State leaders recognize local businesses for mentoring in Delaware

Jan 15, 2010 — Dover Post

Wilmington, Del. -

To mark the first year of the state’s new business-school mentoring partnership, Lt. Gov. Matt Denn honored the businesses that have stepped up to provide adult mentors to hundreds of Delaware schoolchildren during a ceremony Friday, Jan. 15 at Warner Elementary School.

Denn was joined U.S. Sen. Thomas R. Carper (D-Del.), representatives from Wilmington Mayor James Baker’s office and many of the local businesses who partner with Delaware’s schools.

Denn mentors a third grade student from Wilmington once a week.

“What matters the most is what happens in the classroom between our kids and the adults who educate them. Mentors are a critical part of that equation,” he said.

Carper also mentors a student each week in Wilmington.

“Mentoring is one of the most important things I do in my life,” said Sen. Carper. “I think I learn just as much from my mentee as I hope he does from me. I promise it will enrich your life – and the life of a child – in ways you never knew.”

The businesses that were recognized today, along with the schools where they direct most of their mentors, were:

* Bank of America (Howard High School)

* Barclay’s (East Side Charter School)

* Blue Cross Blue Shield (Springer Elementary School)

* Christiana Care (Pulaski Elementary School)

* DuPont (Ferris School)

* HSBC (Pleasantville School)

* J.P. Morgan Chase (Bancroft Elementary School)

* Richards Layton & Finger (Bancroft Elementary School)

* ShopRite (Warner Elementary School)

* Skadden Arps (Stubb’s Elementary School)

* Temple Beth Shalom

* WSFS

Baker said that when an adult impart consistent guidance and knowledge to a child, it establishes a bond that can last a lifetime. He thanked everyone for mentoring in the city and throughout the state.