Talbot Mentors recently held its Annual Dinner and Celebration at Krystal Q in Easton, thanking the volunteers, children, families and staff who contribute to the organization’s success. More than 170 people attended the celebration of eleven years of service to the children of Talbot County. Sponsorship of the event was provided by Talbot Bank.
The evening’s message was one of encouragement to the children in the program. In his welcome, Dr. George Gilfillan, Talbot Mentors Board President, asked the students to believe they can do or be anything they wish.
Noting the importance of mentoring in helping kids fulfill their dreams, he said, “A lot of people have gone further than they thought they could, because someone thought they could. Children are not things to be molded, but people to be unfolded.”
Guest speaker, Lenox Trams, continued the theme with his “Story of Hope.” He described his rescue as a homeless young boy on the streets of Montserrat by a woman who reached out to help him, ultimately adopting him and bringing him to this country. Trams is now an Easton police officer and husband of Diana Trams, Talbot Mentors’ new Executive Director.
Two mentees who had their dreams brought closer to reality this year described their trips to special summer camps focused on their interests, made possible by Talbot Mentors’ sponsorship. Jazmine Gibson presented a slide show on her summer seminar at Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia. DeAndre Dorsey spoke about his week at Band Camp at James Madison University in Virginia.
Recognition was given for some of the students’ achievements during the past year. Service Learning Coordinator Mary Ann Ray presented “Winston Awards” to those mentees who had accumulated the most service learning hours through Talbot Mentors.
Jazmine Gibson not only received a Winston Award for her 108 volunteer hours, but also received her second President’s Volunteer Service Award as national commendation for her efforts. Other students receiving awards were Jessica Daff and Manisha Camper.
While mentors only commit to spending a year in the Talbot Mentors program, many relationships continue well beyond that. To recognize these long-lasting matches, those that reached the five-year milestone this year were celebrated.
Diana Trams commended all the mentors for their commitment. She thanked the board members for their efforts on behalf of the organization and expressed her appreciation for the families who have accepted the mentors into their children’s lives.
For more information, to make a contribution, or to volunteer as a mentor, call Talbot Mentors at 410-770-5999 or visit www.talbotmentors.org.