Big Paws, Little Paws a Win-Win for East, Liberty Students

A revitalized partnership between Liberty Early Childhood School and Lakota East High School pairs “big paws” with “little paws,” giving students on both sides of the program some big benefits.

“It’s really kind of inspiring to see how these young girls are becoming these great people,” said Lakota East senior Meredith Brown, reflecting on both the patience and laughs she’s gained from her two little paws, Skyrah and Reagan (pictured at left). “I definitely get as much out of it as they do.” 

After a two-year run and a pause in light of COVID guidelines, the program made its return this school year. Once a week, roughly 15-20 high school students, recruited from various athletic programs, the National Honor Society and even government classes, reunite with their same one (or two) Liberty Leopards. 

During their weekly meetings, mentorship takes the form of reading, board games, coloring, arts and crafts and even physical activities like "turtle tag." Regardless, all activities point to an opportunity for the younger half of the group to practice and improve basic social skills. 

“It is a great way to give a little paw a little extra attention one time a week,” said Liberty counselor and program co-founder Dana Hallgarth. “I believe that students can benefit from having a consistent mentor in their life. Oftentimes, that connection is key to having a successful school day.”

East government teacher Tisha Grote has witnessed the transformations on the other side of the table among her own students, who sign up to earn required volunteer hours, but end up gaining so much more than that. 

“Being a big paw changes you. It makes you a more caring person,” reflected East freshman Niko Priest, who also appreciated the opportunity to return to his former early childhood school. He lights up at the opportunity to talk about his two little paws. “Both of them have taught me how to be more patient and calm,” Niko said. 

“It’s a break in the week and something I look forward to. I get to hang out and be a younger person again,” said East junior Thanasis Priest, who actually recruited his younger brother, Niko, to join the ranks of the “big paws.” He describes the experience as a “refresh,” sharing how much he admires his little paw’s fresh perspective, risk-free attitude and wild imagination. 

“I’m the little paw,” clarified Liberty second-grader Skyrah, and demonstrating Meredith’s description of her humor and love for telling jokes. “We get to pick things to play together and we have fun.” 

Meredith acknowledges that their meetings might be “an escape from a rough day” for her littles, but are equally valuable to her. “They’re these little balls of energy and just talking to them just makes your day so much brighter,” Meredith said.