Penn-Trafford’s annual ‘Big Buddy Day’ has been a mainstay at the school district for well over twenty years, and is an opportunity for high schoolers to connect with and mentor elementary students. The Big Buddy program is sponsored by the high school’s community service club, ‘CAP,’ and this year it was spearheaded by 11th grader, Chloe Walton.
High schoolers who volunteered to serve as buddies were each assigned to a third-grader from one of the district’s five elementary schools. The buddies wrote a series of letters to each other throughout the school year covering topics like their interests and their families, and the older students encouraged their young friends to work hard, help out at home, and volunteer in the community.
In mid-April, the buddies made the best of a rainy day by meeting in person at Warrior Stadium. Walton and a team of CAP volunteers managed carnival-themed games featuring Plinko, cornhole, bowling, giant Jenga, water guns, hula hoops, soccer, football, an obstacle course, jump rope, and more. The buddies shared snacks and enjoyed spending time together.
“Many of the high school buddies remember their own big buddies from when they were in 3rd-grade,” remarked CAP sponsor Mrs. Popovich. “They wanted to make this equally as memorable for their little buddies.”
Harrison Park 3rd-graders Brooke Keibler, Blake Dreistadt, Levi Giebel, and their high school buddies Rilie Moors, Abby Rayman, and Kaylee Dreistadt
Junior Jack Weishaar (center) discusses a football play with his little brother Ryan Weishaar and friends Kellan Kiste, Nico Sterner, and Eli Hodge
Aidon Lett with his little buddy, Henry Gipson
Level Green 3rd-grader Summer Wohlmacher with her buddy Brooklyn Harrison
Level Green 3rd-graders wait in the bleachers to meet their high school buddies
Jalena Langan and her buddy, Cora Hanson
