Will Waller Wednesday & Akron Public Schools
Will Waller Wednesday was a program I started with Akron Public Schools– Hyre (CLC) Middle School. It was a basic and simple program that connected me every week with a group of 6th and 8th graders, and the idea being I would coach the 8th graders how to mentor the 6th graders.
As the school year went on, the program proved to be very easy. It morphed into me just being a consistent figure in their lives who had no motive other than to be there for them. I wasn’t a teacher, or a counselor or a parent. Instead, I was an adult who simply cared about their well being and wanted to be a regular presence in their lives and one who they could ask any question and get real (sometimes direct) feedback from.
I have to say that I’m very pleased with the outcome. Last Wednesday, our last time together, the students all went to the front of the class to share what they got out of the program, and to share their goals for the summer. I was proud of what each of them had to say, and that they stood in front of the group to say it. I couldn’t be more proud of how eager many of them were to tell me how they either got their grades up or ended the year.
Beyond the academics, and the confidence, this concept brought about connections where students who might not have interacted became friends. They had each other’s backs and had real discussions. In a culture where students need more problem solving skills, I find this valuable. When they face tough choices, I hope they can reflect on our discussions. I hope they can see through my story that adversity can be an advantage.
I want to thank LeBron James Family Foundation for seeking me out and for opening doors that would lead to this. United Way Of Summit County then connected me with APS. Mrs. Stalnaker and Mrs. Herstich and Mr. Gay, along with the staff at Hyre truly welcomed me in.
Lastly, I would encourage the people reading this to figure out how you, too, can find a passion that fuels you. Seeing the light bulb go on in the eyes of these students was truly rewarding for me and well worth sacrificing a lunch every now and then.
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