Marshall School District: One Year with Root 2 Rise

School counselors enthusiastically endorse the program.

After a year’s experience with Root 2 Rise, two Marshall High School counselors give the program rave reviews.

“I would never want Root 2 Rise to end,” said Nick Whalen, a school counselor for 15 years, including two years at Marshall High School. This experience “gives high school kids a sense of purpose that builds confidence and leadership.”

His colleague Annie Henkle, a counselor for four years, is equally enthusiastic, citing a teacher who praised the “awesome” connections between Tutor-Mentors and younger students.

“So many kids don’t have faith in themselves or know what they want to do after high school," said Henkle.

All of the current Marshall Tutor-Mentors are participating in their second semester of Root 2 Rise. Tutor-Mentors are assigned to different classrooms the second year to provide a variety of experiences.

“I don’t know why a school district wouldn’t offer Root 2 Rise. There’s no downside to the program. I think the Tutor-Mentors are happier and their mood brightens when they talk about Root 2 Rise,” Whalen said.

At a recent Tutor-Mentor recognition dinner, the testimonials of Tutor-Mentors, parents, teachers, and administrators mirrored the counselors' positive assessment of Root 2 Rise.