Katie Rhyne, a young professional and community affairs coordinator at Neal Communities, has been mentoring Amajai Kirksey, a student at Manatee High School, for the past year. This mentoring relationship was established through the program offered by Take Stock in Children of Manatee County.
During the graduation ceremony at LECOM Park in Bradenton, (left to right) High school senior Amajai Kirksey was awarded a scholarship certificate. The certificate was presented by Katie Rhyne, Community Affairs Coordinator for Neal Communities, and Anne LeBaron, CEO of Take Stock in Children of Manatee County.
Take Stock in Children aims to disrupt the cycle of poverty for economically disadvantaged students who demonstrate academic promise by offering them opportunities for advanced education. Middle and high school students are matched with volunteer mentors who provide guidance, access to college readiness resources, and the support of a dedicated college success coach. Every student is awarded a college scholarship and receives continuous assistance until they attain a degree or certification.
The graduation ceremony is a significant annual event for Anne LeBaron, the CEO of Take Stock in Children of Manatee County, and other Take Stock in Manatee supporters. She proudly announced that this year, 38 students throughout Manatee County graduated from the program, achieving a 100 percent graduation rate. Each of these students received a scholarship upon graduating high school. LeBaron emphasized that many of these students come from families with no high school or college graduates. The program accepts students as early as sixth grade or as late as ninth grade, with the condition that they commit to staying drug-, alcohol-, and crime-free and spending 30 minutes a week with their mentor. LeBaron expressed her enthusiasm for mentoring, stating that it is her favorite 30 minutes of the week and that it can truly change the lives of these students.
Katie Rhyne, Community Affairs Coordinator for Neal Communities and Amajai Kirksey’s mentoring journey began towards the end of Kirksey’s junior year of high school and continued throughout her senior year. Rhyne assisted Kirksey in completing college applications and making decisions about her post-high school education. They dedicated at least 30 minutes a week to their mentoring sessions.
In total, Neal Communities has donated $29,200 to the organization. With their strong belief that “Where You Live Matters,” Neal Communities has contributed over $7.5 million to local charities throughout Southwest Florida, demonstrating their commitment to the communities they serve. Pat Neal, the founder and president of Neal Communities, views their involvement with Take Stock in Children as one of the many ways the company gives back to the community. Neal Communities has been a community partner and supporter of Take Stock in Children of Manatee County since 2011. Pat Neal highlighted how the program allows their employees to directly impact a child’s life.
LeBaron expressed deep gratitude for Neal Communities’ support of mentoring. Currently, there are eight mentors from Neal Communities, and LeBaron expressed her appreciation for their time and the scholarship donations.
For more information about Take Stock in Children in Manatee County, please visit TakeStockManatee.org. To learn more about Neal Communities, visit www.NealCommunities.com.