Full Circle and Beyond: Austin College Students Connect with Elementary Class as ’RooBuddies

SHERMAN, TEXAS — As an elementary student, Sory Elementary is where Austin College junior Blume Cernero first learned about Sherman High School’s Peer Assisted Leader (PAL) program. The initiative pairs high school students with elementary students to instill principles of leadership and develop skills to foster positive relationships. Later, as a high school senior, he became a PAL himself, mentoring a third grader and three fourth graders. “From this opportunity,” he says, “I got to see the big picture, the power of being a role model for younger students; being a friend and giving them someone to look up to.”

When it was time to choose a college, Blume decided to stay local by attending Austin College to study biochemistry. But the value of the PALs program continued to resonate with him after leaving Sherman High. “This made such an impact on me that I wanted to continue a program like this in college,” says Blume, “giving these students someone at their local college to look up to and learn from.” He approached Lori Hartman, Sory Elementary Assistant Principal, who connected him with Sory Principal Mindy Schoen and Counselor Carla Gafford. Their support, along with advice from former PALs directors Anthony Hartman and Douglas Holtzcla, was key to making Blume’s vision a reality.

And so in Spring Term 2024, the initial cohort of Austin College ’RooBuddies volunteers brought the program to fruition. Blume recruited fellow students Brianna Barch ’25, Chandler Chambers ’26, Evelyn Inovejas ’24, Hayden Pesina ’24, Madison Manning ’26, Mario Diaz ’27, Mattie Duncan ’25, Sam Graham ’26, and Xochitl Gonzalez ’26 to join him as mentors.

’RooBuddies meetings are modeled after Blume’s PALs experience. Weekly visits begin with a one-on-one session, where the student and mentor focus on self-awareness and positive relationships by discussing how the week has been and introducing the week’s topic. Blume explains, “The past couple of weeks we have been focusing on multidirectional leadership. Following the one-on-one sessions, the entire group of 20 gets together for a fun interactive game that reflects what the students learned in the one-on-one session.”

Sory Counselor Carla Gafford, who selects elementary students for the program, says, “The ’RooBuddies program has been really exciting to see.  The students at Sory love coming to school on Tuesdays and always look forward to their visits.  One student told me, ‘When the ’RooBuddies are at school, it is the best part of the day.’  All the Sory students that are involved in the program enjoy the one-on-one opportunity to talk and visit with their mentor and they say they learn to be a better leader,” she said.

Blume is delighted with how the program is progressing. “The main thing I want to do with this program is to connect Sherman ISD with Austin College. And also to give back, as both Austin College and Sherman ISD have made a great impact on me,” he says. “I have seen in my past experiences how just being a friend to a student who may need a little extra help can really make a huge impact. It's making that effort and deep connection that can start a snowball effect towards a positive journey for them as a student.”

Blume begins his senior year this fall, but he hopes ’RooBuddies will continue after he’s left campus. When he graduates, he can do so knowing he has made his mark on Austin College and in the lives of many Sherman ISD students.

Austin College, a private national liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas, has earned a reputation for excellence in academic preparation, pre-professional foundations, committed faculty, and hands-on, adventurous learning opportunities. One of 44 schools profiled in Loren Pope’s influential book Colleges That Change Lives, Austin College boasts a welcoming community that embraces diversity and individuality, with more than 50 percent of students identifying as persons of color. The residential student body of approximately 1,300 students and an expert faculty of more than 100 educators allow a 13:1 student-faculty ratio and personalized attention. Related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA), Austin College cultivates an inclusive atmosphere that supports students’ faith journeys regardless of religious tradition. The College, founded in 1849, is the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under original name and charter.