The RISE program, a day-long event focused on student connection and personal growth, continues to impact participants through its emphasis on empathy and communication.
RISE stands for “Reach, Inspire, Support, and Empower.” According to staff leader Donna Slusher, the program’s mission is to help students connect with themselves and others while encouraging a positive school culture.
Slusher, along with staff members Nicole Miller and Selina Lepsi, works with student leaders known as RISE mentors to organize and lead the event. “It allows students to recognize that they are more alike than different,” Slusher said.
The program includes group discussions and activities designed to encourage students to share personal experiences. One of the central components of the event is an open microphone session at the end of the day, where participants can reflect on their experience.
“That’s when we often see the impact,” Slusher said. “Students share what the day meant to them.” Slusher also cited the number of students who apply to become mentors as an indicator of the program’s influence.
“Students returning as mentors shows that the experience stays with them,” she said.
RISE aims to provide a supportive environment where students feel comfortable sharing their thoughts.
“It creates a space where students can connect and feel heard,” Slusher said. “It also promotes values like empathy, kindness and hope.”
Student mentor and Senior McKenna Shanks said her decision to take on the role as a RISE Mentor was influenced by her own experience as a participant.
“It helped me see things from a different perspective,” Shanks said. “I wanted to come back and help others have that same experience.”
Shanks said one of the key takeaways for participants is a sense of shared understanding. “Students realize they are not alone in what they’re going through,” she said.
She also identified the open microphone session as one of the most impactful parts of the event. “Hearing different perspectives shows how the day affects people,” Shanks said.
Both staff and student leaders say they hope to expand the program in the future.
“I believe the next step is bringing RISE to more schools,” Shanks said.
Slusher expressed a similar goal, noting that she hopes the program will continue to grow and reach more students in the coming years. With the recent attendance of Superintendent Santtee, they hope this can be a reality.
