Connetquot Central School District

Earlier this month, members of Connetquot High School’s Athletes Helping Athletes program visited fifth graders at Idle Hour Elementary to share their personal experiences and offer advice on leadership, teamwork and school transitions.

Athletes Helping Athletes visits fifth grade classrooms across the Connetquot Central School District three times each year, providing younger students with guidance on topics such as adjusting to new buildings, joining extracurricular activities and developing positive relationships.

The program includes students in grades 10 through 12 who are recommended by current members, as well as a teacher and a coach or advisor. Selected candidates are interviewed by club advisors in the fall to ensure their commitment to the program’s mission of mentorship and being a positive role model. 

During the visit, student-athletes led icebreaker activities designed to build confidence and connections among the fifth graders. One activity resembled “hot potato,” where students passed a ball and asked one another questions. Another challenge encouraged students to mingle as they raced to find classmates who met fun criteria such as someone who “has won a trophy,” “can wiggle their ears” or “can play a musical instrument.”

The session concluded with an anonymous question and answer portion, allowing fifth graders to ask the high school athletes questions about what to expect in middle school and beyond.