Alumni News - Hannibal-LaGrange University

ReflectionFall03.qxd 9/22/2004 4:26 PM Page 8
Student Focus
by Brandy Campbell • Public Relations Staff Writer
Student Focus
C
ory Adolph’s eyes are narrowed in concentration.
He scans the playing field before locking
in on the pitcher. The tension is thick as the large red
rubber ball is released. It bounces across the hardpacked
dirt before making contact with Cory’s sneakerclad
foot. He watches with a satisfied smile as the ball
soars over the heads of the other players and he runs the
bases, giving high-fives all around.
This playground scene sounds common enough until
you learn that Adolph is a junior at Hannibal-LaGrange
College. While most his age would be concerned with
social standing, Adolph has instead decided to focus his
free time on making a difference in the lives of at-risk
students through the GateKeepers program.
GateKeepers is a collaborative effort between FACT
(Families and Communities Together), the Hannibal and
Palmyra School Districts, and Hannibal-LaGrange
College. The program, which began in 1996, is designed
to connect college students with at-risk 4th and 5th
graders. The students involved not only receive help
with homework, but they are also able to spend time
with young adult mentors who set examples for them.
“I was very involved in a mentoring program in high
school,” said Adolph. “I was able to be a coordinator of
the program, which allowed me to hear of many things
happening in the young kids’ lives. I know the situations
they are in, and knowing that I can be there for them,
knowing that I can be someone they depend on, makes it
worthwhile for me.”
Adolph Makes the
Most of College
Through
Mentoring Program
Adolph became inolved with GateKeepers his freshman
year. He is now beginning his second year of working
with students through the program. He spends time
each week working one-on-one with a student, in addition
to time spent with a group of five. All of the
GateKeepers also meet once a month for a large-group
activity.
“We do a lot with the kids,” said Adolph. “We work
on their homework, then play sports, games, or do crafts.
When I have free time, I would much rather be involved
in GateKeepers than be watching TV or just goofing off.”
Judy Lemons, faculty advisor for GateKeepers and
Assistant Professor of Education, encourages even more
young men to mentor at-risk youth.
“The program has about 50% boys, but last year we
only had about eight guys sign up to be mentors (out of a
total of more than 40 mentors),” said Lemons. “We
need more young men like Cory to give guidance to
these kids. Cory has so much patience and enthusiasm.
We’re very thankful for him.”
It isn’t only the children who are impacted by
GateKeepers. Adolph expressed how much he has
learned through the program.
“God is teaching me so much about continuing in
my commitments. People are depending on me, and
when I back out, I am hurting others in the process. I
am also learning about making my time at college count.
You only have four years at HLG,” said Adolph. “Make
it count. Don’t just remember college life as a time of
fun for yourself, but a time where you made a difference
and invested time in someone’s life.”
Service projects like
Gatekeepers also show Hannibal
what an impact the college can
make on the community.
“It is crucial that college students
are involved in missions and
community service locally,” said
Adolph. “HLG has an opportunity
to be a beacon to the city of
Hannibal. If we close ourselves
off to our community, we are not
doing our jobs as Christians. We
are called to go into the world and
preach the gospel. We are told to
love our neighbors, and to serve
others above ourselves. This
institution can make such a difference
to our neighbors if only we
would take advantage of community
service and missions.”
The advantages of working
with at-risk youth far exceeds
expectations for both child and
mentor.
“When you go to school, and
the kid you are paired with lights
up...it is a benefit in itself,” said
Adolph. “These kids long for
attention, and when they receive
it, most will really open up to you.
The ability to help a struggling
child is probably the biggest benefit.
Oh, and another benefit
would be that when I play kickball
with the kids, I am finally the best
kicker on the field,” concluded
Adolph with a smile.
Ministry Teams
teams
Ministry teams travel throughout the year and summer months, involved in ministry to the local church
as well as state wide retreats and international mission trips. If you would like more information on how
to have one of these groups in your church, please contact the sponsor listed below.
Covenant
Praise song
New Edition
Vision
Covenant, a six-voice women’s ensemble, is HLG’s newest traveling music group. Covenant’s repertoire
includes several musical styles, including contemporary Christian, a cappella, and Gospel. Contact
director Jane Griffen at (573) 221-3675, ext. 254.
Praise Song, an upbeat vocal and instrumental ensemble, ministers through song and testimony. Their
program includes praise and worship music, traditional hymns, and hits from the contemporary Christian
music charts. Contact director Dave Corkern at (573) 221-3675, ext. 285.
New Edition is a traveling repertory troupe specializing in Christian theatre. The troupe presents challenging
messages with a biblical foundation in a way that people clearly understand. Contact director
John Katsion at (573) 221-3675, ext. 247.
Vision is HLG’s Southern Gospel men’s quartet. Formed in 1997, the quartet has become one of the
college’s most well-traveled ensembles. Contact David Corkern at (573) 221-3675, ext. 285.
Youth Ministry Teams lead in church revivals, lock-ins, youth rallies, and various other ministries
throughout the school year. As individuals, Christian ministry students are often called upon to fill pulpit
needs. Contact Tom Hufty at (573) 221-3675, ext. 300.
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