By-Line: Stephanie Ellis, Flagler Education Foundation

 In honor of January’s Mentor Appreciation Month, 85 dedicated Take Stock in Children mentors were celebrated last night alongside school board members and community leaders. This event recognized the extraordinary commitment these mentors show by volunteering their time each week to support and guide students in the community. 

These mentors have conducted over 700 sessions throughout the school year, often meeting with their mentees during lunch breaks. Their efforts are a vital part of a program designed to provide mentorship, foster college readiness, and help students achieve their dreams. 

To show appreciation, mentors were presented with physical copies of a Mentor Toolkit featuring helpful talking points to aid their sessions. These tokens of gratitude were made possible by the generosity of the Tortelli’s. Additionally, they received flashlight keychains, symbolizing their role in lighting the way for students’ futures. 

This program goes beyond mentorship. It’s about preparing students for life beyond the classroom and empowering them to reach their full potential. None of this would be possible without the dedication of our mentors. 

The mentorship program continues to thrive, thanks to the unwavering commitment of its mentors and the support of the Freytags and Ungers. Their collective efforts are making a lasting impact, shaping the leaders of tomorrow.