COVINGTON, Ky. -- Magic happens at John G. Carlisle Elementary School in Covington, Ky.
Standing in the cafeteria line, Dan Leugers, Lunch Buddy, asks, “Do we have any cookies? Do you want to share a cookie?”
Ten-year-old 5th grader Johnathan Collins says, “Sure.”
Once a week for less than an hour, Johnathan meets with Leugers, a local businessman, for lunch, one of 55 such pairings at Carlisle.
But it's more than just a shared meal. It's conversation. And it's also a chance to show kids what they can be.
Carlisle Family Resource Coordinator Dan Byrd says it gives the kids “some exposure to people that are out in the community and gainfully employed and that type of thing. Just to give them a sense of something to shoot for in life.”
As Johnathan and Dan enjoy their lunch and build a relationship, Johnathan says he feels safe and happy. ”Me and him tell jokes a lot, and we like telling jokes and playing frisbee and stuff.”
Other lunch buddies share the library, talking, having lunch and working on activities.
Dan is equally enthusiastic. “When I walk away from here, I don't know who has more fun, Johnathan or me, because we're both giggling when we come out of here.”
Recently, nine coast guard members have since picked up applications to become mentors in the program, but that is still not nearly enough. Carlisle has 55 for its 4th and 5th graders, but it could use nearly three times that number to satisfy an urgent demand.
Byrd says, “There's a constant tug on the pants leg, almost on a daily basis… ‘Mr. Byrd, when do I get a lunch buddy? When do I get a lunch buddy?’”
Playing on the computers, it's clear Johnathan and Dan are great buddies. But the magic in their friendship is equally clear.
Johnathan says of Dan, “He's a hero. He's a funny guy; and he's a good guy.”
That tribute leaves Dan Leugers touched and almost speechless. “Yeah...it's nice....”
