It was a bright and sunny Friday morning when I had the pleasure of joining Keri West and her mentee, Courtney, at Mt. Ararat Middle School. As I made room for a group of students who barreled excitedly through the front doors with kites in hand, I found Keri and Courtney patiently waiting for me in the school lobby. We then found an empty room where we could have a quiet talk.

Keri is a senior at Mt. Ararat High School and has been mentoring in the Big Brothers Big Sisters School-Based program for the past three years, two of which have been with Courtney. Courtney is a sweet, soft spoken child who enjoys reading many different kinds of books, having "girl talk," and going for walks. The pair meets weekly for an hour to read out loud to each other in the library, take a stroll outside on a nice day, and chat. Keri shared that they both really enjoy just talking and listening to each other.

In addition to the special relationship that Keri and Courtney share, this year Keri extended her volunteer services to include a new role as Student Mentor Coordinator. Keri collaborated with BBBS, school administration, and MTA High School students to start a new after school program and further develop the existing day program. Keri attended program planning sessions, recruited fellow high school students to become mentors, and assisted with training new mentors. Her creative ideas and enthusiasm in promoting mentoring at the high school were extremely successful as she recruited ten new student mentors, and encouraged a few adults in her community to become involved as well. As a direct result of Keri's efforts 12 middle-school students have had the opportunity to develop caring and supportive relationships with high school and adult mentors this year. BBBS was pleased to present Keri with the award for Teen Mentor of the Year at the recent Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, held at The Holiday Inn at Bath.

Nearing the end of her senior year, Keri and Courtney continue to spend time engaging in activities that promote social, emotional, and academic success. Courtney looks forward to Keri's visits with enthusiasm and describes her mentor as "a nice and friendly girl who is really fun to hang out with." Keri has noticed a positive change in Courtney's self-esteem and feels that her mentee has become more self-confident. The pair agrees that they will continue to be friends even when Keri leaves for the University of Maine at Orono in the fall.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bath/Brunswick offers School Based Mentoring!

This program pairs adult community members, high school, and college students in a "one-to-one" match with children for weekly on-site sessions at the child's school. Matches are made according to similar interest and needs. The mentor and mentee spend quality time by sharing a book, playing a board game, working on an assignment, or just talking and listening. Although the academic year is coming to a close, summer is a great time to plan for next year. Programs are available in 15 local schools. Please contact Sherri Simmons, Site-Based Coordinator for more information: 729-7736 ex: 15 or email School@bbbsbathbrun.org.