On this Winter Solstice, my Dad’s favorite day of the year, I honor the memory of my parents Larry and Alice Hanson, who showed me the beauty of doing right by the next person. Root 2 Rise was born in that spirit. My Mom was an educator; she inspired in me both the desire to become a teacher and the belief that every child deserves to feel that they are your favorite. Growing up, my Dad knew both homelessness and hunger. He believed all people had the right to a dignified life and if one was fortunate enough to have the ability, one should use it to help others.

Root 2 Rise fills a need in school districts that is often not met. We provide leadership experiences to young people who wouldn’t necessarily be considered for those roles. We don’t require that they earn their spot in our program by jumping through hoops or over bars. We know that they will measure up when given the chance.

This edition of our newsletter highlights our partnership with the Marshall School District (see article below). In addition to the support our Tutor-Mentors provide to K-8 classroom teachers and their students, each of them earns a $750 stipend upon successful completion of the contract they signed.

I encourage you to view the testimonials of three Marshall Tutor-Mentors featured in the short videos below.

We’re proud of their commitment to education and service to others, and welcome the opportunity to offer this program in other school districts.

Here's wishing you a wonderful 2024!

Denise Hanson, Founder and Executive Director

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.

After students complete a Root 2 Rise application, their school determines who is eligible to participate. Once selected, the students sign a rigorous contract committing to a leadership role.

As they support their K-8 students, our Tutor-Mentors develop important skills that will help them earn the DPI Employability Skills and Youth Leadership certificates. These credentials will assist them in their search for post-secondary employment.

Root 2 Rise Thrive, our new program, helps former Tutor-Mentors transition to college, career, and community by fostering professional growth, improving banking and financial literacy, obtaining driver's licenses, preparing résumés, and paying college tuition.