Nineteen seventh and eighth grade students recently completed the six-week Sweethearts & Heroes BRAVE Program, an initiative focused on developing leadership skills, mentoring younger students, and leading by example.

Throughout the program, the middle school students worked closely with fifth grade students, building meaningful connections while reinforcing positive character traits, empathy, and leadership. Through lessons, discussions, and activities, students learned the importance of courage, kindness, accountability, and creating a positive school culture.

Eighth-grader Zalaina Nash reflected on the experience, noting the unique impact of peer mentorship. “It was fun to see how students related better to us than if it was teachers sharing the information,” she said.

Fellow eighth-grader Luna Hulse emphasized the lasting impact of the program. “The BRAVE Program is the start of a new experience that can go on a long time, even after us,” she said..

The program also left a positive impression on staff members. Fifth-grade teacher Levar Hamilton praised the student leaders, saying, “It’s really cool to see students going in and working with other students.”

The impact of the program will continue beyond the middle school. On June 12, several of the student leaders will visit Liberty Elementary School, witnessing founders Tom Murphy and Rick Yarosh present to the students, and then will work with younger students in their classrooms, helping to expand the Sweethearts & Heroes initiative across the district and strengthen connections between students of all grade levels.

The BRAVE Program aligns closely with the Liberty Central School District’s mission, vision and beliefs. By empowering students to serve as mentors and role models, the program helps fulfill the district’s mission of empowering each student to contribute and thrive in a diverse community while pursuing their potential. Through opportunities to lead, collaborate, and support others, students cultivate the trust and courage highlighted in the district’s vision. The initiative also reflects the district’s commitment to innovation, forward-thinking practices, and a steadfast focus on the success and well-being of all students.

As Sweethearts & Heroes continues to grow throughout the district, students are helping to create a culture where empathy, connection, and leadership are not simply taught but actively lived each day. The BRAVE Program demonstrates that when students are given opportunities to lead and support one another, they can have a lasting and meaningful impact on their school community.