High school can be overwhelming, but at St. Johns High School, a new initiative is making sure students have the tools and support they need to succeed. The Breakfast Club, a student support program, officially launched on Feb. 7, offers a blend of life skills training, mentorship and a hot breakfast every Friday morning at 9 a.m. Designed to help students navigate both academic and personal challenges, the program focuses on practical tools like time management to set them up for success.

The Breakfast Club provides a space for students to gather, enjoy breakfast, and access valuable life skills training through online resources and one-on-one counseling. The program is supported by the Arizona Student Opportunity Collaborative, which provides virtual counseling and academic support tailored to students’ needs. In addition to in-person sessions, students can access self-service resources online at any time, allowing them to seek guidance, explore educational tools and schedule virtual counseling appointments at their convenience.

“We wanted to create something accessible for all students, not just those who typically seek out counseling services. The Breakfast Club is a way to build skills, make connections and support student success in a comfortable and welcoming environment,” Academic Counselor Rick Johnson said.

Each session includes breakfast, with the first session featuring pancakes, eggs and sausage prepared by art teacher Patti Johnson and prevention intervention recovery specialist Lon Dimbatt. Principal Stephanie Mouritsen and Superintendent Kyle Patterson joined students for breakfast, engaging in discussions and expressing their enthusiasm for the program’s potential effects. Future sessions may feature breakfast provided by the St. Johns High School Culinary program, allowing students more opportunity to show off their culinary skills.

Accompanying breakfast were structured discussions led by counselors helping to guide students through various life skills topics. The first session focused on time management, teaching students how to prioritize tasks and make the most of their schedules. Using interactive worksheets and a TED Talk discussion, students explored strategies for balancing academics, extracurricular activities and personal time.

One takeaway from the session was the idea of treating priorities like a broken water heater: when something is urgent, people find the time to address it. The discussion encouraged students to rethink how they allocate their time and focus on what truly matters.

A holistic approach to student success

Unlike traditional counseling programs, the Breakfast Club offers a broad range of services to accommodate today’s needs of rural students. Registered students can use the program to:

Access career guidance and college preparation resources
Receive tutoring in academic subjects
Learn about financial aid and scholarships, including Free Application for Federal Student Aid application assistance
Connect with professionals in various career fields through virtual meetings

Johnson said the program was designed to be flexible and responsive to student needs, noting that some students may need personal guidance while others seek help with college applications or career paths.

The program also incorporates a peer-led structure, allowing students to help create the rules and shape the discussions. Some of the rules established by students include respecting personal space, avoiding cell phone distractions and maintaining a positive and supportive atmosphere.

Bridging the gap for rural students

One of the biggest difficulties rural students face is access to resources, especially in areas with limited academic and emotional support services. The Breakfast Club aims to bridge this gap by offering virtual counseling and mentorship opportunities. Through newly donated technology from Summit Healthcare, students can connect with online counselors via Zoom from the school’s career center or even from home, pending parental permission.

Johnson said living in a rural area can make it difficult to find in-person academic counseling and emotional support. This program ensures that students don’t have to miss out on critical resources just because of where they live.

Students are already responding positively to the program. Freshman Camry Slade shared enthusiasm for the opportunity to build confidence and navigate high school challenges, highlighting the value of having a supportive environment.

A promising future

As the Breakfast Club continues to grow, school administrators hope to expand its offerings to include workshops on financial literacy, resume building, and job interview skills. There are also plans to bring in professionals from various industries to speak with students about career paths and post-secondary opportunities.

Johnson said the program is still developing but emphasized its potential effects in fostering a culture of support and success at St. Johns High School. Mouritsen and Patterson echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of providing students with the tools they need to succeed both academically and personally.

For students interested in joining, the Breakfast Club meets every Friday before school, and participation is voluntary. Whether students want to grab a bite to eat, get academic help or talk through personal challenges, the program is open to all who need it.

Contact the reporter at jmoreira@wmicentral.com.

St. Johns

St. Johns High School's Breakfast Club Helps Students Thrive