Students work to break down barriers and create new friendships

Eisenhower High School students have gone to bat to break down some barriers and create positive relationships at the school.

Recently, the Eisenhower High School softball and baseball teams competed with Life Centered Career Education (LCCE) students in a whiffle ball game as part of Project Unify, a peer-to-peer program.

“It is truly a school effort that pays off immensely for every student involved,” said LCCE teacher Tarrah Bashore, who helped coordinate the program with teachers Kristin Oprita and John Morrison. “Our kids get the opportunity to practice academics taught in the classroom in real life settings with peers by their side. Their social interactions, academics and self-confidence are all improved by these activities,” she said.

The whiffle ball game allowed students to have fun together and afterward enjoy a “team lunch” of hot dogs and nachos.

The game was one of several activities Project Unify has coordinated this year. Other events include a Ford Field tour, creating garden stones in art class, weekly recycling efforts and making blankets for children in the hospital.

“Lifelong friendships and bonds are formed all while enlightening future generations on differences and acceptance,” Bashore said. “We are very lucky here at Eisenhower to have such open-minded and accepting students, parents, staff and administration.”