NSES mentoring program needs participants

By Donnie A. Lucas

Nancy Smith Elementary School is looking for members of the community who would like to serve as mentors to local students.

The goal of the program is to increase confidence and self-esteem, along with helping students make positive choices through one-on-one support, friendship, and fun, according to school officials.

“We are again needing volunteers with a little extra time to help make a difference in the lives of students,” NSES counselor Susie Beard said. “The program is designed to give kids a role model, someone they can look up to and be encouraged by.”

Beard said that volunteers can tailor the time to fit their schedules.

“There is no set amount of time that is required,” she said. “It can just be coming to eat lunch with a student on a regular basis, whether it’s once a week or once a month.”

She added that mentors with more time can be involved with students in a variety of ways.

“We hope that students can come to count on mentors like they would a trusted family member if they had one,” she said. “It can be like a big brother/big sister situation, but with adults.”

Beard stressed that volunteers of all ages are welcome.

“We had a good response before COVID, but since many were older volunteers who might be more susceptible to illness, we had to stop the program for a time,” she explained.

The district launched the initiative again last year but only had two volunteers.

“We have quite a few students who would benefit; we just need the volunteers to help us,” she said. “Anyone interested can contact me at the grade school.”

To volunteer as a mentor or to learn more about the program, contact Beard by phone at 325-762-3384 or by email at sbeard@albany.esc14.net.