Champaign-Urbana One-to-One Mentoring Program

Alexis James graduated from Urbana High School on May 24, 2009. She and Penny Porter connected when Alexis was a UMS 6th grader. Alexis was a summer intern at Carle Hospital last summer, which convinced her to pursue a degree in nursing. “Whenever I felt like giving up at school Penny would push me just a little harder until I got back on track. She helped motivate and inspire me to get to the point I am at right now.”

Lindsey Johnson graduated from Urbana High School on May 24, 2009. She was matched with Amy Lybarger as a 7th grader at UMS. Lindsey loves children and plans to pursue a degree in early childhood education, starting at Parkland. “Amy has always been there to listen if I was going through a tough time and always gave me the best advice. She is someone I trust, cherish, and love dearly.”

Marcell Kelly graduated from Centennial High School in May, 2009. He and Nathan Buss started meeting weekly in 4th grade. Marcell hopes to pursue a degree in sports broadcasting. “Nathan tells me the things that I need to be successful and how to stick with a positive attitude.”

Samantha Malloy graduated from Urbana High School on May 24, 2009. She has met with Betty Swisher since 4th grade. She hopes to attend Murray State University in the fall and study technical engineering. “Betty was always there when I needed someone to talk to. She never gave up on me year after year.”

Samantha Smith graduated from Urbana High School on May 24, 2009. She and Donna Oakes-Novak connected at Urbana Middle School. Samantha hopes to study social work, starting out at Parkland. “Donna supported me with any decision I made, but continued to push for the ultimate goal, high school graduation.”

Robert Walker graduated from Central High School in May, 2009. He started meeting with Jeff Burkhalter when he was in 8th grade and hopes to attend Parkland in the fall. “Jeff is like a big brother and a friend. He let me know to stay in school and make good choices.”

Ritchie Barnett is a Senior in Urbana Schools. He’s been meeting with Dan Hoch every Thursday since he was in 6th grade. Ritchie hopes to be trained in diesel mechanics after graduating. He and Dan have stuck with each other through good times and bad and have not given up on each other!

Kendall Arrington graduated on May 25th, 2008, from Urbana High School. He and Julian Olds were matched when Kendall was in 7th grade at Urbana Middle School. Kendall plans to attend Rock Valley Community College in the fall and study Kinesiology. “Julian has helped me to stay focused and on track. Our friendship will continue throughout my adult life.”

Brandon Bradley graduated from Central High School on May 27th, 2008. He and Jason Scott connected when Brandon was in 4th grade. Brandon plans to attend Parkland College in the fall to study automotives. “Jason was just there for me as a friend, someone who was there to listen about any random stuff we find ourselves talking about.”

Paris Brown graduated from Urbana High School on May 25th, 2008. He met John Schmitt when he was in 2nd grade at Kenwood Elementary School. Paris has probably attended more C-U One-to-One Banquets than any other students: two per year. He regularly helped with elementary banquets while his mentor was the Scholarship Foundation President in addition to attending the MS/HS banquet as a “mentee.” Paris hopes to attend Parkland College in the fall. “John has played a huge role in my reaching graduation. He’s helped me with hard homework through the years and given me a reason to stay out of trouble.”