By Matt Weingarden , Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeshore News Reporter
A unique pilot program that started in 2023 in Lakeshore has proven to be a popular choice for local students.
Classroom Champions empowers children to thrive academically, socially and emotionally. Through the mentorship and mindset of participating world-class athletes, the program is designed to improve student engagement, build growth mindsets, and inspire positive classroom culture.
“We talk about a lot of topics like goal setting, a sense of community and responsibilities, a healthy lifestyle and emotions,” said teacher Jenn Woodrich, who runs the Lakeshore program.
Each adult athlete, generally from Ontario, is paired with a class and sends the group a monthly video on a pre-determined topic. The class watches the video and enters into discussion about the topic and the sends its own video feedback to the athlete through the year.
“An athlete, either an Olympic or Paralympic, has a different mindset which tends to be more developed when it comes to goal setting, handling success and failures,” said Woodrich. “While this is sports related, we’re not training to compete so to speak. These are life building skills we’re learning.
Typically delivered through school boards and local classrooms, the Lakeshore pilot project was the organization’s first step into community-based programming.
Woodrich noted that many students in her classroom learn to face their own big issues with resilience, thanks to the tools provided by Classroom Champions lessons and stories shared by their Athlete Mentors. Whether it was learning to manage emotions or tackling academic hurdles, these Athlete Mentors give Jenn’s students the strength to push through their struggles.
When a world class athlete stands on the podium, the world sees victory – but the real story lies in the confidence connection and resilience that got them there. This championship mindset isn’t just for athletes it’s a powerful blueprint for success in school and beyond. Imagine students learning from the best, gaining life experience/skills like perseverance, discipline, and confidence from inspiring role models who have lived it!
The program starts in September through March and open to students aged eight to 12. Over 10 weeks, students will participate in weekly classes at the Atlas Tube Recreation Centre. There is a $10 registration fee.
“This is an important program for today’s youth, especially given the number of challenges out there today,”
said Woodrich. “I’ve received comment from parents who say that they see a difference in their child’s attitudes. Teachers at school have noticed a difference as well, noting a change in applying problem solving skills.
To learn more and register for the program, please contact 519-728-2700 ext. 0, email RecInfo@Lakeshore.ca, or visit Lakeshore.ca/ClassroomChamps.
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