Marksmen Lead the Class

While most students departed campus in May, a dedicated group of Marksmen returned in June – this time to serve as teachers. For three weeks, the Brendan Court ’06 Summer Enrichment Program hosted 31 middle school boys from Dallas ISD schools for lessons in literature, math, ceramics, and robotics, among other subjects. The program was led by a group of St. Mark’s students, who volunteer part of their summer to serve as teachers.  

 

In addition to teaching core subjects, the St. Mark's students also led elective courses ranging from debate and choir to photography and soccer. Several St. Mark's teachers and coaches also lent their expertise, with special lessons in robotics and a wrestling clinic in the Zierk Athletic Center. 

The boys took a special field trip to the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and celebrated Juneteenth by painting a collective mural and learning about the holiday from Lorre Allen, St. Mark’s Director of Inclusion, Diversity, and Human Resources.  

 

Throughout the program, St. Mark’s students earned valuable insight into what it takes to be a teacher.  

 

“Volunteering with the program has shown me that teaching is more than just presenting material; it is about engaging and getting the kids to think for themselves,” said Asher Ridzinski ’27. “By showing how to be a good person and how to go about a subject properly, the teacher will succeed in not only teaching the kids but also building their character.” 

 

Spanish teachers Jorge Correa and Katherine Anson direct the Brendan Court ’06 Program. But they rely on the Marksmen volunteers to plan, organize, and lead most of the day-to-day operations.  

 

“When the program is running, our students need to organize activities and make real-time logistical decisions that ensure the participants get the best experience,” said Correa. “They plan daily classes and electives and organize lunches and extra activities. But the most meaningful experience is seeing our St. Mark's students mentor and guide younger boys who they’re meeting for the first time.” 

For Ridzinksi, the Brendan Court ’06 Program is a natural extension of the School’s core mission of training boys to make a positive difference in their communities: “By sharing our incredible resources and opportunities with others, it allows the entire city of Dallas as a whole to grow. We need to share our resources with outside students in order to give them new outlets for their creativity and to make great people.” 

 

The Brendan Court ’06 Summer Enrichment Program honors the memory of a beloved member of St. Mark’s Class of 2006. The program offers a tuition-free summer program for rising 7th and 8th-grade boys attending public schools. In addition to providing educational opportunities for young boys, the program also allows St. Mark’s students to explore the field of teaching.