Every spring, Union County Family Connection hosts a Mentor Appreciation Banquet to honor and show appreciation to community members who serve as mentors to one hundred-seven students in our school system. On April 30th, seventy-five guests gathered at the Union County Community Center for a Fiesta themed celebration.
Kim and Joe Tatman, a married couple who serve as mentors, opened with prayers of thanksgiving and guidance for mentors and mentees. While mentors enjoyed their meals (a delicious taqueria buffet), John O’Neal (IONA Integrative Health) acknowledged the mentors’ gifts of time, energy, and love to their mentees. John also spoke about the importance of safety and attunement, two aspects that play a huge role in connecting mentors with student mentees. Diana White, a new mentor, expressed the positive role her grandmother filled in her own life and the void she felt when her grandmother passed; she recognized the importance of listening well and being fully present for a child. Jovanni Deparias, a student mentee, articulated specific ways his mentor encouraged him over the past five years. Banquet guests rose to their feet with a standing ovation for Jovanni, who closed with an original rap.
Other highlights from the banquet included honoring Ron Emerich, a beloved mentor who passed away in October. Ron’s wife and two sons were in attendance to hear Kailyn Cornwell, Union County Middle School Counselor, read a letter from Ron’s student mentee, expressing how much Mr. Ron meant to him throughout their time together.
Donavan Rillion, minister and mentor, sang “You’ve Got a Friend in Me,” an upbeat tune to remind us that ultimately, friendship between a child and adult is the ultimate goal of mentorship. Mentor Coordinator, Kathryn Nelson, played and performed a song titled “You Show Up”, to voice her gratitude for the mentors’ dedication through their weekly interactions with students.
The mentorship program is one facet of Union County Family Connection. Community members meet with students (kindergarten through 12th grade) once a week, on school grounds for thirty minutes. If you would like to serve as a mentor to one of our students, contact Family Connection at 706-835-4351 or knelson@ucschools.org.
