Seventy-seven members of the community volunteered as mentors for a student in the Stratford Public Schools during this past year, and they were recognized at the Board of Education’s monthly meeting June 21.
This year’s group brings to 355 the total number of mentors who have helped more than 500 students since the school-based program began here.
Diane Christiano, coordinator of career and technology education, describes the program, which runs in each Stratford public school, as arranging a structured relationship between a caring adult who listens attentively and a student who would benefit from positive support and encouragement from an adult role model.
Stratford High School rising junior Chynna Sherrod and her brother Brandon Sherrod, SHS 2010 and Yale undergraduate, sang Lean on Me, by Bill Withers, as a tribute to mentors during the Board of Education meeting. It includes the lyrics, ‘We all need someone to lean on …. When you’re not strong, I’ll be your friend.’
According to program organizers youths benefit from mentoring often with improved academic performance, self-esteem and peer / family relationships.
Benefits for the mentor are described as, among other things, feeling good about influencing a child’s life and getting along better with their own spouse, children, and significant others.
To apply to be a mentor call 203-385-4281 or go to stratfordk12.org/Content/Mentoring.
Stratford High School rising junior Chynna Sherrod and her brother Brandon Sherrod, SHS 2010 and Yale undergraduate, sing Bill Withers’ Lean on Me as part of the recognition of those who mentored a student in the Stratford Public School system this past year. The recognition was during the June 21 meeting of the Board of Education. Greg Reilly photos.
Board of Education Chairman Andrea Vielleux and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Janet Robinson recognize Trecia Ashman who completed her second year as a mentor for a Stratford schools’ student.