Through the simple act of meeting each week, mentoring helps young people experience mutual caring, trust, and accountability with another person. It is a simple concept with huge impact on the lives of participants. Research findings from across the country tell us that having access to a caring adult is a key factor for young people in successfully navigating through adolescence and becoming productive, responsible adults.

Congratulations to CY's Outstanding Mentor of 2010 Mike Thomas

Coach Tom Brennan with Mike Thomas

	CY MENTORING GETS AN EDGE ON FITNESS On April 16, 2009 the CY Mentoring groups went to the Sports and Fitness Edge. Special thanks goes to our event sponsors: Sports and Fitness Edge of Willison House Mouse Antics Hannaford's Rocky's Passport Video Chris and Shona Lothrop   For 2008-09, CY continues to expand the program and has matched 120 5th - 8th grade students across the District with caring adults in the community! Below is a list of the part-time Mentoring Coordinators at each building. Contact one of them today about mentoring opportunities in your community: Charlotte: Carol Conard, 425-2771, cconard@cssu.org Shelburne: Georgene Grover, 985-3331, ggrover@cssu.org Hinesburg: Ginny Roberts, 482-2106, groberts@gmavt.net St. George & Williston: Nancy Carlson, 878-2762, carlsonn@wsdvt.org

Why is mentoring so important? Take the quiz below and find out!

Name the five wealthiest people in the world.

Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.

Name the last five winners of the Miss America Contest.

Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.

Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.

Name the last decade's World Series winners.

How did you do? Hmmm...not so well?

The point is, none of us remembers the headliners from yesterday. These are not the second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one.

List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.

Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.

Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.

Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.

Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

Name a half dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you.

Easier? The lesson?

The people who make a difference in your life are NOT the ones with the most credentials, the most money or the most awards.

They are the ones that care. They are the mentors! NCarlson@wsdvt.org

For more information about mentoring opportunities, please contact Nancy Carlson at NCarlson@wsdvt.org.