NSES restarts mentoring program

By Sam Waller

Nancy Smith Elementary School is restarting its mentoring program after being forced to drop it last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The goal of the program is to increase confidence and self-esteem and to help children make positive choices through one-on-one support, friendship, and fun.

“We’re just trying to give kids a role model, somebody they can confide in, look up to, and be encouraged by, ” said NSES counselor Susie Beard. “Basically, we’re trying to give kids positive opportunities to be with an adult and feed off each other.” 

The counselor would like for students to be able to count on mentors like they would a trusted family member. 

“We want to make it a big brother/big sister type thing, but with adults,” she said.

Beard explained that pretty much anyone can be a mentor.

“We’re looking for people who value children and can hopefully motivate kids to work hard,” she said. “We want all ages of adults who have had accomplishments in their lives to be good examples, who have had real-life experiences and can share those with kids.”

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.