Graduation Coach Added to Project Leadership Delaware County Team

Muncie resident and educator Julie McGee has joined Project Leadership Delaware County to lead and launch the local mentoring initiative. McGee’s undergraduate degree in social studies teaching is from Michigan State University and graduate degree in language education is from Indiana University. She is a former Ball State University college instructor and former high school social studies teacher.

As graduation coach, she will be recruiting mentoring program participants and monitoring the program. She joins Community Scholarship Liaison Dick Daniel who has been partnering since March with Delaware County schools and the regional Twenty-first Century Scholars office to recruit local middle school students into the state’s Scholars program.

“Julie’s lifelong commitment to education makes her an excellent choice for the position of graduation coach,” Daniel said. “Only half of the battle is won by providing students the opportunity to get money to go to college. The other half of the battle is to ensure that they successfully navigate their way through high school and into that post-secondary world.”

More than 7 out of 10 eligible 8th-grade students (73%) were recruited into the state’s Twenty-first Century Scholars Program this past enrollment year in Delaware County. Students are enrolled for the state program while in middle school. Sixth-graders were able to enroll last year for the first time because of changes in the program guidelines. In Delaware County, 35% of the eligible students in this grade level were recruited. Across all three recruitment grade levels —6th, 7th and 8th — 799 students or 49% of those eligible were enrolled in Delaware County.

“We’re excited to take this next step and are confident in the team we have in place to fulfill a collective community goal to increase the number of students pursuing higher education,” said Project Leadership Director Tammy Pearson. “Through its community partnerships, Project Leadership Delaware County is meeting its goal to increase the number of Twenty-first Century Scholars. The critical next step is to support and mentor students as they transition out of middle school and into high school to fulfill their Scholars pledge.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Project Leadership Delaware County

Community Scholarship Liaison Dick Daniel

765-747-5250

ddaniel@muncie.k12.in.us

Project Leadership Director

Tammy Pearson

765-651-0650

tpearson@projectleadership.org

Community Donations Lead to Launch of Mentoring Program

Next semester, Project Leadership Delaware County will launch a mentoring program for local high school students who are on track to go to college through Indiana’s Twenty-first Century Scholars program. The program launch is made possible because of recent donations from community partners.

Those include:

· $51,000 from the Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County
· $5,000 from the Old National Bank Foundation
· $25,000 from the Walmart Foundation. These grant funds will be shared between Project Leadership’s operations in Delaware and Grant counties.
Project Leadership is a non-profit organization that works with communities and schools to improve high school graduation rates and encourage post-secondary educations. Project Leadership programming, which originated in Grant County, expanded to Delaware County nine months ago through funding from the Ball Brothers Foundation and support from the Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce. Since that time, The Star Press Children’s Charities and United Way of Delaware County also have stepped forward as community partners to support Project Leadership Delaware County.

The recent grant awards from the Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, Old National Bank Foundation and Walmart Foundation specifically will be used to launch the mentoring initiative among participating Delaware County high schools. Project Leadership offers a mentoring program that is primarily school-based. Mentoring is offered to high school students accepted into the Twenty-first Century Scholars program for the purpose of ensuring that they do not lose their scholarships because of poor academics or behavior. The program is structured to give Scholars the tools they need for success including the following:

—Scholarship: The Twenty-first Century Scholars program pays for 8 semesters of tuition at public Indiana colleges or universities.

—One-on-one attention: Positive community volunteers are matched with students and encourage them in their academic and life choices.

—Consistency: Mentors and mentees meet once per week while school is in session.

—Positive social interaction: Activities, such as field trips and cultural enrichment, encourage interaction between mentees, mentors and families in group settings.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

· Project Leadership Delaware County
Community Scholarship Liaison Dick Daniel
765-747-5250
ddaniel@muncie.k12.in.us

· Project Leadership Director Tammy Pearson
765-651-0650
tpearson@projectleadership.org

Meet the Match: Linda Lowe and Makayla

Meet Makayla, a Junior at Marion High School, and mentor Linda Lowe who participate in Project Leadership’s mentoring program, which matches community volunteers with local Twenty-first Century Scholar students.

