Commissioner Al Tillman and Mentors Project Executive Director June O’Neal put out a community challenge on Thursday, March 19 for males to mentor youth in Macon-Bibb County. According to Mrs. O’Neal, there are children asking for mentors so they can graduate and go to college or the military.

“We have almost 40 young men waiting for someone to step forward and help them be successful; these are young men that are looking for guidance and help from us,” said Mrs. O’Neal. “An hour a week can make all the difference in a child’s life. It’s up to us, the adults, to help them find their dreams.”

To see pictures from the press conference where the challenge was issued, click here. 

“Let’s come together and challenge each other [to mentor a child],” added Commissioner Tillman. “Their need is dire, and we need to make sure they can be successful and give back to the next generation.”

Cory Cummings, a mentor and United States Army Recruiter, spoke about how he came to work with two young men from the past 8 months. “It doesn’t required much time, but the impact is tremendous.”

Preston Lauritsen, Southwest High School’s Interim Principal, and Dr. Steve Jones, Principal of Northeast High School, we both on hand to add their voices to the challenge. According to The Mentors Project, many of the students looking for mentors are in those two high school zones.

“People don’t know the untapped potential in these young men and women,” said Lauriston, adding that his happiest moments in education are when he sees young men and women crossing the graduation stage.

“None of us are perfecy, but we had role models to help guide us,” added Dr. Jones. “It is not too late for our students.”

They – along with current and new mentors, a school representative, and community supporters – will discuss the number of young men actively seeking mentors and the impact the lack of mentors has on education and the community, and to challenge the men of Macon-Bibb to mentor a child.