THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, December 15, 1994 TAG: 9412140191
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 18 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TRUDY CUTHRELL, CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 73 lines
SHY GRINS AND BROAD SMILES flickered in students' faces one recent day during a reading session at the Robertson Elementary School library.
``He helps me with my reading, and he takes me places,'' said 9-year-old Sharze Brinkley with a grin. The grin was for the Rev. Felton Whitfield, who shares frequent sessions with Sharze in a mentoring program designed to focus more attention on some Robertson students who need a boost with school.
Ty-Iesha Jordan, 11, looks up to her new friend and mentor, the Rev. Patricia Goodman. ``It's been fun getting to know her,'' Ty-Iesha said, ``and she mostly helps me with my reading.''
The mentoring program they're in is a partnership between a dozen pupils in the Whaleyville school and local ministers of the Suffolk Ministerial Alliance, headed by Felton, says Robertson guidance counselor Murdley Hicks.
And Robertson Principal Bill Krupp applauds the merits of this new partnership.
``We spent last year getting the program in place, and now Mrs. Hicks has done a wonderful job implementing it,'' he said recently. ``I think it's a wonderful program - every child needs to have someone to make him feel special.''
Especially at this time of year. The program began long before the yuletide season, but it may well offer one of the best Christmas presents for these children.
Earlier this year, the ministers volunteered to mentor students during the school year. Students and volunteers were interviewed before acceptance, and ministers also attended an orientation session with school administrators.
Since then, relationships have begun to form. There have been reading sessions, special lunches together and visits in the classrooms by mentors. Some students have received tutoring in reading, spelling and math from their mentors. And some have been involved in outdoor games and activities.
Steve Mills, 9, met with his mentor, the Rev. Mark Croston, at a Thanksgiving celebration.
``We just talked together,'' Steve said, ``and that was fun.''
During the Christmas holiday, several special outings have been planned. This Friday, there will be a Christmas shopping spree for all participants ending with a celebration at Pizza Hut. And on Wednesday, mentors will change into Santa's elves and deliver gifts to Robertson students just before the holiday vacation begins. Other members of the alliance will participate by bringing angel gifts to Robertson students.
``And some of these kids will be visiting our churches for worship services on Christmas Day,'' Whitfield said.
``This program has been great and very inspirational,'' mentor Goodman said. ``It's wonderful to be of service to these students and helping them with things like socialization skills, motivation and self-esteem.''
Chaplain James Summerlin agreed.
``I was honored when they asked me to do this. . . . I hope and pray that I can instill something in the lives of these kids that will help them in life and help them find what they want to do with their lives.'' MEMO: Anyone interested in volunteering as a mentor for Robertson Elementary
students may contact the Suffolk Ministerial Alliance at 483-7871 or the
school at 986-4423. Interviews, training sessions and orientation are
required.
ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MICHAEL KESTNER
The Rev. Patricia Goodman, left, and Ty-Iesha Jordan work together,
while Thomas E. Golden works with the Rev. Sherman E. Lassiter at
Robertson Elementary in the mentor program sponsored by Suffolk
Ministerial Alliance.
by CNB