CLINTON, Md. - –
Joint Base Andrews Airmen mentors and parents of the fifth-grade graduating class of Francis T. Evans Elementary School cheered on their students in the school's packed multi-purpose room as they walk across the stage, June 12.
The students also completed the Area Coalition for Education-Excellence (ACE-E) mentorship program. The program connects the public school system with the local community, private sector, government and military volunteers through its Mentoring Work Group.
"It truly takes a village to raise a child," said Tamika Gaskins, mother of Anaya Jackson, 11, a fifth grade student at the school. "We're at home encouraging, but to have someone in the school giving them that extra reinforcement is outstanding and we appreciate that."
The school, located just outside of Andrews, has a working relationship with the base. Airmen were given an opportunity to volunteer as mentors and tutors for the school's two fifth-grade classes.
Gaskins said she is thankful that her daughter was able to participate in the ACE-E mentorship program which also gave her family the opportunity to interact with Andrews' Airmen.
"Parents get to see the how the Airmen are outside of the military," said Tech. Sgt. Sheliah McDaniel, Air Force District of Washington contract officer/manager. "It lets them see we're humans first; that we are also part of the community and we care."
Before the program started, the volunteers and students filled out an extensive application that would help pair suitable mentors to mentees.
"When I saw the opportunity, I immediately jumped on it," said McDaniel. "I am interested in mentoring because I believe it's important to start early to build your future."
Mentors and mentees met weekly for eight months and worked on assignments such as a biography, electronic spreadsheet and digital presentation projects. Each mentee had at least two mentors for continuity, ensuring that someone would always be there for them.
"We decided as a group to do a partnership because of the military mission," said McDaniel. "It was our solution in case Temporary Duty assignments and deployments popped up."
McDaniel has been stationed at Andrews since 2008. She is the mother of a blended family of six children, ranging in age from one to 28, and a grandmother of two. Even with a busy schedule and the demands of her job, she manages to take the time to volunteer.
McDaniel was paired with mentee Anaya, whom she describes as a star student; very confident, energetic and bright.
"Regardless of the things she may not do well, she's not afraid to step out there and do what needs to be done," said McDaniel. "I can see that even in their absence she holds onto the values her parents instilled in her."
McDaniel's supervisors played an important role for her to volunteer, especially under financial constraints and doing more with less. She found a way to comply with work obligations and fulfill her volunteer agreement.
"My leadership has been awesome," said McDaniel. "Even with limited resources, they too have figured out a way to make it work."
The teachers presented students with various awards for their performance in academics, attitude and behavior. At the beginning of the program, McDaniel recalls seeing some of the students struggling and feeling like they are not good enough.
McDaniel says the most rewarding part is to see when the students discover they can do things they thought they couldn't do and begin to believe in themselves.
"I enjoy working with children and a lot of times we wait too late to get involved," said McDaniel. "This is a good grade level to give them that footing, support and stability in moving forward."