Virginia Mentoring Partnership held its 5th Annual Statewide Mentoring Awards event Thursday, January 25, 2007 in Richmond to celebrate the work of caring adults in Virginia. The award winners illustrated that mentoring really does impact the lives of both mentees and mentors.
Among the 220 guests present at the luncheon were representatives from the business community, legislators, city council and school board members, non profit leaders, and several mentees. Keynote speaker Attorney General Bob McDonnell described several personal mentoring stories and emphasized that the work mentors do benefits young people, our community and the Commonwealth as a whole. Prior to the awards event, a forum was held to discuss risk management, recruitment and recognition. Over seventy Mentoring Program Providers, mentors and educators were in attendance. This year, awards were presented to:
OUTSTANDING MENTORING PROGRAMS OF THE YEAR
Norfolk Public Schools Student Mentorship ProgramNorfolk
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Four years ago, the Norfolk Public Schools Student Mentorship Program was faced with a daunting task: to recruit and organize volunteer mentors who could assist at-risk students in attaining academic success, improving attitudes toward school and enhancing self-esteem. Sustained by a dynamic leadership team, strong community partners and dedicated volunteers, the NPS program has shown incredible progress in completing the task set before them. The program has expanded from 200 adult mentors in 2003 to 1,000 adults mentoring today and recent outcome measurements show tremendous success.
Virginia Heroes Incorporated
Richmond
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Since it’s founding by Arthur Ashe Jr., 16 years ago, Virginia Heroes Incorporated has provided mentors and role models to over 6,000 youth in City of Richmond middle schools. In the past two years, Virginia Heroes Incorporated has embarked on an intensive intervention program at Chandler Middle School, providing mentors to every sixth and seventh grade student. Following a specially designed curriculum, mentors meet with students twice a month to provide academic and social support. Mentors strive to promote wise life choices, instill positive values and help students increase self-esteem.
OUTSTANDING MENTORS OF THE YEAR
Fred Harmeling
Chalkley Connection
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It is with humility and grace that Fred Harmeling leads. As a mentor, church leader, parent and volunteer, Mr. Harmeling selflessly gives of his time, energy and resources to make a difference in his community. Since 2002, Mr. Harmeling has mentored students at Chalkley Elementary School. He has also recruited volunteer mentors from Bon Air United Methodist Church and Dominion Virginia. Mr. Harmeling joined the Chalkley PTA and has developed a partnership between Bon Air United Methodist and Chalkley elementary school called the “Chalkley Connection”.
Mark Searle
FACETS Fairfax Area Christian Emergency & Transitional Services
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“Call me anytime.” These three words conveyed to Mark Searle’s mentee that he was valued, important and significant. Over the past 14 years, Mr. Searle has committed himself whole-heartedly to mentoring, demonstrating that his mentees are valued and important young people. Through various programs, Mr. Searle has devoted over seven years to the middle and high-school youth to whom he mentors. Three years ago, Mr. Searle was paired with a mentee whose family had recently immigrated to the United States. Since then, Mr. Searle has “adopted” the entire family, often organizing activities and tutoring for all four children.
THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU DO FOR THE CHILDREN AND YOUTH OF VIRGINIA!
