Mentor Coordinator Report
Year End Highlights
Mentors consistently showed up to guide and support our students, especially during some of their most challenging moments. Our students faced a wide range of difficulties, including anxiety, frequent moves, stressful home environments, homelessness, independence at a young age, the loss of loved ones, academic struggles, and the pressure of graduation. Mentors stood alongside them through it all, offering encouragement, stability, and care as they helped navigate these complex and often overwhelming situations. A few of our mentors were even instrumental in helping the mentee graduate. They planned out what needed to be done, set dates and goals in order to accomplish everything. Never underestimate the power of having someone in your corner, helping guide you.
It was inspiring to see so many mentors go the extra mile to show up for their students beyond regular meetings. Mentors attended football games, volleyball matches, band concerts, assemblies, graduation, and cultural events—offering encouragement and celebrating their mentees’ accomplishments in meaningful ways. These moments of presence send a powerful message to students that they are valued and supported not just academically, but in all areas of their lives. By showing up, our mentors help build confidence, strengthen connections, and create lasting memories that remind students they have someone truly in their corner. It was very special to see the mentee light up when telling others about their mentor showing up for these events. We had a few mentors attend graduation and it really meant a lot to their students. I want to also recognize 2 of our students, Emma and Bekah who were 2 of the Valedictorians this year! They worked hard these past 4 years to accomplish this goal.
The growth of our mentoring program at Ferndale High this year has been truly remarkable. What began in September with 33 matched pairs meeting weekly expanded to 55 active matches by the end of May—an incredible reflection of both student need and community commitment. Students signed up in record numbers, and just as inspiring was the surge of new mentors stepping forward to support them. Our first mentor orientation welcomed 11 potential mentors, followed by another strong group of 8, and consistent interest continued throughout the year. Even in April, we saw 6 new mentors sign up, showing sustained momentum and enthusiasm. This kind of steady growth highlights the strength of our program and the powerful impact of meaningful connections between students and mentors.
Upcoming:
Looking Ahead to 2026/2027
As of today, 36 matches returning
7 kids all interviewed and ready to start meeting with a mentor in the fall
New mentors waiting to be matched
Planning more crafts and talking points for next year
Number of Current Matches: 36
Submitted by Erin Gunter – erin.gunter@ferndalesd.org