Circle of Friends: A model for us all

By Jessica Wahler

They’re called the Circle of Friends — teens who are involved with helping students in their school’s Life Skills class with everything from lunchtime companionship to playing cards and board games or solving puzzles and coloring pictures.

Sometimes, the Friends are simply there to listen. They show that we all are more alike than different, and everyone craves the same thing — acceptance.

The Circle of Friends program is unique to Corinth Holders, Johnston County’s largest high school with almost 2,000 students. It would be easy for Life Skills students to get lost in the shuffle or feel like they’re left to an island of their own. Instead, they become more integrated into high school life and look forward to seeing their buddies almost every day.

Mackenzie Fisher, left, and Mary-Everett Wahler meet Santa Claus.

Freshman Preston Styons is one of those buddies. He says the program has promoted growth and maturity for everyone who is involved. He calls the experience nothing short of “life changing.”

Friends often volunteer for Special Olympics, and many accompany the Life Skills students to their Alternative Prom — complete with two crowning moments, the announcements of Prom King and Queen. During the holiday season, the Friends host parties for the class, and this past year, they also raised money to buy a present for each Life Skills student.

The Friends also are charged with helping with social skills and to encourage students to express their life’s hopes, dreams and interests.

To become a part of Circle of Friends, students must complete an application, which includes an essay about why they want to join. Club dues are required. There’s also a set number of participation days, although many students visit the class daily.

Thanks to dedicated teachers, Crystal Ridenhour, Amy Jackson and Sarah Jeffrey, the Circle of Friends has been active at Corinth Holders since the 2011-12 school year.

Jackson says “high-fives” in the hallways aren’t unusual among the Life Skills students and their Friends. The friendships and camaraderie are heartwarming.

According to sophomore Kenzie Fisher, “Circle of Friends is more than just a club to me. It’s a chance to show students how being different isn’t bad.”

Jessica Wahler, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Advantage off Cleveland Road, is the mother of Mary-Everett, 15, a freshman in the “awesome” Life Skills class at Corinth Holders High School.