News
Building Bridges Across Campus: Lakeview Academy Seniors Mentor Lower School Students
At Lakeview Academy, we believe that learning is not confined to the classroom. One of the most powerful lessons our students can gain is the value of relationships, community, and mentorship. In that spirit, Mr. Phillips, the Dean of Students in the Upper School, works with Mrs. Cristina Leek in the Lower School to partner each senior with a Lower School class. The goal of this pairing is to find times during the day to purposefully connect our soon-to-be graduates with younger students on our campus in meaningful ways. These connections strengthen our campus community while instilling leadership, kindness, and responsibility. It also helps remind us that school is not just for academic learning, but also a place to help students improve their personal character and develop life skills.
The idea behind this initiative is simple yet impactful: bring together students at opposite ends of their Lakeview journey. In spending time together, both groups benefit—Lower School students gain role models and friends who inspire confidence, while seniors bring energy, leadership, and encouragement as they learn the value of mentorship and the joy of giving back to their community. It also reminds seniors of how far they have come since their own early days in school. We hope that these interactions will foster a desire amongst the seniors to serve their communities even after they graduate from Lakeview. It also deepens their connection to Lakeview, reminding them of the supportive community they will soon represent as alumni. For younger students, we hope these friendships will foster a sense of belonging and excitement about being part of the Lakeview family.
During study hall periods, seniors often sit with Lower School students to read together, play games, help with homework, or simply share stories about school. However, recess may be the highlight of the program for both seniors and Lower School students. On the playground, seniors enjoy helping their young friends climb on the new playground equipment, or helping them organize a quick soccer match or game of knock-out on the basketball court. As senior NeSean Dorsey shared, “I really enjoy getting to see the kids in my class. I hate it that I only have a few times during the week that my schedule lets me hang out with them. But I always give them a high five on the playground when I am walking between classes.” That simple gesture of connection speaks volumes about the bonds forming across our campus. For senior Sadie Leek, she feels that, “The best part of my day is when I see the little kids in their classrooms, on the playground, or wherever they are. I love it when I can play with them or push them on a swing. Their hugs always make my day better and take me back to my own childhood when I was younger at Lakeview.” When asked about the connections she has made, Macie Sotomayor says, “Spending time with the kids is one of my favorite parts about going to Lakeview because I feel as though it brings the school together as a community.”
Ultimately, this initiative reflects the heart of what makes our campus an amazing place. At Lakeview Academy, we know that the strongest communities are built when every member—young or old—feels valued, supported, and inspired. The connection between our seniors and Lower School students is a shining example of that truth in action.
 | Matt Phillips, Co-Author/Dean of Students |
 | Cristina Leek, Co-Author/2nd Grade Teacher |
Lakeview Academy is a private, coeducational day school for students in preschool through 12th grade, located in Gainesville, GA minutes off I-985/Hwy 365.
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