Beacon EmpowHER group mentors Rehoboth Elementary students
The Beacon Middle School girls’ empowerment group, EmpowHER, recently participated in a mentorship experience with Rehoboth Elementary School girls’ empowerment group, Kindness Empowers, highlighting the importance of student leadership and connection across grade levels in the Cape district.
Eighth-grade EmpowHER students visited the elementary school to work alongside students in grades three to five for an engaging session focused on goal setting and personal growth. From the moment the Beacon students arrived, the room was filled with energy, positivity and excitement.
During the visit, Beacon students guided their younger peers through the process of creating SMART goals to be achieved by the end of the third marking period. These goals reflected students’ personal interests, academic aspirations and sense of pride in their school community. Individual goals included improving math grades, becoming a better helper to support dreams of becoming a teacher, strengthening Spanish language skills as part of the Spanish immersion program, and improving attendance while building stronger school connections. Beacon EmpowHER students will continue to check in with their Kindness Empowers partners to support their progress throughout the marking period.
“The session began with empowering words of affirmation recited together, setting a positive and supportive tone,” said Beacon advisor and teacher Elizabeth Hahn. “I was so impressed with how our Beacon students demonstrated maturity, compassion and encouragement as they mentored the younger students. They created such a welcoming space for growth and confidence-building.”
Kindness Empowers students eagerly asked questions about middle school life, including schedules, earlier start times, having multiple teachers and academic expectations. Beacon students responded with honesty and reassurance, serving as positive role models and helping ease future transitions. “Seeing our students engage so openly and confidently was incredibly powerful,” said Bethany Foye, computer lab manager and Rehoboth Elementary club founder/advisor. “They felt comfortable asking real questions about middle school, and the Beacon students answered with kindness and honesty. That reassurance helped our girls feel excited, rather than nervous, about what’s ahead and showed them they are supported every step of the way.”
The visit concluded with a group photo, hugs and heartfelt thank-you cards from the visiting eighth-grade students. The experience left a lasting impression on all involved. “This visit was a beautiful reminder of what mentorship and empowerment can look like when students lead with kindness and purpose,” said Hahn. “Beacon EmpowHER continues to shine, and we are so excited to continue building this partnership with our younger peers!”
Beacon EmpowHER is supported by dedicated educators and staff who help make these meaningful experiences possible. Beacon Middle School teacher Jacquie Kisiel and Amy Kiernan, behavioral health consultant, accompanied students on the visit and continue to serve as strong advocates for the program. The Kindness Empowers group is also guided by advisors Amanda Mullins and Tamela Brittingham, whose support helps foster connections among students at Rehoboth Elementary. Together, these educators play an essential role in nurturing leadership, mentorship and empowerment among the students in each of these groups.
