Champaign-Urbana One-to-One Mentoring Program

Ashanti will graduate from Urbana High School in May, 2011. He and Carl Ciaccio started their mentoring relationship when Ashanti was in 2nd grade at Prairie School. Ashanti plans to attend Parkland College and study criminal justice. Ashanti says, "Carl has always been there for me and has helped me set goals."

Sasha will graduate from Champaign Centennial High School in May, 2011. He and Paul Quinlan met at Kenwood School when Sasha was in 5th grade. He hopes to attend Parkland College and study automotive technology. "Paul has taught me to be patient with teachers and also has given me his wise advice along with his listening."

Jevon will graduate from UHS in May, 2011. He met John Cooper when he was in 6th grade at UMS. They have met faithfully each week for the past 7 years, even when Jevon moved to READY School! John says, "Coop has provided strong support by keeping me encouraged to complete my high school diploma, and being consistent by staying in my life." Jevon plans to study Engineering at Parkland College in the fall and then transfer to the U of I.

Nathanael will graduate from Centennial in May.  He and Rich McMurray have been together since Nathanael was in 3rd grade at Wiley School in Urbana.  After spending a year in the Marine Reserves, Nathanael plans to attend Parkland College in the spring of 2012.  "Rich has played a big role in helping me reach graduation, mainly by helping me stay on track with school and making sure I pass my classes."

Nakita graduated from Urbana High School in December, 2010. She and her mentor, Beth Anderson, first met at Wiley School when Nakita was in 3rd grade. Nakita is currently attending Lincoln College in Normal, IL. She is interested in doing therapy with children. Beth says, "Nakita is one of the most determined people I know!"

Holli will graduate from the Champaign School's Academic Academy in May, 2011.  She and Pam Geiger met at Westview when Holli was in 3rd grade.  She hopes to attend Parkland College in the Fall in Early Child Development.  She says that Pam always told her, "You can always do your best. Never bring yourself down.  ALWAYS keep your head up."

Angela will graduate from UHS in May, 2011, a year early. She met Deb when Ms. Tamimie was her Families teacher at UMS in 8th grade. Angela plans to attend Parkland in the fall and pursue a career in Veterinary Medicine. About Deb she says, "She has continued to support me and encourage me to keep reaching for my goals. She has also helped me make difficult decisions when it comes to life, school and work."

Kayla will graduate from UHS in May, 2011. She has been in the mentoring program since 6th grade, and with her current mentor, Sharon Scott, for the past two years. Kayla hopes to attend Parkland College in the fall to study psychology. About Sharon she says, "She has helped me get my mind back on track. She has been my support system not only with school problems but also family problems."

Lashandria will graduate from Champaign Central in May, 2011.  She and Rose Goodman met at Westview when LaShandria was in 4th grade.  Rose was her PE teacher. Lashandria hopes to attend Parkland College in Nursing in the fall.  Lashandria has this to say about Rose, "She guided me every step of the way, helped me a lot.  She helped me make sure everything was taken care of and helped me stay on top of everything."

Kara Atkins graduated from Champaign Centennial High School in May, 2010. She met Mary Ellyn Fincham when she was in 2nd grade. Kara plans to attend EIU and study elementary education. Kara says, "Mary Ellyn encourages me to do well and gives me great advice on how to solve problems."