Second and third grader adore mentor Jo York
Jo York visits Silver Valley Elementary School twice a week to work with second grader, Jesse (left), and third grader, Haven.
When she was asked five years ago to become a mentor in the Communities In Schools of Lexington/Davidson County program at Silver Valley Elementary, Josephine York didn’t have to think long before deciding she would do it.
“I’m glad I said yes. It makes me feel good to know that I have helped students and made a difference in their lives,” said York, who currently mentors a second grade boy, Jesse, and a third grade girl, Haven.
After taking some time off from mentoring, York became active again in 2010 first with Haven. The following school year she was matched with Jesse.
When “Ms. Jo” comes to visit, Jesse and Haven enjoy reading in the library, going to the computer lab, and just spending quality time talking.
According to Christy Vitou, CIS site coordinator for Silver Valley Elementary, both Jesse and Haven have improved academically and behaviorally as a result of working with York. They have also made great strides in terms of their self-esteem.
“She (York) has made a world of difference in the lives of these two children. They adore her and she adores them,” Vitou said.
Though Jesse and Haven have responded positively to her presence, York acknowledges that being a mentor is sometimes a struggle.
“It’s a challenge every time I come to visit. I never know what to expect but I love them,” said York, who is also an active volunteer at her church, Hughes Grove Baptist in Thomasville. “There are so many students who need a mentor. If you want a blessing, become a mentor. You’ll surely be blessed yourself. To put a smile on a child’s face gives me a wonderful feeling.”
York said her ultimate goal in working with Jesse and Haven is to help them along their path to discovering what they want to accomplish in life.
“I hope I can help them along the way to meeting their goals and deciding what they want to do in the future. I hope they both turn out very well.”