Makayla

Career goals: Nursing
Favorite subject: Nursing class at Tucker, US History.
Favorite book: Elmoa.
Hobbies/Interests: Spending time with my family.
Family: 1 ½ year old daughter, Makiyah.
School: Marion High School.

Linda Lowe
Career goals: Working with teenagers
Favorite subject: Math.
Favorite book: Redeeming Love.
Hobbies/interests: Crafts, reading.
Family: Husband, Steve; Daughter, Heather; Son-in-law, Aaron; Grandchildren, Grace, Landon, Javan, Callie.
School: Indiana Wesleyan University.

TO LEARN ABOUT THE MENTORING PROGRAM: Visit http://www.projectleadership.org/ or call Project Leadership at 651-0650.

Old National Bank Foundation Awards Grant to Project Leadership

The Old National Bank Foundation has awarded Project Leadership Delaware County $5,000 to support its mentoring program for Twenty-first Century Scholars. The mentoring program will be offered in Delaware County schools during the second semester of this school year, with Old National Bank Foundation funds being used to support the costs of operating the mentoring program for portions of the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 school years.

Project Leadership Delaware County was launched in March 2009 with the support of the Ball Brothers Foundation and the Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce. Additional support has been provided by the Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, Inc., The Star-Press Children’s Charities, United Way of Delaware County and the Walmart Foundation.

Project Leadership offers a mentoring program that is primarily school-based. Mentoring is offered to high school students accepted into the Twenty-first Century Scholars program for the purpose of ensuring that they do not lose their scholarships because of poor academics or behavior. The program is structured to give Scholars the tools they need for success including the following:

—Scholarship: The Twenty-first Century Scholars program pays for 8 semesters of tuition at public Indiana colleges or universities.
—One-on-one attention: Positive community volunteers are matched with students and encourage them in their academic and life choices.
—Consistency: Mentors and mentees meet once per week while school is in session.
—Positive social interaction: Activities, such as field trips and cultural enrichment, encourage interaction between mentees, mentors and families in group settings.

“The Old National Bank Foundation’s generous contribution will generate a positive ripple effect among children and families in Delaware County for years to come,” Delaware County Community Scholarship Liaison Dick Daniel said. “We believe that this gift from the Old National Bank Foundation will have a long-lasting impact on the community’s quality of life and future economic health.”

For more information, contact Dick Daniel at 765-747-5250 .

Walmart Foundation Supports Project Leadership

The Walmart Foundation awarded the Community Foundation of Grant County $25,000 in front of a crowd of mentors and the students the program is designed to help. The grant will help Project Leadership in Grant and Delaware counties to identify at-risk youth who have the desire and potential to attend college and receive post-secondary education.

“The Walmart Foundation’s generous contribution will generate a positive ripple effect among children and families in Grant and Delaware counties for years to come,” Project Leadership Director Tammy Pearson said. “We believe this gift from Walmart will have a long-lasting impact on our communities’ quality of life and future economic health. Project Leadership is grateful for Walmart’s strong involvement and connection with our communities, which will assure that the youths we serve will one day live better – and fulfilling – lives.”

Within the last year, the Indiana State Giving Program awarded more than $837,500 to local organizations such as Salvation Army, Down Syndrome Indiana, Indiana Recycling Coalition, Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Tri-State Food Bank, FBI/AFCA Child Identification Program and the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce. In Indiana, a team of local associates determine needs within each state, review eligible grant applications and make funding recommendations to the Walmart Foundation.

“Walmart is pleased to support community programs like Project Leadership,” said Jason Wetzel, senior manager of public affairs for Walmart in Indiana. “This is Walmart’s way of continuing to serve the community and our commitment to help prepare youth for a stronger, educated future.”

To be considered for support, prospective grantee organizations must submit applications through the Walmart Foundation State Giving Program’s online grant application. Eligible applicants must have a current 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in order to meet the program’s minimum funding criteria. Additional information about the program’s funding guidelines and application process are available online at www.walmartfoundation.org/stategiving.
From February 2008 through January 2009, the Walmart Foundation awarded more than $423 million in cash and in-kind gifts, an $85.6 million increase over its global giving in the previous year.

