February 5, 2025, Pickerington, OH – Each week, high school juniors and seniors in Pickerington step into classrooms across the District—not just as students, but as mentors, role models, and aspiring educators. This embodies the essence of service-learning, a teaching method that seamlessly combines classroom instruction with meaningful community service, thriving within the Pickerington Local School District.
“Service-learning is about more than just volunteering–it’s about creating and providing students with opportunities to learn about themselves, their community, and the power of giving back,” explains Service-Learning Academic Tutoring Co-Facilitator Renee Mortimer. “We want to grow students socially, emotionally, and academically.”
The program begins with a rigorous selection process and a comprehensive orientation, collaboratively led by several Pickerington school principals and counselors. Over the years, many have contributed their expertise to ensure a successful start. This year, Principal Matt Dansby of Tussing Elementary School and Principal Chad Rice of Heritage Elementary School facilitated much of the discussion during the dynamic and informative session.
During the orientation, students explored key topics such as safety, confidentiality, appropriate attire, and building meaningful relationships with younger learners. High-energy, interactive activities encouraged them to consider different perspectives, fostering empathy and helping them build connections while feeling at ease with the younger students.
“I’m a little scared,” admitted Konnor Koch, a Pickerington High School North (PHSN) senior, during the initial orientation. “But I’m also excited to make an impact on my community.”
This sentiment echoed among many participants, including Lance Blakely, another PHSN senior, who expressed his desire to “be closer to the kids and help them grow.” Also adding that, “I know back when I was a kid, I could have used a kid like this when I was younger. It could have helped me get better and elevate.”
Service-learning participants are placed in elementary schools across the District, where they serve as academic supporters, mentors, and positive role models for younger learners. Once a week, they meet for class to strengthen their skills and knowledge, while Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are dedicated to tutoring in their assigned classrooms.
Kylah Kemp, a Pickerington High School Central senior, shared her enthusiasm for the program, stating, “I’m excited to meet new kids and learn how to be a better teacher, because it’s something I might want to do in the future.”
Students receive one full elective credit and must commit to the program for one year. The program offers a variety of service opportunities, including tutoring, advocacy, teaching, and volunteering at local shelters.
“For example, with just 50 kids, it's over 3,000 hours of services they are giving to the district,” said Service-Learning Academic Tutoring Co-Facilitator Diana Glanzman. “We have 62 kids right now.”
“Mentorship matters,” emphasizes Matt Dansby, principal of Tussing Elementary School. “There’s no one better to mentor our younger students than our older kids. Investing in kids now pays dividends for the future. To our young kiddos, they are the coolest people that will step into our buildings.”
Dansby’s belief in the power of mentorship is deeply personal. “I’m a product of that investment,” he shared. “I had my first tutoring experience when I was in 5th grade. I went on to be a camp counselor, and throughout my life, I’ve had individuals who stepped in and showed up for me. Giving back is powerful. When you realize the impact, you can have on someone else…the impact is mutual—the younger kids look up to the older ones, and the older kids learn just as much.”
“The exciting thing is that it’s all about the kids," said Tussing School Counselor Annette White. “It creates a sense of being able to give back for those older students to come back into the elementary buildings. When we have our elementary kids learning from our older kids, and they’re both benefiting, that’s the goal, right? Is that it’s serving all the kids and when the adults can step back and take a back seat and look at what the kids are doing for each other, that’s huge!”
The impact of the program is evident district-wide. What started out as a few, will expand from six buildings to eight buildings for the 2025–2026 school year. “This program helps students recognize their own worth and purpose while figuring out how they can make a difference in their community,” says Annette White, a key advocate for the program. “It’s about giving and growing together.”
According to Service-Learning Academic Tutoring Co-Facilitator Diana Glanzman, many former service-learning students have found the program to be a valuable way to give back to their community while exploring their own pathways in life. “Some students say, ‘I thought I was going to be giving a lot, but I got so much out of this,’” shares Glanzman, another advocate for the program. “It’s about building connections and discovering purpose, regardless of the career path they ultimately choose.”
Glanzman recalled one of her favorite memories from last year: “Barry Wallace, a Central High School student and basketball player. She worked with our third graders, and the teachers decided to surprise her by taking the students to one of her basketball games. The kids held up signs and cheered her on throughout the game, shouting, ‘Go Miss Barry! Go Miss Barry!’ After the game, she spent time with them, and they absolutely loved it. It’s all about building relationships—both inside and outside the classroom. To these kids, the mentors are like superheroes. It was a wonderful moment and a true community win-win.”
Principal Matt Dansby expressed his enthusiasm: “Everyone involved is winning! We have eight students that come every week. They are there multiple days and work alongside the teacher in various ways to support students. I’ve seen them working with small groups and one-on-one. They come consistently, are organized, and are making a huge difference. Our students light up when they see them.”
The success of the service-learning program reflects the collaborative efforts of teachers, administrators, students, and community partners. With continued support and expansion, this program empowers students to make a lasting difference in others’ lives while enriching their own educational experiences. It brings students out of their shells and ignites personal and social growth.
Four months after the orientation, the impact of the service-learning program is unmistakable. High school participants are providing meaningful support in classrooms throughout the school district.
Pickerington High School North (PHSN) Senior Dylan Hunt has plans to go into the medical field after graduation, and feels the experience definitely helps with building connections. She is assigned to Fairfield Elementary School and has worked with 4th grade students on their math work.
“I love my experience so far," said Hunt. "I can see the impact I am making in the classroom, and the teacher has told me that the students work more with me, since they work harder to impress me.”
When asked if she found it hard to connect with the younger students, Hunt said, “I am a super outgoing person, and I found ways to connect and relate to the "littles" in order for them to feel more comfortable with me faster. I would 100% recommend this to other students, and I actually already have.”
This consistency and dedication have not only made a significant impact on the younger students but have also bolstered the skills, confidence, and growth of the high school participants. Pickerington High School North Senior Kate Poeppleman is assigned to Toll Gate Elementary school.
