Gwinnett Daily Post

SUWANEE -- The Gwinnett County Board of Education recently thanked more than 80 community members for volunteering to guide and support local middle school students through the community-based mentoring program.

During the August board of education meeting the mentors received a thank you from district officials.

Gwinnett's Community-Based Mentoring Program provides support to identified at-risk students. The mentors establish one-on-one and small-group mentoring relationships with middle school students. Throughout the year, they take part in workshops and activities that assist them as they encourage and support students in the curriculum areas of self-respect, effective communication, leadership skills and financial literacy.

Launched in early 2009, Gwinnett's Community-Based Mentoring Program pairs identified students with both an at-school advisor and a mentor in the community.

Out of the 81 mentors who showed up during the August board of education meeting, one of them, Darrell Creedon of Duluth, said it was a worthwhile experience.

"It is rewarding to see my mentee follow some of my guidance and see that it is helping him," Creedon said. "I enjoy seeing him realize the rewards and fruits of his labor."

Those who are interested in becoming a part of the program can learn more by visiting the "mentoring" section of the Gwinnett County Public Schools website at www.gwinnett.k12.ga.us.