With the school set to start a bowling team, junior Brooke Barfield and senior Brycen Raybon are ready to hit the lanes. But not for the school bowling program.  Instead, Barfield and Raybon will be teaching Special Education elementary school students how to bowl as are part of PALS (Peer assisted learning program).

“[This experience] is humbling and really changes perspective of life, I can’t wait for the event” Barfield said.

It started when PALS students planned the project, then had Kyle Herrema, the advisor, approve it.  Barfield and Raybon have a passion for work and were thrilled to be involved with the kids and this opportunity.

“I wanted to be in PALS for this one of a kind experience and the chance to work with these children” Raybon said.

While most PALS students enjoy the class, it is the work done outside the classroom that is especially meaningful.

“Our most recent project would be bowling with special needs children, and in the future we plan to continue bowling as well as work with elementary students at Hart and peer mediation here at the high school,” Raybon said.

This class isn’t for everyone though.  There is an application process in which teacher ensures that those that want to help are the ones in the class.  For those chosen to be a part of PALS, it is a rewarding experience.

“Being a role model really initiates some self-evaluation and seeing other people smile and knowing you have forever impacted their life is literally the best feeling it just doesn’t get better!” Barfield said.