Warriors With Wings
Press

Article written by Amy Monahan 11/06/03
Eastern Hills Journal

     The effort to help others started out as a simple personal reflection for Mariemont Elementary teacher Jeff Timmers.

     The Mariemont High School track coach and Showstoppers choreographer, Timmers knew that he was involved in the school district, but thought that he could do more to help out in the community.

     This school year, Timmers began Warriors With Wings, a group for Mariemont Junior High and High School students, to help them become involved with volunteer opportunities.

     The group’s mission is also to bring about unity within the community and an acceptance that people can fit time into their busy schedules to help others, he said.

     “I want to be the person out there that sort of leads everybody in the right direction,” Timmers said.  “I’m trying to pass on to students you can give of your time; not expect anything in return.  It’s unconditional.”

     So far, 22 students have joined the group, helping out and participating in the Kicks for Kids River Run, which benefits mentally and physically challenged children; the Alzheimer’s Association’s Memory Walk and the Making Strides for Breast Cancer walk.

     Junior Christie DeWert said she thought it was a good idea that Timmers wanted to guide students into making a difference in the community.

     While she has volunteered at school, DeWert said she wanted to take such efforts to the next level.

     Besides being a way to meet other people, participating in Warriors With Wings has been a way for DeWert to learn about herself, she said.

     “It’s nice to mean something, to have a purpose, rather than just be a student, an athlete,” DeWert said.

     Timmers said the group’s plan is to participate in activities or help with an event twice a month.  Parents and community members are also invited to assist the group.

     For information, visit www.mariemontschools.org/hssports/Warriors%20With%20Wings/warriors_with_wings.htm or email jtimmers@mariemontschools.org or call 272-7400.