“Community Builders” program empowers middle school students in Roanoke

Roanoke, Virginia – A recent project in the Roanoke City Public Schools is providing middle school pupils with inspiration, optimism, and a road to a better future.

The goal of the Community Builders program is to open minds and hearts to a world of possibilities, not just pass the time during the summer.

Approximately fifty eighth graders have experienced a transforming summer. There is something new every day of the week that teaches them valuable lessons about their community and their place in it. Makenzi Spradling claims that it is something that is causing her to consider her future.

“I’m going to pay more attention to school, take it seriously,” said Spradling. “And like I learned, when I get older, it’s not going to be like a game. I can’t just joke around forever, and I’m going to grow up.”

The primary objective of the program, which was presented by Delegate Sam Rasoul in the general assembly and signed into law by Governor Glenn Youngkin, is to discourage gang involvement and teenage gun violence.

“They stay safe by staying connected,” said RCPS Superintendent Verletta White. “And when they’re connected to those things that are productive, connected to those things that are constructive… then they are less likely to engage in problematic behaviors or even dangerous behaviors.”

Mikayla McMullen, the program site leader, has seen that the pupils are starting to interact more.

“They want to come to school, they want to be involved, they want to go on the trips, they want to learn more about what is out there,” explained McMullen.

Field visits to facilities like the courts, fire department, and police academy have created new opportunities.

“When I get older, I would love to be a children’s lawyer, like a family lawyer to help kids get out of toxic homes out of toxic environments and put them in a home where they feel loved. And they feel like they matter,” said Spradling.

Community Builders meets every school year, so their activities don’t stop in the summer.

“We are giving them a sense that they belong in Roanoke City,” added McMullen.

You can recommend someone to participate in this program next summer if you know someone who would benefit from it.