Elementary students learn life lessons, explore career paths through unique programs

SALISBURY, Md.- Students at Prince Street Elementary are learning key academic and life skills thanks to two programs helping them create bright futures.

Boys of Distinction and PEARLS are those two programs with 5th grade participants.

Thanks to grant funding from the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, Instructor Wendell Hitch says they’re fulfilling a growing need. “This was a need for us to expound on career and leadership skills, and social and emotion awareness for these young men as well as young ladies,” Hitch said.

“If I can just offer a way to allow them to just open up instead of harboring and keeping those emotions in, that is the whole goal,” Savage said.

They’re working on projects with a focus on leadership, positive affirmations, and the importance of an education. The students, like sponges, are soaking it all in. “Being myself is great and I can do whatever I want when I just put my mind to it,” 5th Grader Taleah said.

“Like when we were learning about the thing on being a leader. I want to be like him and be an inspiration to people,” 5th Grade Braxton Hastings-Trotter said.  

The learning doesn’t stop there, as students are also looking towards the future and discussing possible career paths. BOD Instructor David Thompson wants them to dream big. “They’re the next business leaders, they’re the doctors, and the executive directors. That’s the long-term goal,” Thompson said.

While gaining a new set of skills, PEARLS Instructor Kia Savage says she’s making sure these young ladies form a true sisterhood. “We have to be unified. Period. There are no in-betweens, and no one will be left out,” Savage said.

That grant funding has allowed both programs to expand their offerings which include having more on-hand supplies and more fieldtrip opportunities.

Both programs will wrap up for the school year in May.