“Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'” 1 Peter 5: 2-5
Henderson High School has established a mentoring program, called Warrior Guides with the support and encouragement of the Andrew L. Hicks, Jr. Foundation. The club is currently in its sixth year and currently recruiting 100 members at the high school and 100 Chester 5th and 6th graders. The Officers of the club are: Kyle Hicks, Ryan Howe, Ashlee Somers, Jake Drap and Willow Dysard. The goal of the Warrior Guides program is to provide an opportunity to individual Henderson High School students to be a significant influence on the life of a Chester 5th or 6th grader who may need supplemental support, friendship or encouragement. Membership in the club comes with distinct responsibilities. Each high school student will be expected to participate in at least 6, but hopefully all 8, organized, community events with their Chester mentee and the Chester students have the same expectation.
(from the left) Chester Brave Nafis, Henderson Guide Zach Roberts, Chester Brave Brean and Henderson Guide Kyle Hicks enjoy dinner at last year’s ACAC Christmas Pool Party. Kyle has also been Brean’s Camp Counselor for the past four summers!
The Chester fifth and sixth graders can attend Widener Partnership Charter School, Chester Community Charter School, Chester Charter School for the Arts, Drexel Neumann Academy, Main Street Elementary, Toby Farms, Chester Upland School of Arts, or any other Chester school.
In addition to the 8 available events, each high school student will be expected to initiate 5 “personal touches” which are private communications with their mentee (such as mailing a birthday card or calling their friend to check on their academic progress). Most mentors don’t miss an event and many continue their relationship through a second year.
These events include: Henderson High School Football Game, Field Day, ACAC Fitness Center Christmas Pool Party, Urban Air Trampoline Park, Bowling, Arnold’s Family Fun Center, Chester Community Service Day and our last event of the year will be a Phillies Game!
Any mentor turning 18 years old prior to 6/1/17 will be required to have a Criminal Background Check done as well as a Child Abuse Clearance and their name will be run against the Megan’s Law National Sexual Offenders Registry. Please click here for more information on obtaining clearances or email Karen Hicks at Karen@AndrewLHicksJrFoundatio.org.
At a University of Delaware Men’s Soccer game last year, several Braves and Guides enjoyed getting to know each other. Some of the friendships were new, some picked up right where they left off from the previous year!
CLICK HERE see the Henderson GUIDE Application and Waiver Form, including the club’s Description, Mission, Aims, Expectations and Rules.
CLICK HERE to see the Chester 5th & 6th grade Brave Application and Waiver Form, including the club’s Description, Mission, Aims, Expectations and Rules.
The Warrior Guides really made an impact in Chester during their annual Community Service Day last year! We can’t wait to see what this year will bring.
Special Thanks:
Rochelle Baxter, Andrew L. Hicks, Jr. Foundation Ambassador
Susanne Cianfaro, Chester Community Charter School
Anitra Taylor, Widener Partnership Charter School
Akosua Watts, Chester Charter School for the Arts
Leona Ahmed, Chester Charter School for the Arts
Sister Cathy McGowan, Drexel Neumann Academy
Shanna Pryor, Toby Farms Elementary
Tammy Cottman-Cox, Main Street Elementary
Brenda Womack, Chester Upland School of Arts