Academics are stressful and asking for help isn’t always the easiest thing for most teenagers to do, but a group of Tyrone students led by senior Mikenzie Weaver is hoping to take the stigma out of getting academic help.

Weaver is starting an after-school homework help group for students who need it.

“I wanted to create this program so students would feel comfortable asking for help in their weaker subjects,” said Weaver.

The sessions will be held in Mr.Funicelli’s room (224) from 2:55 to 4:00 P.M. every Monday through Thursday.

These after-school homework help sessions will be run by students, not teachers. It is not academic detention and students are not required to attend. They can spend as much or as little time as they need to get help.

Current seniors Cassidy Miksich, Ashlynn McKinney, and Weaver are already committed to helping out, but they are looking for more volunteers.

“We definitely want to get more upperclassmen involved in helping. It can also count as easy community service hours for those who may need them,” said Weaver.

There are many reasons why students may struggle in school, including not understanding concepts, feeling embarrassed to ask for help, or just not having a safe or supportive environment at home in which to complete their work.

Weaver wants to create a safe and relaxed environment for all students to come to get help when needed.

Weaver hopes that this program can be successful and reach the students that truly need it.

Faculty sponsor Mike Funicelli is very supportive of Weaver’s idea and wants to see it become a reality.

“I will consider it a success if we can help at least one student get work done who normally would not,” said Funicelli.

Students that have late work, or just need some extra help, should not be afraid to stop by a Homework Help session.

“I am hopeful that people take advantage of this and that maybe teachers won’t be as overwhelmed with helping students in advisory,” said McKinney.