Harlan Student’s Get the Lion’s Share of Attention from UNA!

Mar. 20, 2015

Bryan Rachal, University Communications

FLORENCE, Ala. – Walking into the Harlan Elementary cafeteria, it was easy to spot University of North Alabama junior defensive lineman, Cedric Leonard.  The simple truth is Leonard is literally head and shoulders (and much more) above the students who attend Harlan Elementary in Florence.  

When I arrived, Leonard was just finishing up lunch with two of his buddies as part of the Lion Buddy program, which is a partner program between UNA and Harlan that pairs up elementary school students with student athletes from UNA.  As the two students headed back to class, Leonard quickly informs them to make sure they wipe their faces and hands with a napkin before they leave.  

It is obvious that while these two students may have to look up to see Leonard, literally, they also look up to him in the metaphorical sense as well.  For Amanda Green, UNA Intern School Counselor, that’s the outcome she’d hoped for when she came up with the idea. 

“I heard about a buddy program in the town where I got my teaching degree and they actually paired high school athletes with students in the elementary schools who had been bullied,” Green said. “So I wanted to do something like that here; not necessarily target kids who had been bullied, but maybe just kids who needed a friend.” 

Green said she spoke with Lisa Rhodes, Harlan’s school counselor, and they originally thought perhaps they could mimic the other program and use high school students, but the schedule conflict was too difficult to deal with since they had planned on the buddies getting together during lunch hours.  That’s when both ladies had the idea to contact UNA.  The program was approved by UNA’s athletic staff and the athletes were informed.  Leonard was one of the athletes who volunteered immediately. 

“I had wanted to join a big brother type program for a while, but as an athlete and a student it was hard for me to find time in my schedule,” Leonard said.  “When Mrs. Wingo brought it to my attention, it was a great idea because it worked with my schedule.  So I was able to get here and start making a positive impact on some of the kids.” 

So far, 50 student athletes from UNA are involved with the program, along with 50 students from Harlan.  The students were chosen by teacher referral based on different reasons.  Rhodes said the school uses Lion Buddy as a mentoring program.  “We have the athletes come in; they’re matched with a student and the students get really excited because some of our children don’t have a parent that can come eat lunch with them.  So these athletes act as mentors for them.” 

Leonard said on a typical day he’ll arrive at the school and speak with his buddies’ teacher to see if there’s anything specific they want him to talk with the children about.  “Once I hear that, I just have a normal conversation with them.  I ask them how their day is going; what’s going on at home,” he said.  “Just small talk, and then, eventually, I lead into what the teacher wanted me to speak about.  If the teacher didn’t mention anything, I just try to give them a positive word… you know, something to keep them motivated.” 

Green said the program started in January and has been going only for a few months, but she said this is something she thinks should be a regular part of the school week.  “I think that kids need that experience outside of their world.  Just having that person that they can share with and talk with, you know having somebody that’s investing that time with them, Green said.” 

If you’ve ever spent time with kids, the conversation can vary and Leonard said his buddies are no different.  “You know, I’m an athlete, so they want to talk about football.  They ask me about shoes; it’s more about cultural and lifestyle stuff.  You know, have you seen those shoes?  They even ask me what my favorite subject is; it’s just pretty funny to listen to their questions.” 

There is also another factor, however; it’s very clear to these students that Leonard is a current college student and that makes a difference.  “We’re very fortunate to have a university in our town, and, as the counselor, I talk about that educationally.  This is something that you can do; all of you can do this,” Rhodes said. “So this really makes it real.  When they come in our building, you know they’re athletes but they’re also academic scholars.  The athletes see themselves in these kids and vice versa.” 

The overall goal is to have the program continue indefinitely.  Rhodes said Harlan already works in conjunction with UNA on other projects, but this program is something that they think is truly beneficial.  As for Leonard, he hopes to coach one day so the experience with the kids has helped him grow.  Leonard didn’t hesitate when asked to describe the program in one word.  “Blessing,” he said.  “You know, growing up in Montgomery, the crime rate was higher than it is in this area,” Leonard said, “so I can definitely see being where I’m from, the positive impact a person can have on a kid’s life,” he said.