By Carol Anders Correspondent
PLYMOUTH — A new program initiated at Lincoln Junior High has met — and even exceeded — expectations for success. The Five Star program matches mentors with youth on a weekly basis.

The Five Star program revolves around two key beliefs: Students need a foundation of strong core values to help them make good decisions throughout life and they need positive role models to succeed in life. Program events focus on teaching five core values: Courage, respect, integrity, responsibility and sacrifice.
Grades, discipline referrals, attendance and pre and post surveys are used to measure success.  Programs occur over three eight-week sessions.
A large portion of the funding for the program came from part of the funds raised during the “Dancing With the Stars” event held last February. Additional funds from the event were used for programming at the Marshall County Neighborhood Center.
Karen Barden, MCNC board president said, “The Board of the Neighborhood Center feels strongly about supporting programs that will show people how to take the next right step towards their own success in life.”
Barden herself is one of the coaches.
She added, “The kids as a whole really seem to be supporting each other, and that is important when you are in Jr. High.  I truly feel a connection with my team of 8th grade girls.  I want to help them learn what it takes to succeed in school, with their peers and in their own daily lives.”
An awards ceremony was held on the last day of the first 8-week session.  Parents were invited to attend and numerous awards were handed out.  The top winners were: Jake Summey – Integrity Award, Mandie Smith – Sacrifice Award, Isamar Rena – Courage Award , Sarah Bottorff – Spirit Award, Ginella Cerritero – Respect Award, Kyle Williams – Most Improved Award, and The Student of the Season was Hope Babcock.  
Cerritero said, “Five Star teaches you to be yourself.  Just because you’re cool doesn’t mean you have to ignore others.  You can help out other people too.”
The program is held at several schools throughout northern Indiana.