Walmart’s FYE 2009 giving breakdown:

• In the U.S., Walmart gave more than $378 million in cash and in-kind gifts, up from $296 million in 2007.
• In international markets, Walmart gave $45.5 million in cash and in-kind gifts, up from $41 million in 2007.
• Globally, Walmart’s customers and associates gave more than $106 million through in-store giving programs that benefit local charities.

In total, Walmart, its Foundations, its customers and its associates supported communities around the globe with nearly $530 million in charitable contributions during FYE 2009.
In Indiana, Walmart operates more than 124 facilities employing 40,321 associates. It’s Walmart and Sam’s Club stores gave more than $7.3 million in cash and in-kind donations to local causes and organizations in the communities it serves in Indiana. With additional funds raised through stores and Clubs in Indiana, Walmart contributed a total of $10.4 million as a result of its Indiana presence. The company paid more than $45.4 million in Indiana state and local taxes in fiscal year ending in 2008.

About Project Leadership

Project Leadership is an eight-year old organization that began as a way to promote education and increase student enrollment in post-secondary programs. Today, Project Leadership recruits middle school students into Indiana’s Twenty-first Century Scholars program, which provides the financial means for low-income students to go to college. The program is structured to give scholars the tools they need for success – scholarship tuition, positive attention through mentorship, tutoring, social interaction and encouragement to believe they can achieve and succeed at their goals.

About Philanthropy at Walmart

Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are proud to support the charitable causes that are important to customers and associates in their own neighborhoods. Through its philanthropic programs and partnerships, the Walmart Foundation funds initiatives focused on creating opportunities in education, workforce development, economic opportunity, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness. From February 1, 2008 through January 31, 2009, Walmart – and its domestic and international foundations – gave more than $423 million in cash and in-kind gifts globally. To learn more, visit http://www.walmartfoundation.org/.

Meet the match: Sonia Strevy and Shasta

Meet Shasta Bragg, a sophomore at Marion High School, and mentor Sonia Strevy who participate in Project Leadership’s mentoring program, which matches community volunteers with local Twenty-first Century Scholar students.

Shasta Bragg
Career goals: Pediatric Nurse.
Favorite subject: All.
Favorite book: Twilight.
Hobbies/Interests: hanging out with friends and spending time with my little sister.
Family: Mom, Melissa; sister, Daytona.
School: Marion High School.

Sonia Strevy
Career: Teach Nursing.
Favorite subject: Psychology, Health.
Favorite book:
Hobbies/interests: Reading, movies.
Family: Husband and four daughters.
School: Marion High School

TO LEARN ABOUT THE MENTORING PROGRAM: Visit http://www.projectleadership.org/ or call Project Leadership at 651-0650.

Grant County Scholar Speaks at Leadership Summit

Jacob Barnett, a Marion High School junior and third-year participant in the Project Leadership mentoring program, was invited to speak at the recent Evan Bayh Service Leader Summit for youth in Indianapolis.

Barnett, whose speech focused on the topic of dedication, told his audience about the importance of teens aspiring to be leaders.

“We’ve got to have young leaders who can walk their talk, young leaders who can keep going despite obstacles or hard challenges, young leaders who are reliable and trustworthy, and young leaders who are prepared,” he said.

Barnett said he has a number of dedicated people in his life, including, his parents, his grandmother, his youth pastor, and his mentor, Stephanie Santarosa. Barnett recognized his mentor in his speech.

“Stephanie represents my definition of dedication — to be come more involved in the things you say and to invest or spend more time in whatever you are into,” Barnett said.
Barnett has been a mentee in the Project Leadership mentoring program since his freshman year. Mentors, who are matched with students in the Twenty-first Century Scholars program, meet with mentees weekly to encourage them in their personal and academic efforts. Scholars, if all program requirements are met, receive four years of tuition to one out of 80 public Indiana colleges or universities.

