VCU’s Virginia Mentoring Partnership Honors Outstanding Mentors and Programs

By Mike Porter

Virginia Commonwealth University’s Virginia Mentoring Partnership will honor outstanding mentors and mentoring programs during the 9^th Annual Virginia Mentoring Awards and Statewide Conference on Feb. 24 at the Jefferson Hotel in Richmond.

Ben Thompson of the MADE Mentoring Program at St. Christopher's School in Richmond will be recognized as the Richmond Area Outstanding Mentor. Thompson is being honored for his work in recruiting student mentors to the program.

The Armstrong Leadership Program will be recognized as the Richmond Area Outstanding Mentoring Program. Since 2004, the program has provided mentors to more than 150 students at Armstrong High School. The program is cited as a factor in boosting the school’s on-time graduation rate.

Deena Disraelly of the Campagna Center, Building Better Futures program will be honored as the Greater Virginia Outstanding Mentor.  Disraelly has helped the Alexandria-based program expand its services and support for at-risk Latino and non-Latino high school students who are English as a second language learners.

The Up Center in Norfolk will be recognized as the Greater Virginia Outstanding Mentoring Program. The program matches students and mentors in the South Hampton Roads area.

Following the awards presentation, the Virginia Mentoring Partnership will offer four educational workshops for new and veteran mentoring program providers. Registration for the awards ceremony and workshops is required by Feb 17.

Last month, the Virginia Mentoring Partnership celebrated the 10^th anniversary of National Mentoring Month. The recognition, which was proclaimed by President Obama, recognizes the importance of mentors in positively impacting young people and includes a media campaign to boost awareness of mentoring programs and opportunities.

For more information about the Virginia Mentoring Partnership, the conference or to become a mentor, visit http://www.vamentoring.org/ or call 804-828-1536.