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Show SPANISH FORK Covering what matters most B2 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2009 Mentors making a difference in Nebo District Research has shown that mentors can make a significant difference in the life of an individual. Whether in sports, the arts, the business world, or the classroom, an older, more experienced person who js interested in one's growth and development can be a positive influence — in some instances a life changing experience. A successful mentor builds a relationship of trust that develops into a friendship that is rewarding for both. The isfebo School District Legacy Mentoring Program began in the fall of 2008, when the district received a federal grant from the U.S. Office of Safe and Drug-free Schools. This mentoring program takes place in the school building during school hours — unlike community-based programs. Legacy Mentoring is now operating in five elementary schools: Taylor, Wilson, Park View, Barnett and Santaquin. Each site has a school mentoring coordinator who works with Amy Bond, who is the overall program coordinator. Although all students could benefit from having "a mentor, the number of students served, depends on the number of mentors that can be enrolled. Mentors are recruited from faith-based groups, service organizations, community groups, retired persons, and individuals wanting to participate. After an application process and careful screening, mentors are given training and a match is made with a student. Continuous training and resources are made available to the mentors throughout the year. Bill Wright is a lieutenant for the Payson Police Department and a mentor for two young men. Officer Wright quotes one of his mentees when he said, "He has told me that he considers me his friend and of course, he is my friend also." Wright has focused on each boy's interests and built a great relationship with each one. "I believe that the mentoring program is definitely worth my time," he said. " It is a program than can and will help those young men and women who need something extra." Mentors meet with their student for about an hour each week. They also meet together on a regular basis with their coordinators to talk about their experiences but they learn from each other as well. The topic of discussion in January, Mentoring Month, was "Who was your mentor? What positive qualities did your mentor possess?" Many times the mentor was a . teacher or professor, parent, or relative. One mentor related, "My teacher made me feel important, she paid attention to me." Others recalled how the mentor had taken them through rough times or helped them overcome fear. Some unforgettable mentors taught skills and attitudes that were lifelong gifts. "Being a mentor has taken years off my personality!" said Kay Smith, mother of seven and grandmother of 17. "I had forgotten how to have fun! I'm a serious educator. However, all of that seems unimportant when I meet with my favorite child-a fun, alert, and positive 5th grade boy. I feel the joy once again of playing an ordinary board game or talking about the Jazz." Vickie Boykin, a new mentor relates, "I have really enjoyed being a mentor. It really makes my day to go and see my mentee and spend a few minutes talking or playing a game or doing an activity together." Barnett Principal Ryan Pitcher states, "There is just something about having as many good positive role models for our students. Mentors make a difference." Through a partnership with BYU, the McKay School of Education and the Positive Behavior Support Initiative, data is being collected and research is being conducted to assess the effectiveness of the* program. This information is shared through professional papers and presentations. Data is also used to evaluate and improve the program. "My experience as a mentor has been very sat- Courtesy photo MENTORING FOR ALL AGES: Officer and Nebo Legacy Mentor Bill Wright, Payson Police, taking students on a tour of the police station and showing how a taser gun works. , isfying," said Nancy Allen. "I hope to be a friendly influence in my mentee's life, to help him learn to love to read." Jana Manookin is the school coordinator at Taylor Elementary and she said, "The program is amazing. I've seen it change students' attitudes and behavior." "This has been a great first year for the Legacy Mentoring Program, " said Amy Bond, program coordinator. "The mentoring experience needs time, time for relationships to develop and grow. I like the fact that this is a win-win situation for both the student and the mentor. We hope to see this program around for years to come. " If you are interested in mentoring you can contact Amy at amy.bond@ nebo.edu. Benefit golf tournament scheduled for April 24 With the recent snow $250 for a hole sponsor, or storms leaving the ground $ 1,000 for a major sponsor. covered in white, it's hard Bobby Casper, pro golfto envision golfing. But that er and radio personality, has is exactly what the Nebo been instrumental in orgaEducation- Foundation is nizing the tournament and planning. The sixth annual will again add his expertise. "Green Fever" benefit golf He is conducting a 45-mintournament will be held ute clinic starting at 9:15 at the Spanish Oaks. Golf a.m., prior to the 10* a.m. Course in Spanish Fork on tournament shotgun start. Friday, April 24,2009. Casper will demonstrate his All profits from the tour- winning swing and give innament go directly to ben- dividual pointers. efit children and classrooms "All are invited to atin Nebo School District. tend, whether you are a "Now is the time to make serious golfer or not," said plans to participate in this Natalie Clyde, foundation year's golf tournament," board member. "Regardless said Scott Barlow, founda- of the weather, we will be tion board member and golf golfing for a good cause. organizer. "The foundation It's all for fun to aid public is looking for sponsors and education." golfers. The tournament is a < The Nebo Education great way to help our chil- Foundation is a non-profit dren and enjoy an early golf 501(c)3 organization cregame." afed to bring businesses, Tournament sponsor- donors and volunteers toships range from $ 1,000 to gether for the benefit of lo$100. Donations of prod- cal public school children. ucts, gift certificates, merThe foundation conCourtesy photo • chandise and services or scientiously manages and monetary donations are also disperses tax-deductible GOLF SEASON: No matter what the weather, the "Green Fever" benefit golf tournament will be held Friday, April 24. welcomed. The tournament donations to local schools has always filled before the in the form of scholarships, members are volunteers The money earned aids in Nebo School District. Lana Hiskey at 354-7400 or actual day arrives so get in financial grants, equipment committed to helping area 'providing resources to enFor more information or e-mail lana.hiskey@nebo. your $400 for a golf team, >and supplies. Foundation residents assist our children. rich student learning within to participate, please contact edu. NEBO EDUCATION FOUNDATION Neways donates to Nebo Education Foundation Neways located in Nebo District donated over $3,000 in products to the Nebo Education Foundation. The donation included approximately 2,000 book bags, 1,500 computer mouse pads, and 500 optical computer mouse items for students across Nebo District. Since 1992, Neways International formulated and distributed some of the world's most innovative, safe and effective products in the categories of nutrition, personal care, and household care. With safety and effectiveness in mind, Neways' experts combine the best of science and nature to formulate advanced products. Nature creates it, science refines it, and Neways delivers it. Neways' mission is to enhance the health, wealth and wellbeing of people around theworld. * Lana Hiskey, executive director of the Nebo Education Foundation, said, "We are amazed at the generosity of our businesses and community. We truly appreciate Neways giving to our students. Nebo District is growing approximately 1,000 students each year and every little bit helps." •:;, V; The Nebo Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) organization created to bring businesses and donors together for the benefit of Nebo District school children. The foundation carefully manages and disperses tax deductible donations to local schools. Anyone interested in donating to Nebo District schools, classes or programs can do so through the Nebo Education Foundation. Your contribution is a tax deductible charitable gift as provided by law. Contact Lana Hiskey at 801-354-7400, e-mail lana. hiskey@nebo.edu or mail 350 South Main, Spanish Fork, UT 84660. ; Education Courtesy photo NEWAYS DONATION: Pictured, back row, left to right, are Jeanne Baadsgaard, Principal Canyon; Melissa Thompson, Neways and Juan Guzman, Neways; front row, Sara Matis, Principal Westside; Kaye Isakson, Principal Mt. Nebo Junior High; Holly Barnett, Neways; Lana Hiskey, Nebo Foundation Director and Ruben Jimenez, Neways. |