It’s a back-to-school Splash Bash

With a new school year gearingup, opportunities are runningout to get out there and enjoyone last blast for the summer.Project Leadership participantsand their families are invited tothe fourth annual Back toSchool Splash Bash at Marion’sSplash House water park (2601South Adams St.).This event will be held on Sunday,August 28th from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Attendees will havethe opportunity to enjoy all ofthe water park’s features includingits multiple waterslides, TheBig Flush and the new wave pool.In addition to free park admission, the first 100 Project Leadership mentees to arrive at thepark will receive a backpack of school supplies to get the year started. Pizza and drinks willbe served at 7 p.m. with a brief welcome from Project Leadership.Mentoring program participants interested in attending this event are asked to RSVP by callingProject Leadership at (765) 651-0650.Project Leadership’s mentoring program serves all five of Grant County’s high schools. Communitymentors are paired with local Twenty-first Century Scholars to provide support throughthe high school years and guidance toward a post-secondary education. Grant CountyTwenty-first Century Scholars interested in becoming a Project Leadership mentee are encouragedto contact Project Leadership at the number above to schedule an interview andreceive their invitation to the Splash Bash.

SAT and ACT

Deadlines are rapidly approaching to registerfor the OctoberACT and SAT tests.September 9th is the registration deadlinefor the Oct. 1 SAT test. Go tohttp://www.sat.collegeboard.org/ to register.Sept 16th is the registration deadline forthe Oct. 22 ACT test. Go tohttp://www.actstudent.org/ to register.Most four-year universities require a standardizedadmission test, usually the ACTor SAT. Indiana’s four-year universitiesaccept test scores from both tests.Practice tests and additional informationabout the ACT and SAT are available atboth test websites and also athttp://www.learnmoreindiana.org/

1-on-1 Guidance

Project Leadership is calling out to Grant County’sfreshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors tocommit to their dreams and seek out theone-on-one support that only a mentor can provide.Call Project Leadership at 765-651-0650 tolearn more or visit www.projectleadership.org.

6 Mentors talk about their Mentees

“I am so proud of Chelsea. She knows that she does not have to be perfect. Each time we meet, she shares her heart and asks if she is in need of help, has any concerns or just needs a listening ear. She has proven to be a hardworker and takes responsibility for her own actions. I am so looking forward to the upcoming years because each year gets better.” -Deborah

Tyler is an honest young man. A good citizen, worker at Little Caesar's,athlete, actor,band member,positive thinker,Black History Club and Youth for Christ member.He is working hard in highschool and is looking forward to college.” -Frank

“Karin is just a plain joy to be around. Karin has successfully made the transition (to a new school) and did it with grace and confidence. She has maintained her grades while adjusting to a new school.” -Sandra

“Brittany has come a long way since we first got together. Brittany has had an impact on my life and taught me much. I believe the two of us have accomplished what Project Leadership and the mentoring program are all about.” -Belinda

“Angelo is a sterling example of what the program can do and who it can benefit.Angelo demonstrates dedication and intelligence in all that he does at school and in life. This program is just what he needs to give him the extra support he needs to flourish and move onto college.” -Mike

Chelsea hasbeen such ablessing tomentor for thelast 3 years. She has faced many challenges in her life. She is a very focused young lady and very determined to succeed. Chelsea is a very talented,dedicated, and thoughtful person.” -Phyllis

