In January, the Community-Based Mentoring Program proudly recognizes the dedication of our volunteer mentors. According to MENTOR National, 74% of adults who had a meaningful mentor in their youth attribute much of their success to that relationship. This month, we are excited to highlight the impactful stories of three individuals who are making a significant difference in their students' lives.

     “Dr. Taunya Lowe, CEO of Resurgent Group of Metro Atlanta, LLC, is a shining example of dedication and passion as a mentor with the Community-Based Mentoring Program, a role she has embraced for the past four years,” says James Rayford, Director of Community-Based Mentoring Program. “Her journey began with volunteering for events and field trips, but her heart soon called her to do more. Dr. Lowe took the leap to become a mentor and now serves as a small group mentor at Crews and Sweetwater Middle schools.” Each week, she meets with her mentees to explore essential topics like leadership, conflict resolution, self-confidence, and the power of being a good friend. Inspired by her own mother, Dr. Lowe mentors because she believes in shaping a brighter future and making a lasting impact on the lives of the young girls she guides.

     Her favorite moments come at the end of each session, when she asks her students to share one takeaway they plan to apply in their lives. The feedback she receives often surprises and moves her, revealing just how deeply her words resonate. Though many of these girls have moved on to high school, the connections they share remain strong with an active group chat that keeps them united.

     Cluster Superintendent Dr. Pam Williams shares her journey into mentoring after being inspired by past stories. "If our community members can find time while managing their jobs and personal lives, then I can certainly give an hour of my time. Being a mentor doesn't require a lot of time.” She recognizes and thanks the Office of Community-Based Mentoring for making it easy to get involved and become a mentor. When asked to describe her mentoring experience in one word, Dr. Williams enthusiastically responds, "Energizing. Every time I leave the school after meeting with my mentee, I walk away feeling energized."

     For over a decade, Terry McLaurin has been a dedicated mentor with the Community-Based Mentoring Program. “Throughout his tenure, he has left a lasting impression on his mentees, shaping their futures with his guidance and support,” Rayford shares. He currently mentors Dylan, a 9th grader at Dacula High School. Despite having known each other for only a year, they have already shared numerous valuable experiences. One notable achievement is his mentee's recent success in securing a job at a local Publix. This milestone was possible thanks to McLaurin’s dedication in preparing his mentee for the interview and accompanying him there. Beyond professional achievements, his mentee says they cherish their time spent playing pick-up basketball at the gym, creating lasting memories of camaraderie and fun.

     “We are deeply grateful for the contributions of Mr. McLaurin, Dr. Williams, Dr. Lowe, and other mentors who make a significant difference in the lives of students in Gwinnett County Public Schools,” Rayford adds. “They are not just mentoring; they are building a legacy of connection, community, and belonging—one relationship at a time.”