Ironclad friendship
Call them syrupy, but LC seniors building community
Earlier this year, three Lewis and Clark High School seniors noticed too many students were sitting alone, friendless during lunch.
“We thought how sad it would be to sit alone,” said Jared Jefferson, 17.
So, the senior classman and his friends decided to invite freshman Richard Carter to eat with them, spawning a program that’s been dubbed “No Friends Left Behind.”
Jefferson, Wayne Guthrie and Jesse Madden came up with an enticing lunch food that would be easy to make – waffles – found a gathering space and went around the school inviting other isolated students to join them.
“We thought, if we could help this little guy, we could help others,” Jefferson said.
Now, every Wednesday and Friday since October the boys have been fixing lunch in teacher Maureen Murphy’s classroom.
“It’s almost like a steppingstone for me,” said Carter, who describes himself as shy. “This is a place to meet new people and friends.” Added Rickey Owen, another freshman: “Making new friends in unfamiliar territory is hard.”
Along with the waffles, the threesome provide board games to encourage interaction among students. “We wanted it to be about more than just waffles,” Guthrie said.
As many as 60 students have shown up for lunch, Guthrie said. The students socialize while waiting for the waffle maker to cook the batter. The waffles and toppings are free because of donations by teachers and students.
The students sit at classroom desks to eat their food or play games. It’s usually the same group of kids, but there are a few floaters, Guthrie said. “But this wouldn’t be possible without Ms. Murphy,” the teacher, he said. “She’s been great.”
Murphy considers it the least she could do for the cause. “This is such a great thing to have kids do. It’s everything you want your kids to be.”
Principal Shawn Jordan says the program is a sign of good leadership. It’s a concept that can reduce bullying and engage students in school.
“I’m really proud,” said Jordan, who stopped by for a waffle. “Seeing something like that, coming together and saying ‘Let’s do something.’ That’s commendable.”