Third Army mentors recognized at local school

By Stephenie Tatum

Third Army/ARCENT Public Affairs

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. - The rainy weather may have canceled the outdoor picnic and festivities but it did not stop Third Army/ARCENT Mentorship Program Soldiers from being honored at a ceremony at Wilder Elementary School in Sumter, S.C. Friday, May 18.

Third Army/ARCENT Soldiers, students, parent volunteers, faculty, and members of the Sumter School District packed the school's multi-purpose room to acknowledge the contributions of the Soldiers and to celebrate the end of Palmetto Assessment of State Standards testing for third through fifth graders.

"I want to say a special thank you to Third Army," said Randolph D. Bynum Sr., Sumter School District superintendent. "When I first spoke with Lt. Gen. (Vincent K.) Brooks, he made it clear Third Army wanted to be part of the community. Third Army has certainly lived up to it. These ladies and gentlemen show they are not only willing to serve their country abroad but also at home."

During the ceremony, Soldiers who have been mentoring since January received a certificate of appreciation, pin, hug and/or handshake, and a hand-written thank you note from the students for their commitment and dedication.

The partnership between Wilder Elementary School and Third Army/ARCENT began in September 2011. Amy Marotto, a third-grade teacher and Third Army Family member was the driving force behind the program.

"I felt that the students at Wilder would benefit from guidance and motivation from another grownup. Sometimes children tune out teachers and parents," said Marotto. "Even though mentors say the same thing teachers and parents do, the message is received differently by the student. I had a student in my class that is full of potential, but behavioral choices caused problems to occur."

Students are assigned a mentor for many reasons. Some need help with academics, behavior or character, while others could benefit from having a positive role model but they are not the only ones benefiting from the mentor program. Maj. Tonya Stokes, a mentor and public affairs officer in Third Army/ARCENT's Strategy and Effects Directorate was paired with Crystacia Richardson, a Wilder fifth-grader in February.

"Working with Crystacia has been great. We both learn from each other and I have seen her go from a quiet, shy girl to a smiley, happy-go-lucky child," said Stokes. "We enjoy each other's company and I look forward to continuing our relationship as she grows and moves up to middle school."

Vanessa Canty, director of guidance at the school said she has noticed improvements in the students and the difference the Third Army/ARCENT mentors are making at Wilder.

"I have seen changed behavior and an increase in academic performance since the Soldiers started mentoring here," said Canty. "They (the students) are being exposed to things that they would not normally experience."

During the ceremony, Wilder Elementary School Principal Maria Newton-Ta'Bon also spoke of the benefits of having mentors in the school and the direct impact they have on the children's lives.

"This program is important because it teaches the children that someone cares," she said. "They also learn to take pride in themselves and that someone outside of the school believes in them. It is marvelous to see our children's faces light up when they see our mentors.

I have seen such a big change in the students' behavior and a desire to please. The Soldiers are able to reach the students in ways that we cannot."

Third Army/ARCENT will host training over the summer for Soldiers who volunteer to be mentors during the upcoming school year. Soldiers are required to commit at least one hour a week to the program.

"We hope to expand the program into the middle and high schools next year," said Maj. Antoinette Baucom, Third Army/ARCENT Mentorship Program coordinator.

Third Army also hopes to sponsor a back-to school bash in late July, she said.

To learn more about the Third Army, visit www.arcent.army.mil or visit them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/PattonsOwn .