Foundation seeks local high school mentors

The St. Johns County Education Foundation is notifying Historic City News readers that they are looking for volunteers who want to give back, and are interested in being a positive influence in a student’s life through “Take Stock in Children”.

What the Foundation is looking for are members of the community who have the time to allocate one hour a week during the school year to meet with a student, on their school’s campus, and be a listening ear.

Program Coordinator, Marci Poston, described the innovative state-wide organization that strives to “break the cycle of poverty, one child at a time” to Historic City News reporters earlier this week.

The main goals are to help with college preparations, career help, and overall guidance, as well as to be a sounding board for the student by offering guidance, scholarship, mentors and hope.

Tyron, a student from Pedro Menendez, described his mentor, Wayne Byerly, and said, “He is a good man. He travels a lot. And he shares much knowledge with me. He talks to me about my future in college. He cares about me.”

The program has achieved success in increasing high school graduation rates and expanding college enrollment opportunities for qualified students. Mentors meet with their assigned students starting in seventh grade and continue to meet through twelfth grade.

“My mentor is great. Every time I see her she is very open about what we talk about. She is supportive and caring of me, and it always makes me happy when I see her,” said Janae from Switzerland Point Middle School about her mentor, Karen Craddock.

For more information regarding the Take Stock in Children program or to become a mentor, contact Poston by calling (904) 547-7121.

Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News archive photograph