Southeastern Elementary School Principal Kelly Wilson often refers to her school’s partnership with First Presbyterian Church in Hastings as “a lifeline.”
She’s talking about the deep ties forged between the elementary school and the church, connections that have brought one-on-one mentorships to students and support for activities that enrich daily school life.
The relationship is one Wilson inherited but has intentionally strengthened. She explained that members of the church, located at 405 M-37, have been quick to volunteer both as one-on-one mentors and as extra hands for various school events.
“I acquired this partnership when I became the principal at Southeastern and we have been able to grow to over 40 mentors,” Wilson said. “The First Presbyterian volunteers also support our cookouts, manage our hand2hand, and ensure we receive additional resources we need in several different capacities. We have received water bottles, shoes, and additional clothes for our students.”
“The First Presbyterian Church has become our lifeline for additional resources, ensuring every student has what they need to learn and feel supported,” she added.
The mentorship component is especially valuable at Southeastern. The program, supported not only by First Presbyterian Church but also by the YMCA of Barry County, Thornapple Credit Union, and the HASS tech department, pairs more than 40 students with mentors for meaningful, one-on-one engagement.
Among those mentors is Jim Bruce. Bruce channels his love of the outdoors into hands-on projects with students. Over the past several years, he has helped children and classes build bluebird houses and install them throughout the community.
Bruce recalled attending a church meeting years ago when Southeastern sought volunteers.
“I was looking for an outlet. The principal at the time had a little session with our church members saying they needed some mentors,” Bruce recalled. “They went around the room and brought in the math teacher and the reading teacher and talked about their projects. I said that’s not really my forte. My forte is environmental education. And (the principal) said ‘Do I have a student for you!’”
Bruce was soon paired with a student who shared his passion for nature. Together, they built a birdhouse and a kestrel house, and even planted acorns and apple seeds, work that inspired Bruce to continue and expand his efforts.
Seeing he could contribute within his expertise, Bruce embraced the birdhouse project more fully. He now helps students build Peterson bluebird houses for this native species. Last year, he partnered with Southeastern’s student council to construct eight houses, later installed on vacant land owned by FlexFab.
And Bruce is just one mentor. Collectively, these volunteers create powerful connections with students while teaching new skills, from knitting to chess. Their dedication enriches the school community in countless ways, and Southeastern extends its deepest gratitude to all who serve in these roles.