Center for Catholic Education at UD

By Pono Riddle

“I want to come to UD.” “This is what a college looks like?” “College looks FUN.” These are some of the things ECHO Peacemakers expressed when coming to campus for the annual “Peacemakers at UD” event in December. ECHO is currently serving in 14 Catholic Schools in the Dayton area,7 of which have Peacemakers. Peacemakers are the 7^th and 8^th graders in those 7 schools, who exemplify excellent leadership skills and serve as role models both in school and in their community.

On December 14, ECHO hosted the Peacemakers at UD for the day. The schedule for the event usually consists of team-building activities, a service project, and finally some fun at KU Hangar––bowling, pool tables, and a huge hangout space = a winning combo! Several ECHO counselors, as well as Director, Rhonda Mercs, and Marianist PULSE Volunteer, Pono Riddle, helped the Peacemakers to further foster their leadership and networking skills.

One of the team-building activities consisted of 4 hula hoops and colorful, ball-pit balls. The objective was simple: work together to get the balls in all hula hoops. The other activity was broken up into mini-exercises rooted in seeking ways to improve non-verbal communication (e.g. birthday lineup, shoe size lineup, and height lineup––which was harder to do on an incline). These activities took place in the Science Center, followed by the Peacemakers sharing testimonies of how they impact their school in a positive way.

The service project this year involved writing at least 2 Christmas cards to those living at the Twin Towers Senior Living Community apartments. Christmas music fueled inspiration for both uplifting, heartfelt messages and embracing the joyous, blessed season. The day ended with some well-deserved fun in the KU Hangar. Peacemakers expressed both excitement and appreciation for facilities like the Hangar and were awestruck of how big the campus was to them–– even though they were only in part of the campus.

The Peacemakers having the opportunity to experience a day on a college campus is paramount to the rest of their middle and high school experience as they contemplate life beyond high school. Inspiration. Determination. Application. These are some of the words I heard in Peacemakers choosing UD as their first choice for college and what it takes to get them here to UD. Inspiration. Determination. Application.

Edited by Lindsey Bronder and Barb Miller