After a handful of successful Big Buddy/Little Buddy sessions last year, the Hannibal Central School District has approved it as an official club, and it has been met with rave reviews among students and staff alike.

The program pairs high school students with Fairley Elementary School students each month, providing time for reading and crafts. The high school students serve as mentors for their younger counterparts, listening and laughing alongside one another.

“This has been such a tremendous program for our students,” said Big Buddy/Little Buddy facilitator Roseann Inzalaco. “It’s a bonding over books experience where our students truly benefit in a variety of ways.”

Each session is unique, with the books and crafts/snacks taking on a particular theme, such as the holidays, gratitude, etc. Regardless of the theme, the overall experience is the same, as students connect across grade levels and have positive interactions with one another.