Courtesy photo At right, a MoBuddy mentor leads and lesson and activity. The ­mentors work with ­students in grades 6th through 12th, doing things like tutoring and providing friendship.

ESCANABA — The 2023-24 school year will be the 10th anniversary of the MoBuddy mentorship program at Escanaba High School and students and staff are reflecting on the impact of the program.

More than 70 MoBuddy mentors from Escanaba High School work with more than 200 students in 6th through 12th grades on a daily basis. The student mentors provide tutoring and friendship and work with the younger students in a variety of classes, including ISD vocational classes.

The MoBoddy mentors are assigned to an Escanaba Junior High School class at the beginning of the year and provide a lesson or activity to that class on a monthly basis. The lessons and activities cover a variety of topics, including treating others with respect, anti-bullying, friendship, and holiday-themed games.

Many of the students who had mentors through the program go on to be MoBuddy mentors themselves.

“Being a mentor has taught me patience, how to work with different types of learning styles, and how to approach topics differently to help students understand,” said MoBuddy Mentor Dawson LaPalme. “I assist with biology class and I like to think I had a small part in helping them achieve a better future. It’s also quite fun and helping others makes me feel great. I like to give back to the community by helping others.”