The Service Leader Summit is to recognize the efforts of Indiana’s student volunteers. Senator Bayh, along with Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, sponsors the summit each October to coincide with National Make a Difference Day. The summit consists of a morning presentation and program, a leadership lunch, an afternoon service project and a time of reflection.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact TAMMY PEARSON/Project Leadership/765-651-0650

Project Leadership Grant County Hosts M&M Night

Join Project Leadership Grant County once a month for M&m Night!

What: Mentor/Mentee (M&M) Nights at Project Leadership

Where: The Community Foundation, 505 W. Third St., Marion

When: Once a month on dates shown below

October 27, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
November 19, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
December 17, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
January 28, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
February 23, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
March 25, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
April 22, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Why: 6:00 – 7:00 Structured Monthly Mentor Meetings
(if you are not able to attend these at the schools, this is another opportunity!)

7:00 – 8:00 Open Lab for Portfolio Development

New Community Partnerships Yield Higher Enrollment in College Scholarship Program for Delaware County Youths

More than 7 out of 10 eligible 8th-grade students (73%) have been recruited into the state’s Twenty-first Century Scholars Program this enrollment year in Delaware County. This is a 29% increase from March of this year and an 18% increase from last year.

Students are enrolled for the state program while in middle school. Seventh-grade enrollment this year is 39%, a 9% increase from last year. Sixth-graders were able to enroll this year for the first time because of changes in the program guidelines. In Delaware County, 35% of the eligible students in this grade level were recruited. Across all three recruitment grade levels —6th, 7th and 8th — 799 students or 49% of those eligible were enrolled in Delaware County.

“We set very aggressive goals for Delaware County,” said Dick Daniel, Community Scholarship Liaison for Project Leadership, which partners with schools and the TCS regional office to recruit students. “We came very close to meeting those goals which were 50% enrollment overall and 75% of eligible eighth graders. We found that the biggest increases came at the schools that allowed Project Leadership to meet with students one-on-one. We hope that all schools will recognize the value of personalized contact during the coming school year.”

This spring, Project Leadership Delaware County partnered with area schools and the regional office in one-on-one meetings with eligible students at school and in mailings sent to individual homes as part of its recruitment strategies. Seventh-grade Delta Middle School student Rachel Smith was the winner of a Wii through a drawing Project Leadership Delaware County held for students who enrolled in the Twenty-first Century Scholars program this spring.

Grant County's Twenty-first Century Scholars Enrollment Soars

More than 9 out of 10 eligible 8th-grade students have been recruited into the state’s Twenty-first Century Scholars Program this enrollment year in Grant County, a 22% increase from last year and a 40% increase from two years ago.

Students are enrolled for the state program while in middle school. Seventh-grade enrollment this year is 73%. Sixth-graders were able to enroll this year for the first time because of changes in the program guidelines and in Grant County, 78% of the eligible students in this grade level were recruited. Across all three recruitment grade levels —6th, 7th and 8th — 1,107 students were enrolled in Grant County.

“These are phenomenal results that exceeded our expectations,” said Tammy Pearson, director of Project Leadership, which partners with schools and the TCS regional office to recruit students. “What these recruitment numbers tell us is that families are beginning to get the message that the Twenty-first Century Scholars program is one that they cannot afford to pass up. The increase also is a positive reflection on the successful partnership that has formed with Grant County schools.”

ABOUT THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY SCHOLARS PROGRAM:
Students enrolled in Indiana’s Twenty-first Century Scholars program receive four years of tuition to one out of 80 public Indiana colleges or universities. The Scholars program was established to decrease drug and alcohol use, reduce juvenile crime, decrease the number of student dropouts, increase the number of students entering post-secondary education, better prepare students for the workforce after graduation, and improve the overall quality of life for Indiana residents. Scholars and their families must meet income guidelines – ones that mirror free/reduced lunch guidelines – to be eligible for the program. Scholars, upon enrolling in the program, pledge to graduate from high school, achieve a cumulative high school GPA of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale, agree not to use illegal drugs or alcohol or commit a crime, apply to an eligible Indiana college, university or technical school as a high school senior, and apply on time for state and federal financial aid.

