SPRINGFIELD, Missouri – Evangel University recently announced its Half Hour Heroes program with Weller Elementary will resume after a two-year hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the Half Hour Heroes partnership, Evangel students volunteer to spend 30-minute recess periods with Weller third through fifth-graders, engaging with and serving as role models to the elementary students.
The program began when Dr. Rebecca Donaldson, Weller Elementary principal, met with Evangel leaders to discuss launching a volunteer program. Evangel, a longtime Partner in Education for Weller, agreed and extended the service opportunity to students. Through Half Hour Heroes, Evangel students receive hands-on experience in community investment, while Weller students make positive connections with college students and the college experience.
“” Loving Weller/Building Scholars” is our mission,” Donaldson said. “Half Hour Heroes “love Weller” by building relationships with kids as they play with them. Our kids can’t wait to connect with Evangel students during recess! With Half Hour Heroes, our discipline goes down and connections go up.”
The Half Hour Heroes program is coordinated through Evangel’s Education Department and Chair Dr. Shonna Crawford.
“Our partnership with Weller Elementary is a lift to the local community,” said Crawford. “EU students make an immeasurable impact as positive role models, and they often receive much more than they invest through the relationships they build with their elementary-aged mentees.”
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Evangel University, with its embedded Assemblies of God Theological Seminary (AGTS), is a comprehensive Spirit-led Christian university located in Springfield, Missouri. It is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. Under the leadership of Dr. Mike Rakes, EU is committed to excellence in educating and equipping students to serve the Church and society globally and becoming compassionate innovators in their chosen vocations. EU offers more than 70 degree programs, including cutting-edge majors, pre-professional programs, and affordable and flexible online degree options.
EU is highly regarded and has been ranked:
- US News & World Report Best Colleges Top Performer in Social Mobility
- Colleges of Distinction Best Christian University
- Top 10 Best Universities by AcademicInfluence.com
- Third Most Beautiful Campus in the Midwest by Christian Colleges & Universities
- Top 10 Best Colleges in Missouri by BestColleges.com
With additional accreditations in business, counseling, music, social work, and theology and certification as an Excellence in Giving university, EU is focused on providing students with hands-on experience and real-world training for today’s professional careers. Learn more about the university at evangel.edu.