- November 14, 2024
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All the mentees received a medallion that Superintendent, Jacob Oliva commended them for wearing.
Jeanette Wallace and Vosie Miller hold up AAMP seniors Blair Shane and Samantha Brown's gift.
Dr. Pamela Jackson-Smith has mentored FPC senior, Samantha Brown since sixth-grade.
Guest speaker, Channel 13 Reporter, Brittany Jones spoke about how hard she has worked to get where she is today. Photos by Lisa Wolfe
AAMP Coordinator, Dr. Pamela Jackson-Smith
Faziah Holmes and Dajah Stewart prepare to hand out certificates to the mentors.
Mentors received Certificates of Appreciation from the mentees.
Mistresses of Ceremonies, Diedra Burkey introduces Superintendent, Jacob Oliva.
Superintendent, Jacob Oliva wrapped up the evening with closing remarks.
The African American Mentoring Program for girls held its annual banquet May 17 at the Flagler Palm Coast High School’s Bistro. The evening focused on the time that the mentors and mentees have spent together and how far the girls have come. The AAMP program focuses on giving the girls extra support, guidance and even helps with applying for scholarships, creating a resumes and writing essays.
This year’s program has 35 mentees, ranging from kindergarten through 12 grade, and 30 mentors, most who are retirees. The mentors dedicate their personal time to the in-school program.
Wondering what a mentor can offer over a parent, Dr. Pamela Jackson-Smith explains that a mentor is not there to enforce family values rules and regulations. They are there to form a relationship so that they can get the girls the support they need. The AAMP is still getting it out to students that having a mentor is a positive thing.
The evening’s guest speaker was Channel 13 Reporter, Brittany Jones who expressed the three goals that she’s created for herself: achieve goals, dream big and become your own boss. From Jones’ own life experiences she expressed to the girls to never quit, coming from a single parent home while her father was in prison. After graduating from the University of Florida with a degree in Journalism and Communications, Jones let the girls know that her mother always pushed her to never give up. It took Jones a year and 300 applications to land a job in reporting.
“Make sure whatever it is that you want to do, that you put your mind to it. I know people say it all the time and it sounds cliché but you can do it” said, Jones.
Superintendent Jacob Oliva concluded the evening by thanking the executive team that spends countless hours making sure the program is sustainable, viable and available to the young ladies and also thanked the mentors who give up their time and dedication for their mentees. Olivia applauded the girls for wearing their medallions and reminded them that no one can take those away from them.
