PCHES Reading Buddies 2026

New year, new memories! The Highlands Intermediate Student Council is officially back at it with our annual PCHES Reading Buddies program! Every week, we walk over to our neighbors at Pearl City Highlands Elementary to promote literacy and play with an amazing group of 2nd Graders. This program is the ultimate win-win: while we’re busy helping our "little buddies" develop a love for reading and ensuring everyone feels included, we’re also growing as leaders. As 8th Graders, this experience is a hands-on masterclass in facilitation, public speaking, and mentorship as we lead icebreakers, run energizers, and build genuine bonds. It’s more than just a school activity; it’s an opportunity to take on a new leadership role, practice our presentation skills, and create lifelong friendships. We’re so excited to see these connections grow—PCHES Reading Buddies 2026 is officially off to an incredible start! 📚✨🤝

PCHES Reading Buddies 2025

Who knew reading Green Eggs and Ham could be this fun?! This year, we 8th Graders got to buddy up with the 2nd Graders from PCHES (Pearl City Highlands Elementary School) for weekly reading time and fun — and it turned out to be one of the best parts of the year! At first, it was about helping them read, but soon we were laughing at silly stories, making up voices, and even creating our own mini adventures. We didn’t just help them—we learned a lot too! We also learned about patience, creativity, and how good it really feels to make someone’s day. By the end, it felt less like a school activity and more like a friendship. Reading Buddies = unforgettable memories! Tegan Shadwick, Student Government President

PCHES Reading Buddies "A Hui Hou!" 2024

Concluding the annual tradition of reading and literacy to 2nd Graders at Pearl City Highlands Elementary School (PCHES) gave a sense of bittersweet closure, as the Highlands Intermediate Student Council reflected on the shared joy of learning and storytelling these past 5 months. Student Council members played games, and read books every Friday as the classrooms were always filled with excitement, engagement and fun! The last session ended with gifts, goodbyes, and many many hugs. While these endings represented the end of one chapter, they also paved the way for new beginnings and opportunities for growth and exploration in the years to come for our little PCHES Reading Buddies. Sienna Uecke, Student Government Vice-President.