Recognizing the need to create a student support initiative to meet the needs of the school’s changing student population, Nancy Washor designed and implemented what has become a very successful a mentoring program at Flamingo Elementary. By reaching out to retired teachers, administrators, teachers, paraprofessionals and substitutes she was able to convince them to volunteer their time for this extremely important cause.  Currently 37 mentors have been identified and more than 50 students are benefitting from the time these mentors spend with them.  The students were initially identified when Ms. Washor solicited information from teachers on students that were in need of a positive role model or one-on-one time with a caring adult.  However over time as the word spread about her program, students started writing letters asking to be matched with mentors. 

The results of the program are impressive.  School administration reports a significant decrease in number of referrals from students with behavioral problems.  In addition, feedback from the students has been extremely positive.  They love spending time with their mentors and are demonstrating positive changes in behavior and motivation.

Nancy Washor is an innovator who saw a problem and created the solution. Everyone at Flamingo Elementary is proud to have Ms. Washor in their midst and honored to have her represent the district as the mentor of the year.

Officer Van Dusseldorp inspires his mentee to put his best foot forward each day both at school and at home. Prior to being matched with his mentor, this student often found himself in trouble and was retained last year. But under the watchful eye of his mentor, he has come full circle and continues to make significant progress in both academic performance and behavior. 

Whether sitting down together to set goals and discuss plans for the future or tossing a football, “Officer Larry” as he is affectionately nicknamed, consistently demonstrates the right blend of strength and compassion to make a positive and lasting impression on his mentee.  The result is a student who has significantly improved his grades and classroom behavior and was selected by his teachers to represent Apollo Middle as a Miami Dolphin Student of the Week! Officer Van Dusseldorp is undaunted by the challenges facing today’s youth and serves as a shining example of how one individual can be an outstanding role model and make a life changing difference in a child’s life.

In August 2009, Jane Nichols visited Gator Run and asked if she could be allowed to volunteer with her therapy dog, a King Charles Cavalier named Bella.  Bella is trained and certified as a therapeutic pet and Ms. Nichols has obtained the training necessary offer their combined services to children.  At that time, no one at Gator Run had any idea of the amazing impact this Pet Therapy Mentoring Program would have on the children.

This innovative and effective mentoring program utilizes one on one mentoring support along with pet therapy and focuses on children in need of language development, confidence building and specialized interventions.  The program was implemented last school year with three children of varying needs.  The exceptionalities and needs of the children included a child with Down’s Syndrome and child diagnosed with Selective Mutism.  A course of action was charted for each child that would enhance the educational goals they were currently pursuing.  The pet therapy team generously volunteered each week and provided each child with individualized attention and a commitment of time and energy that proved to be a precious gift.

One case in particular highlights the impact this program has made.  We consulted and set a goal for our student diagnosed as Selective Mute to verbally introduce Bella to her classmates.  Along with her introduction, she would also verbally command Bella in front of her peers to do various tricks.  By the end of the school year, through patient and consistent intervention, coupled with an irresistible and loving dog, our student was successful.  Accomplishing her goal truly made this child glow with confidence and self-esteem.  The truth that many animal lovers know intrinsically was demonstrated through this therapeutic experience.  Gator Run is blessed to have this wonderful program and proudly nominate this dynamic therapeutic mentoring team as mentor program of the year. 

Robert Stevens, known to students as “Mr. Bob”, listens.  He has enthusiastically and effectively listened to students at Sandpiper Elementary since 1997.  At the age of 90 his wisdom, dedication, compassion and love of children are a winning combination.  One of his students stated: “My dad told me that I have two ears and one mouth because I should listen twice as much as I talk. Mr. Bob’s dad must have told him the same thing because he listens to every word I say!”  That statement personifies the relationship that Mr. Bob forges with the students he mentors.  He has mentored many students from first through fifth grades and has the opportunity to see his students grow up.  He can recall the names of each student, the number of years he’s worked with them and most importantly their stories of success.  This year Mr. Bob worked with two students who have demonstrated significant improvement in their attitudes toward school.  Their behaviors have improved and they are working harder in class and getting along better with their peers.  These results are not unusual for this committed and effective mentor.

At the end of each school year Mr. Bob’s students make cards for him and among the accolades the students often include are best friend, helping person, #1, caring and Mr. Bob Rocks in bold print. 

Mr. Bob truly is not only Mentor of the Year, but according the multitude of students he has mentored over the years, he can also be considered Mentor of the Decade by Sandpiper Elementary.