Sunday, July 8, 2007 was the start of a great mentorship program for Shelby Whippet Football.  Fifteen senior boys were paired with fifteen sixth grade boys from Central Intermediate School in hopes that a mentoring relationship would profit both groups.  After three months of participation, relationships have both strengthened and deepened through weekly visitations.  The whole motto of this program has been:  Looking beyond ourselves and our own experience will make us better people.  But looking to seek opportunities of service and following through with commitment will make us a better community.  We hope this philosophy takes root in all involved.

After two casual get-togethers in the summer, the program really began the second week of school after some necessary adjustments.  Instead of settling with bi-weekly phone contacts originally planned, the senior boys collectively decided to visit their little brothers weekly at Central.  Those visits continue now, and they will continue through the end of the semester—long after the last football is kicked, thrown, or received.  Those contact hours include motivational conversations, helpful tutoring, and inspirational fellowship.

Each little brother has received special attention, and not only through the weekly visits.  Each received a jersey that boasts his big brother’s team number and an introduction before a home game.  Preceding the Norwalk game, all 15 little brothers participated in the team dinner on Thursday night.  They had special treatment the entire evening and even received seconds on dessert before anyone else!  Surely, the night left an impression on all fifteen sixth graders.

While no program can guarantee success, and most cannot guarantee success in a measurable way, we hope this program will profit those involved for years to come. 

--Chris Keaton--