There are superheroes among us!

This past year, we graduated 56 third-grade students from our Superhero Training Academy program. The academy was developed after teachers and guidance counselors realized that the existing services offered at the schools did not meet the needs of the students who may be most at-risk.

This program helps tackle issues such as low attendance, school anxiety, low self-esteem, bullying, and not being engaged in the classroom. Through fun activities, children in the program learn about being strong in their mind and body, show great character and leadership, and develop their own superhero persona who works to improve their school community through the Y’s core values of honesty, responsibility, and respect.

The initiative began in Hudson, and after much success, we were able to add another Superhero program at Nashua’s Title 1 Preschool, where we are working with 45 low-income four-year-olds. These superheroes also receive free swim lessons at the Y.