Mentors help inspire students to succeed in school

From the Winston-Salem Journal: 

“A psychologist. A culinary entrepreneur. A day-care operator. For just a moment, three students who stood before a packed breakfast Thursday weren’t what they are today, but what they dream of becoming tomorrow.

"For a moment, they were the face of the long and continuing effort to raise the graduation rate of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools. It’s a hard fight measured by numbers, but it will be won with heart. More of us must join this community effort to help our students achieve their dreams.”

And as the students — each the recipient of a $1,000 scholarship — stood to accept their awards, who did they thank?

Talisha Crawford thanked Edith Bailey.

JaKenya Samuels thanked Helen Harris.

Di’Jon Watson thanked David Saunders.

Each student credited their mentor.

“Their futures are bright. But too many of their former classmates aren’t as fortunate. About 800 high-school students in the local school system drop out every year, severely handicapping their futures in our transforming economy. They leave gaps in the work force that we can’t afford. Some will turn to social-service agencies for help. Some will land in jail.

It’s a bleak picture. But it’s not an inevitable one. We can all play a role in changing it. Mentoring a student is a great place to start.”