Students find college money at FAFSA labs

Shawn Butcher’s 90-minute visit to a financial aid workshop this week was almost as euphoric as winning the lottery.
The mother of three high school seniors was one of several parents who attended a FAFSA lab at Mississinewa High School. FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Students who want to pursue college must complete the FAFSA by March 10th. The Community Foundation of Grant County, Grant County Superintendents’ Consortium and Project Leadership partnered to host the labs, which are coming to each high school in Grant County this month. The labs are conducted by Murray & Associates: The National Center for College Costs.
The lab produced grins all around for the Butcher family.
“In half an hour I just made $16,000,” said Shawn as she completed her first FAFSA with her son Michael. “Where else can I go and make that kind of money in half an hour?”
Shawn completed online FAFSA applications for each of her three children who will be attending college next year. Thanks to the financial aid and FAFSA completion, Michael, Shawna and Amanda will be attending Lincoln Tech, Manchester College and Ivy Tech.
Based on her experience, Shawn encouraged other parents to participate in the FAFSA labs.
“It’s definitely worth taking your lunch break or personal time,” she said.
“If I don’t invest in my kids, who will?” Shawn said. “This is an investment in their future. They talk about human capital. I feel like I’ve increased the capital in my little part of the world.”
Grant County parents and students will have three more opportunities to attend labs. The high school labs will be Feb. 22 at Eastbrook; Feb. 23 at Marion; and Feb. 24 at Oak Hill. The labs are open from the start of school until 7 p.m. each of those days.
Shawn was thankful she didn’t miss the opportunity. On her way out of the Mississinewa FAFSA lab, she stopped for one last task.
Shawn, who’s pursuing her dream in a business career by attending Indiana Wesleyan University, decided to fill out her own FAFSA.

PL Page: Do YOU have what it takes to be a mentor?

No. 1: It takes an hour. There’s a lot you can do in an hour. Wash a load of clothes, make a trip to the grocery or organize your kitchen utensil drawer. But doesn’t hanging out with an inspirational Grant County high school student sound like a LOT more fun?

No. 2: You will make a difference.
A serious difference. An attendance study at one of our local high schools showed that Twenty-first Century Scholars who are mentored had a daily school attendance rate that was twice as good as those not being mentored. Mentors really do make a difference in students’ academics, behavior and life choices.

No. 3: You care. If you didn’t, you wouldn’t have made it to Reason No. 3. Everyone needs encouragers in their lives — ones that come from a range of backgrounds and experiences. You’ve made some mistakes in your life and have learned from them. Now, it’s time to pass those lessons on to students who are ready to learn from you

To keep up to date with Project Leadership's programming, check out the PL page in the Chronicle-Tribune!

6 students open up about how mentors have changed them

“Pam always encourages me to do my best, prays with me, and lets me know everything is going to be alright and boy is that a good feeling to have especially when you’re feeling down.” -Latesha

“Selena believes that I can do anything if I just put my mind to it and try my best. Because Selena challenges me, I want to try new things, go to newplaces and live life to the fullest. Selena has helped me in every aspect of mylife, she really does and acts on everything that the mentor/ mentee program stands for. Selena is more than a mentor, she is my sister and best friend.” -Taleeza

“Ginny has been helping me over the past four years. She has never given up on me. Looking back, I know I would not have graduated without her help my senior year. Even when I struggled this past year, she stood by me the whole time encouraging me to do my best.” -Olivia

“Jackie has been a part of my life and I could not ask for anyone else. I also love playing UNO with her and I will truly miss her when I go off to college, but I can always write, call and visit her when I come home from college.” -Amy

“Troy is a great guy, always there when we meet. He always brings me food and makes me laugh. He supports me in sports which means a lot to me. I know I can go to him if I need any help with anything.” -Lance

“I believe she is my guardian angel watching over me. Martha helps me when I really need help the most. She guides me in the right direction and she even challenges me to do things I did not know I could do.She believed in mewhen I didn’t think anyone did. Martha is my true hero.” -Mandy

PL Page: Leading & Succeeding!

At the end of each academic year, Project Leadership participants are invited to Taylor University’s campus for Project Leadership’s Leadership Academy and Red Rubber Ball Banquet. In the afternoon, students have the opportunity to test their leadership, teamwork and interpersonal skills through activities on and around Taylor University’s Escape to Reality Challenge Course. In the evening, Project Leadership recognizes the accomplishments of its participants at the annual Red Rubber Ball Banquet.

To keep up to date on Project Leadership's programming, check out the PL page in the Chronicle-Tribune!