GRANT COUNTY’S RECRUITMENT HISTORY
A small percentage —16% — of eligible Scholars were signed up for the state program in Grant County in early 2007. Since that time, Grant County schools, the region’s Twenty-first Century Scholars office and Project Leadership have partnered to dramatically and consistently improve on the number of local families taking the state up on its scholarship offer and life-changing opportunity for students. Since this partnership, recruitment has increased over the past two years from 16% in early 2007 to 82% total enrollment in June 2009.

“The partnership has resulted in new and innovative approaches among our collective recruitment teams,” said Linda Lowe, Project Leadership Assistant Director and Community Scholarship Liaison.
For example, for the first time, each Grant County middle school registration was staffed by enrollment teams last school year, resulting in about 500 newly recruited students, Lowe said.
“In another first, applications were completed one-on-one with eligible students at each middle school in a spring recruitment blitz,” Lowe said. “We’re repeating both recruitment strategies beginning this fall because they were so successful last year.”
Recruitment teams will be working Grant County middle school registrations, beginning the last week of July and through the first part of August. Lowe said students and parents should come prepared to complete an application for their 6th, 7th and 8th graders at the time of their registration. The application process is made easier this year because students that qualify for and are enrolled in the free and reduced lunch program do not have to complete the income section of the application. For more information or to enroll in the program, students and families may contact Project Leadership at 651-0650, the regional Twenty-first Century Scholars office at 1-877-717-2121 or their school.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact TAMMY PEARSON AND LINDA LOWE / Project Leadership / 765-651-0650

Former Principal will Lead Project Leadership Delaware County

Long-time Delaware County resident and former school administrator Dick Daniel has been selected to lead Project Leadership Delaware County, an initiative to improve high school graduation rates and promote post-secondary educations.

Project Leadership, a non-profit agency based in Grant County, is expanding its education work into the Delaware County community through the support of the Ball Brothers Foundation. The Ball Brothers Foundation awarded a grant that will focus on these key areas:
· Recruiting eligible 6th-, 7th- and 8th-grade students into the state’s Twenty-first Century Scholars program, which offers four years of tuition assistance to state colleges.
· Retaining students who have been enrolled into the Twenty-first Century Scholars program through mentoring and accountability initiatives designed to ensure they complete high school and pursue higher educations.

Daniel, who retired in spring 2008 as the principal of Muncie Central High School, has a 30-year history with Muncie schools, working closely with school administrative teams, teachers, parents and community members.

“Mr. Daniel’s education background, administrator experience, high visibility in the community and passion for Delaware County and its youths made him an ideal choice,” Project Leadership Director Tammy Pearson said.

Project Leadership is partnering with the Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce to launch the program, which is being supported through funding by the Ball Brothers Foundation through June 2012. Program objectives will include:
GOAL 1: Develop a strategic plan, concentrating on program sustainability, accountability and project partners.
GOAL 2: Increase the number of Delaware County 6th, 7th and 8th graders enrolled in the Twenty-first Century Scholars program.
GOAL 3: Launch a mentoring program for Twenty-first Century Scholars that matches students with community volunteers.
GOAL 4: Guide students in their career paths, coaching them through the development of portfolios they will use to apply for future scholarships, college and jobs.
GOAL 5: Educate students and bring hope to families by helping them develop college costs plans.

Project Leadership Delaware County will be housed in the Muncie Career Center, ADDRESS. Daniel’s will begin in his position March 9th.

Meet the Match: Belinda Hussong and Brittany

Meet Brittany, a sophomore, at Mississinewa High School, and mentor Belinda Hussong who meet each week in Project Leadership’s mentoring program, which matches community volunteers with local Twenty-first Century Scholar students.

Brittany

Career goals: Photographer and/or teacher.
Favorite subject: English, Computers.
Favorite book: Twilight series.
Hobbies/Interests: reading, taking pictures, poetry, hanging out with friends.
Family: Two brothers, Wyatt and Chris; one sister, Haley; grandma, Ruth Anne; grandpa, Lloyd.
School: Mississinewa High School.

