Seniors at Kennebunk High School returned to Kennebunk Elementary School this spring — this time, as mentors.

As part of their senior project required to graduate, the seniors spent time connecting with young students through a mentorship program at the elementary school.

Coordinated by Kennebunk Elementary School Counselor Austin Muir, the program pairs high school seniors with elementary classrooms. Their main focus is to simply spend time with the kids and be present, Muir said.

“The little ones view the high schoolers as rock stars,” Muir said. “They’re really curious about them and they really want to connect with them.”

Over the course of two weeks, the high schoolers spend time reading to the elementary schoolers, playing with them, and sometimes, simply talking and connecting.

“We talk to the high schoolers a lot about positive boundaries and how to maintain that,” Muir said.

The program began three years ago as a way to introduce diverse perspectives to elementary school students. Rather than bringing in outside mentors, the elementary school decided to bring in high school seniors from the community.

“It’s special that the kids are coming from the community that they live in,” Muir said. “The seniors are at a tipping point of a chapter, graduating from high school. It’s unique for the young kids to see.”

Before the program begins, Muir asks the elementary staff if they are interested in hosting a high school senior.

Each year, Muir said, there has been more interest from staff than high schoolers that sign up.

“It’s a good thing,” Muir said.

For some high school students, the program is an opportunity to reconnect with the elementary school teachers who made an impact on their education.

Seniors Ella Beals and Molly McKinney said the program was a full-circle moment for them, as they were both able to work with their former second grade teacher, Beth MacLeod.

“It’s really nostalgic because there are a lot of things I remember, but it’s also really different,” McKinney said. “It’s been fun to come back because I actually haven’t been back since I left. It’s just kind of cool to be part of the younger community here again.”

The program also teaches the seniors patience. Young kids have a lot of energy, and some behaviors can be overwhelming to high schoolers who aren’t used to being around young kids.

But for others, the program reinforces or influences college or career paths.

Senior Makena Garriepy, who is going to college to study psychology, said the experience didn’t feel like a job to her. It was just fun.

“I enjoyed every second I had with the kids and creating relationships and memories with them,” Garriepy said. “Knowing that I’m making their day just a little bit better is really, really impactful.”

Muir, who has a background in mentorship, plans to continue the program in future years. He said he often encourages high schoolers to tell their younger friends about the program, so they might be interested in participating.

“We build it as it comes each year,” Muir said. “Youth mentorship is important.”