Pinellas County Schools launches campaign to recruit mentors | Community Spirit

Pinellas County, Florida -- Pinellas County Schools officials have set a goal this year to recruit, train and place at least 500 additional mentors by the end of the school year.

The PCS recruitment campaign, “Get Engaged – Be a Mentor!”, kicks off as the district celebrates National Mentoring Month in January. The district’s theme this year is “A one-hour investment. A lifetime of returns”.

“All children need and deserve at least one adult in their life who will listen to them and guide them and cheer for them. Mentors truly do change lives, and even a small investment of time can provide a lifetime of rewards,” said Michelle Roberge, PCS Coordinator of Family and Community Relations. “We’re asking our community members to consider mentoring a Pinellas County student.”

Nadine Nickeson is one of the district’s more than 2,000 mentors. The former Safety Harbor City Commissioner is a familiar face at Countryside High School where she meets each week to mentor two Doorways Scholarship recipients. The two students, a junior and a senior, talk with Nickeson each week about their academics, extracurricular activities, college plans and anything else on their mind. Nickeson has been mentoring Pinellas County students for more than a decade.

“We all have something to share and the viewpoints that a child expresses can teach you, as well,” Nickeson said. “While you’re helping them, it’s also enriching your life.”

For more information, or to become a mentor for Pinellas County Schools, please contact Michelle Roberge at (727) 588-6405 or robergem@pcsb.org.

Info courtesy Pinellas County Schools.