Young males at Wilson Middle School are learning how to care for their school and others.  Approximately 20 rising sixth-graders participated in the Compass Summer Enrichment Academy community service project Tuesday, July 22.

Several students spent two hours at the Harvest Center sorting clothes for the homeless.  They also organized items they collected in a clothing drive earlier this summer. 

“I feel blessed,” said Juan Palomares.  “I know that I am helping people who really need it.” 

The other group of boys remained on campus to clean up the school.  They pulled up weeds, raked the yard and laid mulch in a flower bed.  Before the program ends, they plan to clean and paint the walkway to the school’s main entrance. 

“We want to be proud of our school and make it look better,” said Xavier Woody. 

The scholars came up with the ideas during a brainstorming session to help them learn more about leadership and character development.  They discussed ways they could help the homeless and improve their school. 

The six-week transition program focuses on math, reading and leadership.  The students are also learning to improve critical thinking skills, how to make better decisions, planning and organizing. In addition, the students are meeting members of Wilson’s staff and learning the school’s rules.

“I’ve learned that you have to work hard to be a leader,” Altuane Johnson said.  “We’re working together and it’s been fun.”

This summer, the students also toured Johnson C. Smith University and had one-on-one conversations with guest speakers, including a former NFL player, a bank manager and a war veteran.

The Compass Summer Enrichment Program is funded with federal funds. or more information on the Compass program, visit www.compassprograms.org.