Initiating an elementary school recess program by Colette

Initiating an elementary school recess program by Colette - March 2026 Scholarship Essay

During my junior year of high school, my principal at my former elementary school approached me hoping to have teenagers from the high school spend time with kids at recess. He approached me specifically as I already volunteered there a lot and worked after school there as an assistant soccer coach with a certain program. As I had classes throughout the day with no free time, I told him I was unable to do this.
Once I had my senior year schedule and knew when my senior privilege option time was, I went back and spoke to that principal. In turn, I initiated becoming a recess official at my former elementary school. Instead of going home to nap, go to work, or do homework/study like most with senior privilege do, I spend 2 days a week with the elementary kids during their lunch recess, engaging kids with games and other inclusive activities.
I feel like this has helped the kids at recess time as they look forward to me being there. I enjoy making sure all kids are included in playing with each other by inviting kids that look like they are alone. By doing this, I am hoping it teaches the kids that they are wanted and part of the larger circle; branching out and making new friends. This hopefully teaches them that even if they don't like someone, they can still show empathy and kindness toward everyone by including and not excluding.
As for what I learned in this process, I feel like I've become a better person as well. Despite my other volunteering, I think this is the most important thing I've done. I can see a difference in how the kids act at recess when I'm around. They have learned to invite others to play, even when they may not be part of the same circle. I'm proud of the fact I have good time management and have made time for this throughout the school year, have stuck with it even in the freezing cold temperatures of recess, and that I actually look forward to seeing all the kids and having fun with them. While I could not find other high schoolers to help grow this program this year, I'm hopeful other high school students will follow in my footsteps and continue this after I graduate.