Belinda Hussong
Career goals: Park Director.
Favorite subject: History.
Favorite book: Little Women.
Hobbies/interests: Bicycle riding, motorcycle riding, cooking.
Family: Husband, Ken; daughter, Lori; son, Brad.
School: Indiana University, Indiana Wesleyan University.

TO LEARN ABOUT THE MENTORING PROGRAM: Visit http://www.projectleadership.org/ or call Project Leadership at 651-0650.

Meet the Match: Heather Pratt and Clarissa

Meet Clarissa, a freshman, at Marion High School, and mentor Heather Pratt who meet each week in Project Leadership’s mentoring program, which matches community volunteers with local Twenty-first Century Scholar students.

Clarissa

Career goals: Hair stylist.
Favorite subject: Math.
Favorite book: Because of Winn Dixie.
Hobbies/Interests: Doing hair.
Family: Dad, Charles Sanders; mom, Terri Nelson; six brothers, two sisters.
School: Marion High School.

Heather Pratt
Career goals: Teach college.
Favorite subject: English.
Favorite book: Harry Potter series.
Hobbies/interests: Reading, decorating.
Family: Husband, Aaron Pratt.
School:

TO LEARN ABOUT THE MENTORING PROGRAM: Visit http://www.projectleadership.org/ or call Project Leadership at 651-0650.

Meet the Match: Hayley Wampner and Katlyn

Meet Katlyn, a sophomore at Marion High School, and mentor Hayley who participate in Project Leadership’s mentoring program, which matches community volunteers with local Twenty-first Century Scholar students.

Katlyn Nall
Career goals: Crime Scene Investigator.
Favorite subject: Sweets (choir), math.
Favorite book: The Twilight Series.
Hobbies/Interests: Cheerleading, Sweets
Family: Mom, Michelle Herring; dad, John Nall; brother, Justin Nall.
School: Marion High School.

Hayley Wampner
Career: School Psychology.
Favorite subject: Child Development.
Favorite book: None.
Hobbies/interests: Sports, shopping.
Family: Dad, Steve; mom, Sue.
School: Indiana Wesleyan university.

TO LEARN ABOUT THE MENTORING PROGRAM: Visit http://www.projectleadership.org/ or call Project Leadership at 651-0650.

Meet the Match: Patricia Miller and Jade

Meet Jade, a freshman at Marion High School, and mentor Patricia Miller who meet each week in Project Leadership’s mentoring program, which matches community volunteers with local Twenty-first Century Scholar students.

Jade
Career goals: Become and Algebra teacher.
Favorite subject: English, Algebra.
Favorite book: Forever by Judy Blume.
Hobbies/Interests: Reading, listening to music and being with friends.
Family: mother, Veronica; step-mother, Crystal; father, Billy; sister, Selena and Jacelynne.
School: Marion High School.

Patricia Miller
Career: Academic Specialist at Allen Elementary School.
Favorite subject: Science.
Favorite book: Bible.
Hobbies/interests: Baking, teaching children to read.
Family: husband, Alan Miller.
School: Indiana University.

TO LEARN ABOUT THE MENTORING PROGRAM: Visit http://www.projectleadership.org/ or call Project Leadership at 651-0650.

Meet the Match: Teresa Colyer and Katelyn

Meet Katelyn, a freshman at Mississinewa High School, and mentor Teresa Colyer who meet each week in Project Leadership’s mentoring program, which matches community volunteers with local Twenty-first Century Scholar students.

Katelyn
Career goals: Beautician.
Favorite subject: Math.
Favorite book: Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.
Hobbies/Interests: Volleyball, hanging with friends.
Family: Mom, Carla; dad, Bobby; brother, Matthew.
School: Mississinewa High School.

Teresa Colyer
Career: Business Management.
Favorite subject: English.
Favorite book: Anything by Karen Kingsbury.
Hobbies/interests: Sewing, reading, spending time with family.
Family: Husband, Paul; four children; four grandchildren.
School: Eastbrook High School; IWU graduate

TO LEARN ABOUT THE MENTORING PROGRAM: Visit http://www.projectleadership.org/ or call Project Leadership at 651-0650.

