young man," Noland said of Hernandez. "Nice and polite."

Youth-Senior Connection Director Wanda Harrison said about fifty seniors volunteer for the program, which runs from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday. At least six of the volunteers are former teachers.

Moses Lake resident Carol Walster said she worked as a teacher for 25 years and spent 12 years after that as a storyteller. Now Walster volunteers as a tutor, but she incorporates her storytelling into tutoring.

Walster brought two students toy butterflies on Thursday because their last name is Butterfly, and then learned another Butterfly was in the room. She promised to look for another critter at home.

"It's a personal satisfaction," she said. "It's really rewarding."

Two students requested her as a tutor Thursday, although she already had two students signed up.

Most of the mentors are senior citizens, but two are students with Moses Lake High School's Key Club.

Corbin Goodman, 17, said Thursday was his first day volunteering for the program.

Goodman said his goal is to improve students' study habits and help them get their homework finished on time.

"It's fun just to help kids," he said.