Champaign-Urbana One-to-One Mentoring Program

Jessica Lee graduated on May 25, 2008 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.

Starlet Logston completed her coursework Urbana High School in January, 2007, and is already attending Parkland College. Starlet’s mentor, Tracy, was her 6th grade teacher and they started ‘officially’ mentoring in 7th grade. “Tracy is so great. She has stuck by me through everything. I have learned to just have confidence and try things new.” Starlet’s goal is to become a pre-school teacher.

Kaytriona Lewis completed her coursework at Urbana High School in January, 2007. She requested a mentor as an 8th grade student at Urbana Middle School, when she met Natasha Watkins. Natasha has played a critical role in Kaytriona’s college preparation, selection and application process. Kaytriona will be attending Jackson State University in the fall to study nursing.

Nyron Jackson graduated from Urbana High School. He met Daniel Baluch, as a freshman at UHS. “Daniel was very positive and he always kept me in a good mood. He stayed on me about my school work and motivated me to be a better person..” Nyron plans to attend Parkland College in the fall and hopes to transfer to Valley State in Mississippi to study Criminal Justice.