On March 30, 2023, Take Stock in Children welcomed close to 100 mentors from two counties to a very special event. This was a “Mentor Celebration” to honor and show appreciation to the people who mentor the high school students for the Take Stock in Children program. Held at the Venetian in Leesburg, this was a memorable night.
Marc Roberts-Schwartz was the emcee, and added the humor while setting the pace for the event. The Leesburg jazz ensemble provided some music as the mentors finally got a chance to see each other together in one place. Nanci Schwartz gave some very true opening remarks. She stated that even though the mentors may not always feel that they are making a difference, they are. It’s hard to see immediate impact, but the influence and guidance that mentors give certainly can produce positive affects in a student’s life.
Several former Take Stock in Children mentees spoke as well. They shared stories of how their mentors have helped them and how they have had a better future because of the program and positive influence of having a mentor.
The final event was to award The Mentor of the Year to three recipients– one in Lake County and two in Sumter. There has also been a mentor who has served in the program for 23 years. She was honored and recognized as well. It was a memorable evening.
Mercy Lab is honored to partner with Take Stock in Children, and see the remarkable difference it is making in the lives of the mentees AND mentors as well.