BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — A Buffalo native is giving back to his community by using his Hollywood skills to mentor Buffalo Public Schools students.
Some middle school students want to learn from Addison Henderson, a Buffalo native and Hollywood star who dedicates her time to giving back to her community.
“But I’m also an educator. I like to give back and I like to teach people, because when I was young and growing up, there were a lot of things that touched me and brought me here. “Because of the people who brought me here,” says Addison.
All of this is done through Canisius University’s academic talent search program.
Fifth-graders Shamiya Williams and Imani Hunter are among them.
“The most important thing we learned is that even when something is difficult, if you keep doing it, you get better,” says Shamiya.
“When I get home, I’m just on my phone, so I can keep doing something,” Imani says.
And they receive free coaching from Addison.
“When you grow up in a disadvantaged community, it’s often already difficult, and running towards something difficult is probably the furthest thing from their mind,” he says. “But I want them to go for it and evolve into the people they want to be.”
Another major focus of the program is providing support services to BPS students in grades 5 through 12.
“The mentoring aspect of the program is critical to matching students with people who can relate,” said Elizabeth Caffe, director of the Canisius College Academic Talent Search Program. “So it was a great opportunity to bring back people who were born and raised here.”
And it is helping these students speak in public.
“Be clear about what you want to say and express yourself. It’s never too early to start,” says Elizabeth.
Addison has this advice for parents:
“Do anything that keeps kids engaged, whether it’s after-school programs or academic talent discovery,” he says.
If you are interested in enrolling your student in Canisius College’s Academic Talent Search Program, please click here.
