Champaign-Urbana One-to-One Mentoring Program

Kiristie Ivy graduated from Champaign Centennial High School in May, 2010. She and Micki Brown have been together since first grade. Kiristie plans to study nursing at Parkland. "Micki has played a very important role in my life. She has helped me learn the importance of never quitting, helped me strive for the best." Kiristie was the recipient of the Barbara Linder Endowed Scholarship Award in 2010 for demonstrated leadership, community involvement and the ability to overcome obstacles and succeed.

Tyler Jayne graduated from Champaign Centennial High School in May, 2010. He met Bill Hobbs at Wiley School in Urbana in 3rd grade. He hopes to attend Parkland College and become a collision repair technician. "Bill helped me understand the importance of education and how it can better your life."

Katie Ruschmann graduated from UHS in May, 2010 . She met Christa Berg when she was at Wiley School. She hopes to attend Parkland College and become a massage therapist. "I liked Christa from the moment we met in 4th grade!"

Kamario Sterling graduated from UHS in May, 2010. He and Chad Hoffman have been together since 4th grade. He hopes to study social work at Parkland College. "Chad has been a friend to me, a hero-like person I can look up to. He helped me with problems and situations in and out of school."

Jory Williams graduated from UHS in May, 2010. She has known Harriet since elementary school and began mentoring with her in 7th grade after a previous mentor moved. Jory plans to attend Parkland College. "Harriet has helped me through a lot. She has been a great friend to me."

Sconeadria Bowdry graduated from Urbana High School in January, 2009. She connected with Simone Barr in 9th grade, after meeting with Jackie Ware through middle school. Sconeadria recently completed her CNA (Certified Nurses’ Assistant) certification and hopes to work in healthcare.

Karen Burt graduated from Urbana Adult Education in February, 2009. She met Gale Bickle in 6th grade. Karen plans to attend Parkland College in the fall in a healthcare field. “Gale has always been there to talk to me, has always encouraged me to reach my goals and has always helped me out to solve my problems. Over all, she has helped me become a better, stronger person.”

Laquiesha Carter graduated from Urbana High School on May 24, 2009. She met Ann Corey when she was in 6th grade at Urbana Middle School. Laquiesha plans to attend Lakeview College starting in June, where she will study nursing. “My mentor has played a big role in my life. Anytime I need her she is always there for me. From this day on out I will never forget her.”

Veonia Gross graduated from Champaign Schools in April, 2009. She and Cindy have been together since Veonia was in first grade. They’ve been through a lot together over their 13 years of mentoring. They always win the prize for being together the longest! Cindy is a Past President of the Scholarship Board and helped the scholarship program get off to a solid start. “Cindy has supported me through school, career and personal challenges. She has been a second mother to me.” Veonia was the recipient of the Barbara Linder Endowed Scholarship Award in 2009 for demonstrated leadership, community involvement and the ability to overcome obstacles and succeed.

Shinee Jackson graduated from Urbana High School on May 24, 2009. She has been in the mentor program since 4th grade. Her mentor in elementary and middle school, Kara Laughlin, left C-U in 2004. Shinee’s current mentor, Sharon Scott, started when she was a Sophomore at UHS. Shinee hopes to study Culinary Arts at Joliet Jr. College. “Sharon has been here the whole way. She has been a lot of help with my school work and making sure I graduate. She is more than a mentor, she is my FRIEND!”