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District Five observes National Mentoring Month

District Five observes National Mentoring Month

IRMO – January is National Mentoring Month, and for the nearly 150 mentors that assist students in Lexington-Richland School District Five it’s a time to reflect and be recognized for the work they do each school day.

School officials say mentors provide important resources and services for students, from academic support to summer internship opportunities. Launched in 2002 by the Harvard School of Public Health and MENTOR, National Mentoring Month focuses attention on the need for mentors.

District Five Mentoring Coordinator Michele Major says mentors in the district include parents, community members and teachers; all investing their time and energy into the growth and well-being of students.

“Young people expect time and attention from people who love them. But when they have other people outside of family and friends think they are special, they begin to believe it of themselves too,” Major said. “Just knowing that someone cares enough to give time every week to visit with them, read to them, laugh with them and be genuinely concerned can give them the extra boost they need to be successful.”

Dian Alston has been a mentor in District Five for 14 years and was a classroom teacher for 20 years before joining the instructional staff at the district office in 2000. She says mentoring has a significant positive impact on the lives of students.

“Children need the presence of caring and consistent adults who can provide them with support, friendship and a listening ear,” said Alston, who earned the district’s Outstanding Elementary School Mentor Award last school year. “I have seen students’ confidence skyrocket, increases in academic performance, decreases in behavioral issues, and the development of leadership skills through mentoring.”

Retired teacher and Air Force veteran Charlie Calhoun has been a mentor in the district for three years. He said he would encourage others to give mentoring a try. “If a person is a good listener and they are willing to take an hour a week out of their life, they need to explore the possibility of mentoring because you’ll be surprised. You can add something to someone else’s life and to your life when you become a mentor.”

Each year since its launch, National Mentoring Month has garnered strong support from Congress and prominent individuals, including former President Bill Clinton, Clint Eastwood, U.S. Sen. John McCain, Quincy Jones and Colin Powell. President Barack Obama also has declared January 2016 National Mentoring Month through a presidential proclamation.

“At the heart of America's promise is the belief that we all do better when everyone has a fair shot at reaching for their dreams,” Obama said. “Throughout our Nation's history, Americans of every background have worked to uphold this ideal, joining together in common purpose to serve as mentors and lift up our country's youth. During National Mentoring Month, we honor all those who continuously strive to provide young people with the resources and support they need and deserve, and we recommit to building a society in which all mentors and mentees can thrive in mutual learning relationships.”