Hopkins Street Elementary mentors help students

Since the last week of November, mentors from the Buddy Program have been on the campus of Hopkins Street Elementary School for at least one hour a day assisting male students with their attitude, self-esteem and instruction, giving them guidance and also trying to eliminate behavior problems.

Mentors meet with boy students on a one-on-one basis during their social skills time, and no classwork is missed by students.

Pamela Richardson, principal of Hopkins Street Elementary, and several of the mentors at the school said a big difference can seen be seen in the students' attitudes and respect toward faculty and staff.

"There has been a big change in all of the students who are participating in the program, and now they are more knowledgeable on how to interact with adults when they are having problems at home or school. As opposed to just jumping off the handle when there is a problem, students now talk things out instead of reacting to a situation," Richardson said.

Mac Antoine, vice president and one of the co-founders of the Buddy Program, said mentors try to show students the proper way to behave at school.

"When we meet with the students we try to give them the whole nine yards ... Also, we want them to bring what we tell them back into the community and spread the word," Antoine said. "The mentors are trying to make a difference in these kids' lives, and they are really devoted to the students in doing an awesome job with them."

Many students in the mentoring program said they are thankful and feel blessed to be associated with the people in the Buddy Program.

"The program is so far so good," said Charmaine Mouton, a sixth-grade student. "Whenever I am going through some things at home or school, I know I have a mentor to talk my problems out and tell him what is on my mind. I really enjoy spending time with my mentor, and I like the program a whole lot."

Jaquil Prevost, a fifth-grade student, said he has learned a lot during the past couple of months since the mentors have been to his school.

"First of all, I learned how to stay out of trouble and if someone is aggravating me to tell an adult. I really like talking to the mentors a whole lot," said Prevost.

John Green, mentor and retired post master, said some students did not have many problems, they just needed a little guidance to get them on the right track. They need someone who will listen to them if they are having a problem.

"Every Tuesday when I come to the school, students are looking forward to us just being here and talking things out," Green said. "When I see the kids smiling and laughing, that is just beautiful to know we have helped them with something."

The Rev. Darren Sophus, of Zion Travelers Church, said getting a chance to mentor students the past couple of months has been fantastic.

"It's great and wonderful to show and tell students the custom of life," said Sophus.

"Being respectful and adhering to rules are some things we talk about a lot, and the two months I have been here it has been great.

Other mentors include Joan Antoine, Moise Antoine, Paul Antoine, Bashamma Deal, Michael Evans, Anthony Green, Corey Jeanlouis, David Jones, Ralph Julien, Art Hughes, David Merril, Curley Mouton, Bill Russell Jr., Walter Thibodeaux and Ernest Wilson.