Champaign-Urbana One-to-One Mentoring Program

Kendall Arrington graduated on May 25th, 2008, from Urbana High School. He and Julian Olds were matched when Kendall was in 7th grade at Urbana Middle School. Kendall plans to attend Rock Valley Community College in the fall and study Kinesiology. “Julian has helped me to stay focused and on track. Our friendship will continue throughout my adult life.”

Brandon Bradley graduated from Central High School on May 27th, 2008. He and Jason Scott connected when Brandon was in 4th grade. Brandon plans to attend Parkland College in the fall to study automotives. “Jason was just there for me as a friend, someone who was there to listen about any random stuff we find ourselves talking about.”

Paris Brown graduated from Urbana High School on May 25th. He met John Schmitt when he was in 2nd grade at Kenwood Elementary School. Paris has probably attended more C-U One-to-One Banquets than any other students: two per year. He regularly helped with elementary banquets while his mentor was the Scholarship Foundation President in addition to attending the MS/HS banquet as a “mentee.” Paris hopes to attend Parkland College in the fall. “John has played a huge role in my reaching graduation. He’s helped me with hard homework through the years and given me a reason to stay out of trouble.”

Jessica Lee graduated on May 25th from Urbana High School. She and Paula Collins were connected when Jessica was a UMS 6th grader. Jessica will be attending Parkland College in the fall to pursue a degree in Social Work. “Paula helped me get through my teenage years. I was an angry child and she helped me through that time in my life.” Jessice was the recipient of the Barbara Linder Endowed Scholarship in 2008.

Mikel Leshoure graduated from Centennial High School in January, 2008, where he played basketball and football and was an Honor Roll student. Mikel is already attending the University of Illinois on a football scholarship. Mikel’s mentor, Rose Goodman, was his elementary PE teacher at Westview School They started “officially” mentoring in 4th grade. “Rose taught me how to overcome obstacles & make smart decisions. She also taught me that sports are not everything and that it is important to be a good student.”

Shabraya Ramsey is working toward her graduation at Urbana’s Storefront School. She met Mary Koloroutis as a 7th grader at Urbana Middle School. Shabraya plans to pursue a career in nursing and hopes to attend Parkland College in the fall. “Mary has kept my focus on school, by just listening to what I have to say. She has been a Godsend.”

Donald Brice Solano graduated on May 25th, 2008, from Urbana High School. He and Joe Brown met when Brice was a 6th grader at Urbana Middle School. Brice is scheduled to attend Parkland College this fall to study Business. “Joe has given me the motivation to make goals and strive to achieve them. In these past months he has been working with me to help me out in the real world and has made the stress infinitely less.”

Stephanie Swaim graduated from Lincoln’s Challenge Academy in December, 2006. Stephanie’s mentor, Connie Minnes, was her health teacher before beginning to mentor her in 7th grade. “Connie has pushed me and encouraged me all through Lincoln’s Challenge and High School.” Stephanie plans to attend Parkland College in a health related field.

Nola Smith graduated from Champaign Central High School. She first met Claire when she was in 5th grade at Dr. Howard School. They have been through lots of ups and downs together and have forged a strong and lasting friendship. Nola plans to attend Parkland College in the fall to obtain a CNA license.

Tabitha Sands graduated from Urbana High School. She met Christine Merle as a 6th grader at Urbana Middle School. Tabitha says, “Without Christine I would have no goals at all for my future. She has been a solid rock about my grades.” Tabitha is a member of National Honor Society and plans to attend Parkland College in the fall to study Chemistry.