Meet the Match: Nancy Abraham and Michaela

Meet Michaela, a freshman at Mississinewa High School, and mentor Nancy Abraham who meet each week in Project Leadership’s mentoring program, which matches community volunteers with local Twenty-first Century Scholar students.

Michaela
Career goals: Teaching/nursing.
Favorite subject: P.E. and sometimes math.
Favorite book: Spiderwick.
Hobbies/Interests: Singing, volleyball.
Family: Mom, Kelly; sister, RaeAnne; grandma, Judy; grandpa, Marvin.
School: Mississinewa High School.

Nancy Abraham
Career: Retired teacher.
Favorite subject: Biology, Geography.
Favorite book: The Bible.
Hobbies/interests: Stained glass, shopping.
Family: Husband, daughter, son-in-law, grandbaby on the way.
School: B.S. Manchester College; Masters Ball State University

TO LEARN ABOUT THE MENTORING PROGRAM: Visit http://www.projectleadership.org/ or call Project Leadership at 651-0650.

Meet the Match: Sara Bates and Amelia

Meet Amelia, a freshman at Oak Hill High School, and mentor Sara Bates who meet each week in Project Leadership’s mentoring program, which matches community volunteers with local Twenty-first Century Scholar students.

Amelia
Career goals: Band director
Favorite subject: Band.
Favorite book: The Outsiders.
Hobbies/Interests: Music, basketball, football.
Family: Kate Detamore, Harry Detamore.
School: Oak Hill High School.

Sara Bates
Career goals: Would love to own my own store.
Favorite subject: History.
Favorite book: Phantom of the Opera
Hobbies/interests: Reading and painting.
Family: Neal Bates, husband.
School: Oak Hill High School

TO LEARN ABOUT THE MENTORING PROGRAM: Visit http://www.projectleadership.org/ or call Project Leadership at 651-0650.

Meet the Match: Debbi Powell and Connie

Meet Connie, a freshman at Mississinewa High School, and mentor Debbi Powell who meet each week in Project Leadership’s mentoring program, which matches community volunteers with local Twenty-first Century Scholar students.

Connie

Career goals: Pediatric nurse.
Favorite subject: Spanish, choir, English.
Favorite book: A Child Called It
Hobbies/Interests: boyfriend, music, soccer, dance, friends.
Family: Mom, Tammy Jones.
School: Mississinewa High School.

Debbi Powell
Career: Elementary teacher.
Favorite subject: Math, English.
Favorite book: Anything by James Patterson or Nicholas Sparks.
Hobbies/interests: Golf, reading, exercise.
Family: two daughters: Ashley Powell and Abby Merchant.
School: Illinois for BS and MS

TO LEARN ABOUT THE MENTORING PROGRAM: Visit http://www.projectleadership.org/ or call Project Leadership at 651-0650.

Meet the Match: Marty Harker and Devin

Meet Devin, a freshman at Marion High School, and mentor Marty Harker who meet each week in Project Leadership’s mentoring program, which matches community volunteers with local Twenty-first Century Scholar students.

Devin

Career goals: To become a lawyer or famous artist (still dreaming)
Favorite subject: Algebra and choir (Innovations).
Favorite book: Mystery books.
Hobbies/Interests: Hanging out with friends, dancing, singing and drawing.
Family: Mother, Lewanna Davis; Jeswan Davis, brother; Dorothy and Walter Davis, grandparents.
School: Marion High School.

Marty Harker
Career: Attorney.
Favorite subject: French.
Favorite book: Anything by Vince Flynn or Daniel Silva.
Hobbies/interests: Golf, tennis, reading, working out.
Family: Dad, Arthur C. Harker; The Rev. Margaret G. Harker.
School: University of Cincinnati.

TO LEARN ABOUT THE MENTORING PROGRAM: Visit http://www.projectleadership.org/ or call Project Leadership at 651-0650.