Washington County Enterprise-Leader
Cardinal Crew Members Offer Tutoring 101
FARMINGTON —The children’s area at Farmington Public Library has become the place to be once a week for free tutoring from members of the Cardinal Crew at Farmington High School.
Nicholas Erickson, a senior, came up with the idea to provide free tutoring while talking with high school counselor, Donna Norsworthy. She suggested calling the librarian about the idea.
The first Thursday no one showed up at the library. Since then, more students have been dropping in to seek help with math, science or other subjects.
Erickson has helped students with math and enjoys the break from his senior-level math classes.
Erickson said he believes the high school students will continue to tutor this year as long as kids are showing up for help.
Drew Williams, a seventhgrader at Farmington Middle School, said he believes the sessions are helping him. He noted he is only in science for 45 minutes during the school day and the tutoring sessions are one-on-one. Two high school students were helping Williams this day.
Jennifer Eary brought her daughter Caitlyn, a seventhgrader, by the library to be tutored in math.
“I saw the flyer so I thought we’d try it out and see,” Eary said. “I like the fact the high school is helping the younger group and is willing to help them academically.”
She said she also thinks it’s a good idea because middle school students don’t always want to listen to their parents.
“I think they’ll be more receptive to hearing it from a high school student,” Eary said, adding she also thinks it will help her daughter’s confidence.
The Cardinal Crew is a group of 50 high school juniors and seniors who were first selected to help with orientation for incoming freshman. Since the high school has moved to its new facility for 10th-12th graders, crew members are serving as ambassadors for the school.
They give tours to new students and this year have been encouraged to become involved in community service projects.
“They help wherever they can to represent our school,” said Lori McCain, secretary in the counselor’s office.
Students apply in the spring to be a member of the Cardinal Crew. Norsworthy and McCain seek teacher recommendations. McCain said the school is looking for students with leadership characteristics to serve as Cardinal Crew members.