Imagine walking into school and being greeted with high fives, smiles, and encouraging words from high school students—your role models.
For elementary and middle school students at West Delaware, this is an uplifting start to their Friday. This simple tradition, known as High Five Fridays, significantly strengthens the connections and unity throughout the West Delaware district.
Students involved in various activities—athletic, artistic, academic—can volunteer to brighten an elementary and middle school student’s day by offering a simple high five.
One student, Wes Duggan, loved brightening a young kids’ day just by being there.
“One boy in particular had his head down the whole time he was coming into the building, but after we talked to him and let him in, you could tell he was doing better, simply just by the way he was walking!” Duggan said. “He had his head up, there was a pep in his step, and we even got him to smile!”
Another student, Hannah Cantwell (12), explains the biggest reward for her is building relationships and connections with the younger students.
“I love bringing joy to the kids when I say good morning, give them a high five, or ask how they are,” Cantwell said.
Sophomore Rachel Anderson likes seeing children come running into school, excited to start their day.
“I enjoy seeing the smiling faces of the little kids,” Anderson said.
For senior Abby Kass, volunteering is about more than just giving high fives.
“My favorite thing is probably inspiring kids to be involved,” Kass said. “I’ve been there for cross country and art so far, but I’ll probably be there for other activities throughout the rest of the year. I think it’s nice to show them they can be involved in whatever they like.”
Another student, Christian Timmerman, enjoys the rewarding experience of being a role model for the younger students.
“By far the most rewarding part was seeing the kids’ faces light up when they got to high five a REAL West Delaware football player,” Timmerman said. “It hits extra special because I remember looking up to the high school athletes as a young kid, and I know how much that would’ve meant to me.”
Senior Caleb Stocks loved seeing how excited the kids were.
“Some kids would even come back two or three times to give us high fives,” Stocks said. “One kid recognized me another time after we did the High Five Friday.”
Most importantly, Principal Tim Felderman says High Five Fridays enhance the sense of community by fostering positive interactions between students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. He explains this initiative creates an uplifting environment where everyone feels welcomed and connected.
Felderman says High Five Fridays provide high school students with leadership opportunities to help create a positive atmosphere at West Delaware.
“By serving as role models, they demonstrate the importance of kindness to younger students,” Felderman said. “This experience helps them build confidence skills in communication and teamwork, which are essential for future success.”
