Local Mentors Honored at Annual Breakfast Event

"Mentoring is based on a very simple idea - someone who wants to improve the life of someone else becomes matched with someone who wants and needs the positive influence of a mentor." 

A quote from James McCoy, president of the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce at this year's "Magic Moments" breakfast. The annual event, sponsored by Mentor Me North Georgia, honored the 2012 Forsyth County mentors Tuesday.

McCoy, a mentor himself and Mentor Me board member, was recognized as Mentor Me's "Longest Match," which means he has mentored his mentee, Dylan, for more than six years.

"The benefits of mentoring are great for everyone involved," said McCoy. "The lives of both are changed forever."

Mentor Me is a non-profit organization that provides one-on-one mentoring relationships between volunteer adults and children who need role models in their lives.

Most of the children in the mentoring program live in single-parent homes, or are living with grandparents or foster parents. Statistics show that children in mentoring programs are 46 percent less likely to start using illegal drugs, and 52 percent less likely to skip school. And 92 percent maintained or demonstrated improvement in their academic performance.

"In Forsyth County, we want to provide mentors to all children who need and want them," McCoy said during the event. "They contribute to better schools, brighter futures, and stronger communities. I hope that our vision will become your vision. That our passion will become your passion."

Others mentors recognized this year included:

• Male Mentor of the Year: Logan Thomas
• Female Mentor of the Year: Christine Roberts
• Donor of the Year: John Heath
• Lifetime Contributor: Tommy Bagwell
• Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Forsyth was recognized as title sponsor

Virgilio Perez-Pascoe, Mentor Me board chairman and mentor, said that the program's mentors help so many children become successful adults and productive members of the community.

"It is rewarding personally, but most important, it [the program] can enrich the life of a child," he said. "Forsyth County was named one of the best 100 communities in the nation for young people, and programs like Mentor Me is one of the reasons. We hope that adults who love children will join us as mentors and help young people who have a void in their lives."

Tuesday's "Magic Moments" breakfast was held at the Lanier Technical College Forsyth Conference Center in south Forsyth. To volunteer or make a donation to the program, contact executive director Sylvia Cardona at 678-341-8028, or via e-mail. Visit the website for additional information.

Mentor Me is a United Way of Forsyth County agency. 

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