A group of students who possess the hearts of a lion board a bus each morning to take a short ride to what they hope will result in a successful journey in their lives.
These seven students are proudly called LionHearts, and they embark on a ride from their Bridgewater-Raritan High School each morning and head to Raritan Valley Community College in nearby Branchburg.
The other occupants on the bus are dedicated staff members from Bridgewater-Raritan High School—-Job Coaches Andrew Ciliberto, Suzanne Percival, and Kathleen Hands, and the spearhead behind this (lion) heart-warming program, Brenda Hockstein, the School To Employment Program Coordinator at the high school.
This passionate team works under the astute guidance of Dr. Sandra Lynch, the Transition Coordinator for the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District.
These energetic staff members do not drive the bus, but they are a force that steers these students toward a productive and enriching future.
Ms. Hockstein and Dr. Lynch explained what this LionHearts program is all about.
“The Bridgewater-Raritan LionHearts at Raritan Valley Community College is a fully transition-infused Community-based Secondary Program designed to meet the varying needs of our 19-—to 21-year-old student population. The Program's pillars are student-centeredness, student development, family engagement, and interagency collaboration. We promote independence by understanding interdependence, utilizing community-based instruction, work-based learning, and interpersonal communication.”
They continued to share the program’s mission.
“Topics embedded in the program: educational, recreational, vocational, and personal planning skills; time management and adult self-advocacy; socialization and executive functional skills, financial literacy and electronic communication; reflection, goal setting, data analysis; as well as an active travel training (public, agency-funded, private, etc.) program, community navigation, and safety protocols.”
“We are the LionHearts, a passionate group of student volunteers dedicated to making a meaningful difference on and off our school campuses. In real life and in real-time, in the community and on a campus of our same-aged peers, we are working diligently to build the life skills needed to be successful in our own eyes to be contributing members of society.”
The LionHearts begin each school day at the high school, and then, as Dr. Lynch and Ms. Hockstein reported, they are off to Raritan Valley Community College.
They further reported on the day’s schedule.
“Our Raritan Valley Community College program students start their day at the high school to maintain their Peer Partners Physical Education program and an elective of choice. We leave BR at 9:15 to start our day at RVCC at 9:30. We are there every single day, ingraining ourselves into campus life as much as possible. In addition to college life, there are days we utilize public transportation to reach our off-campus community-based work sites, partnering with some AMAZING local businesses: Casa Luna, House of Blooms, and Somerville Pharmacy. Depending on where we are in the community, when we end our work day, we all return to Bridgewater-Raritan High School around 1:30 to participate in a reflection group and prepare to board the bus home at 2 p.m.”
This highly impacted program was launched when Dr. Lynch followed up on some research results.
“There is more and more conversation regarding 18-21 year-olds secondary programs and where they should 'live.' Some schools have moved off campus into storefronts (to learn to run a business), homes (to teach daily living skills), and/or local postsecondary educational institutions,” Dr. Lynch revealed. “In response to recent research, I decided to reach out to the president (Dr. Michael McDonough) of our local community college and proposed a relationship. The outcome is that we were offered a classroom on campus, and the rest is history. He has become a pivotal supporter of our students and the growth of our programming.”
Dr. Lynch is more than satisfied with the early returns.
She is thrilled.
“I could go on and on, but I think this is a great start,” she said.
Dr. Lynch also shared some highly positive feedback from some parents.
“You (all) have moved lives!”
“Our prayers have been answered.”
Her favorite comment was delivered from one of the students:
“I am sorry, Ms. Lynch, I am geeking out. I always wanted to meet a college professor.”
She concluded with her feelings.
“All kids dream about college, our students are living that dream.”
Ms. Hockstein, the worthy recipient of this year’s Governor’s Educator of the Year award for the high school, proudly explained the mission of these students.
“The LionHearts are a vibrant community of dedicated volunteers committed to making a positive impact both on and off the RVCC campus. Embracing the true spirit of a “lionheart,” members demonstrate exceptional courage and compassion through a wide range of service projects by volunteering in the community,” she stated. “By fostering a culture of empathy, leadership, and teamwork, the LionHearts not only enriches the lives of those they help but inspires fellow students and community members to join their mission of building a stronger, more inclusive community.”
She added:
“I am honored to represent, empower, and support these incredible young adults and this transformative educational program.”
A final question must be answered.
Why the name LionHearts?
Ms. Hockstein provided the answer.
“Well, the mascot at RVCC is a lion, and I came up with the name LionHearts! My students embody the true essence of a LionHeart and who we are as a group. We even have a school store, and one of my creative, artistic students created the logo.”
“I have to say I love the name the LIONHEARTS!!!!
So do we!