Florida Senator Stephen Wise, along with representatives from Comcast, Volunteer USA and Teen TrendsettersTM, recently joined with more than 100 Duval County elementary and high school students to celebrate National Mentoring Month, which is observed in January.
During the event, Comcast and Volunteer USA applauded the work of the newly implemented Teen TrendsettersTM programs at Frank H. Peterson Academies of Technology, Nathan B. Forrest, Terry Parker and Jean Ribault high schools.
Teen TrendsettersTM is an award-winning youth mentoring initiative that pairs high school students with second- and third-grade students to boost the younger students' reading skills. As part of the program, the students spend an hour a week enjoying reading activities and getting excited about learning together.
Senator Wise spoke to the crowd about the importance of mentoring and programs like Teen TrendsettersTM. He spoke of his mentor, one of his college professors, who helped him develop skills and connections that have allowed him to progress in life.
Tim Gage, vice president of government affairs for Comcast, presented a $250,000 check to Volunteer USA, which manages the youth mentoring program. Like Senator Wise and all of the other speakers, Mr. Gage spoke to the crowd about the long lasting effects of mentoring and Comcast’s commitment to the communities where its customers and employees live and work.
“We are thrilled so many of Florida’s students continue to benefit from the wisdom and concern of caring adults,” said Liza McFadden, president of Volunteer USA. “Each year, our mentor numbers increase – that’s a tribute to this hugely successful initiative and the recognition that the nurturing experiences created in mentoring relationships really make a difference.”
The students enjoyed food sponsored by Publix Supermarkets, a presentation on animals and their habitats by the Jacksonville Zoo and Teecy Matthews, national director of the Teen TrendsettersTM program, who read the book Endangered Animals during a read along with the students.
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