Panther Pals mentoring program expands into Bullard Primary School

Amongst wide eyes and smiling faces, 72 students in Pre-K through 2nd grades met a new friend this week. As they excitedly walked into their school libraries, they quickly found their new Panther Pal, a Bullard High School student who will mentor them throughout the school year.

Panther Pals began last school year as a pilot program, where 23 Bullard High School students mentored Pre-K and kindergarten students at Bullard Early Childhood Campus. This year, the program has expanded into Bullard Primary School to also serve first and second-grade students. Altogether, 65 mentors will serve 72 mentees.

Each week, mentors will spend 30-45 minutes with their mentees doing things like class work, participating in PE, playing at recess, or hanging out with other Pals. They will also attend special campus activities or events like parties or field days. 

Bullard High School teacher Amy McKeethan says the goal of the Panther Pals program is two-fold; one, it gives the high school mentors “the opportunity to contribute to our district and society by giving their time and service in this way,” she said. And second, “it gives the mentees a positive role model they can look up to who is not a teacher or parent that will help them feel valued and important. My hope is that this program makes a positive impact on both the mentors and mentees.”

Mentors and mentees met for the first time at a Match Day event earlier this week. They enjoyed pizza and activities to help get to know each other. With supplies donated by Woodmen of the World Insurance in Bullard, mentors created tie-dye shirts for themselves and their mentees.

BHS seniors Traeson Wynne and Emery Downing enjoyed seeing the joy on their mentees’ faces as they walked into Match Day to meet their new mentors. 

“The looks on the kids’ faces when they saw us for the first time was pure excitement,” Treason said. “They loved being the center of attention, and it felt good to provide them with that. I think I will benefit from my mentee just as much as they will benefit from me, and I could not be more excited.”

Emery also described the experience. “Panther pals match day was an experience of pure joy,” she said. “Seeing all the small faces light up with excitement is a feeling I will never forget. Holding the tiny hand of my pal was the most surreal feeling of knowing that I am a comfort and a person who is relied on. Being a part of something bigger than myself makes all the difference in not only my life but the life of my little pal.”

Mentors were carefully selected through an application and interview process and received mentor training through the Child Advocacy Center.

For more information, contact Amy Pawlak, Bullard ISD Public Relations Coordinator, at amy.pawlak@bullardisd.net.