Most middle schoolers face more challenges than one.
"I take it hard in math class," said 14-year-old Raymond at Fort Myers Middle Academy. "I have to take Algebra 1 this year."
From the COVID-19 pandemic to enduring multiple hurricanes, it's something that made then eighth grader Dylan Moon take notice.
"They didn't have computers to work on virtual school with," said Dylan. "So I think they just lost a lot of time and basic math and reading schools," said Dylan.
In 2020, Dylan founded Creating Role Models and Mentors.
What started as a nonprofit that connects students struggling in school with student mentors grew into much more.
"We help with testing scores, peer mentorship, career orientation and some fundraising," said Dylan.
During Hurricane Milton, some families of CRAM students needed a place to go.
"We lost everything from the last hurricanes," said Michelle, a single mom to CRAM mentee Jonathan."So I was like, what do I do? Because if we do get hit bad again, we will lose everything."
Once again, Dylan and CRAM mentors took notice.
The students fundraised money to give three mentee families gift cards to help with hurricane relief and the holiday season.
"This could help me for Christmas," said Michelle. "He knew that we were in a budget, so now he knows that he will get something."
These students know that giving is better than receiving.
"My kids don't like to miss a day of school," said one mentee mom. "They have me getting them here at 7:30 every day. I don't know what you guys are doing. Much appreciated."
Dylan's mentees improve more than just their math skills. and the lessons learned here go well beyond any equation.
"I hope they make good friends. That's where I started was friends," said Dylan. "An hour of having a good time with someone new."