Take Stock In Children Salutes Top Volunteer Mentor

In celebration of National Volunteer Week, Take Stock in Children honored one of 7,500 Florida volunteer mentors with the organization's most prestigious award. Dr. Charles Voorhis was honored as Take Stock in Children's 2013 Mentor of the Year at a ceremony earlier this year.

 

A retired physician, Dr. Voorhis got involved with his local Take Stock in Children program in Bay County. Like all Take Stock mentors, Voorhis has worked diligently to "change a life over lunch" with the students he mentors. His weekly meetings with his students help to keep them focused on graduating from high school and attending college. Voorhis' caring nature did not stop with motivating his students to excel in education- Johnny Atwell 's personal life was also significantly impacted by the Mentor of the Year.

 

Atwell was in a serious automobile accident after graduation- one that left him paralyzed and unable to walk. Mentor Voorhis guided Atwell and his family through the maze of medical resources available and helped them access needed financial support. He faithfully visited Atwell in the hospital and in his handicapped-accessible apartment. After a year of recovery and therapy, Atwell entered Gulf State College and Voorhis couldn't be prouder.

 

"The bond formed between volunteer mentors and students is a lasting and transformational one," said Dan Lyons, interim CEO of Take Stock in Children. "We are proud to honor Dr. Voorhis, and all of our 7,500 volunteer mentors for their commitment to higher education and Florida's at-risk youth."

Scholar Spotlight: Laura Gomez

Laura Gomez, an honor student from George Jenkins High School, was selected in 10^th grade by the Polk Education Foundation’s Take Stock in Children scholarship mentoring program to receive a Ronald McDonald House Charities/Tampa Bay Florida Prepaid tuition scholarship valued at approximately $5500.

 

As a senior this year, Laura has continued to apply for scholarships and is now a national finalist for the Bill and Melinda Gates Scholarship and was recently selected by Florida Southern College as one of five George Jenkins Scholars who will receive a full scholarship for all unmet financial need, including room and board, when she starts in the fall. The scholarship also includes $2,000 per semester living stipend. Rounding out the package with her Bright Futures, State scholarships and PELL grants, Laura has set her sights on a Masters degree in Nursing.

 

Congratulations on all of your accomplishments, Laura. We are so proud of you!