By Amy Wallot

When Ronnie Martin became principal at Caldwell County Elementary School this year, there was a program started the year before he was sure he wanted to keep. Student athletes from nearby Caldwell County High School visit the elementary school to mentor the younger students. Members of the boys and girls basketball teams visit the elementary school about once a month.

I was there on the first visit of the year. The high school students helped the 4th-grade students with math problems and reading. The elementary students were eager for the older students’ attention. They didn’t stay very long, about a half an hour, but everyone who participated seemed to have a good time.

Fourth-grade teacher AJ Tabor introduces Caldwell County High School student athletes to her at Caldwell County Elementary School. Photo by Amy Wallot, Oct. 15, 2013

Fourth-grade teacher AJ Tabor introduces Caldwell County High School student athletes to her at Caldwell County Elementary School.
Photo by Amy Wallot, Oct. 15, 2013

Caldwell County High School sophomore Kaycee Woford helps 4th-grade student Giovonte Riley round numbers during class at Caldwell County Elementary School. Photo by Amy Wallot, Oct. 15, 2013

Caldwell County High School sophomore Kaycee Woford helps 4th-grade student Giovonte Riley round numbers during class at Caldwell County Elementary School.
Photo by Amy Wallot, Oct. 15, 2013

Principal Ronnie Martin and teacher AJ Tabor help a group of students with a rounding numbers worksheet at Caldwell County Elementary School. Martin joined student athletes from Caldwell County High School in visiting and helping the elementary students. Photo by Amy Wallot, Oct. 15, 2013

Principal Ronnie Martin and teacher AJ Tabor help a group of students with a rounding numbers worksheet at Caldwell County Elementary School. Martin joined student athletes from Caldwell County High School in visiting and helping the elementary students.
Photo by Amy Wallot, Oct. 15, 2013

Caldwell County High School student athletes Meg Gilkey and Kaitlynn Gilkey high five students in Amy Littlejohn's 4th-grade class after mentoring in the class at Caldwell County Elementary School. Photo by Amy Wallot, Oct. 15, 2013

Caldwell County High School student athletes Meg Gilkey and Kaitlynn Gilkey high five students in Amy Littlejohn’s 4th-grade class after mentoring in the class at Caldwell County Elementary School.
Photo by Amy Wallot, Oct. 15, 2013