Contact:
June O’Neal
Email: june.oneal@bcsdk12.net
Phone: 478-765-8624

The Mentors Project Achievement Banquet Celebrates Class of 2024

[Macon, GA ] — On May 10, 2024, the Mentors Project hosted its annual Achievement Banquet, a prestigious event celebrating the accomplishments of the 20 graduates from the Class of 2024 seniors from VIP Academy, Performance Learning Center, Howard High School, Southwest High School, SOAR Academy, and Central High School.

Under the leadership of June O’Neal, Executive Director, the evening unfolded as a memorable celebration filled with dinner music, recognition of outstanding seniors, scholarship presentations, and updates from successful entrepreneurs Nadia Thomas and Michel Hernandez. Dr. Lori Rodgers and Michael Harvey, our keynote speakers, delivered profound addresses that resonated with all attendees.

Keynote Speech Highlight: Dr. Lori Rodgers delivered a stirring speech to the graduating seniors, encouraging them to embrace the journey ahead with resilience, gratitude, and curiosity. She emphasized the importance of words and actions in shaping one’s future and stressed the value of self-care and supportive relationships. Using personal anecdotes and references to motivational literature, Dr. Rodgers inspired the graduates as they step into the next chapter of their lives.

The community’s strong backing for this initiative was highlighted through the generous support of sponsors including Andrews, Hammock & Powell Inc., McNair, McLemore, Middlebrooks & Co., LLC, Sheridan Construction, F.A.T. Ministry, George Jackson, Ace Hardware, Kroger – Forsyth Road, Lane Sheridan, Backdrops Fantastic and Corporate Photographer Larry Najera.

Event Details:

  • Date: May 9, 2024
  • Location: Vineville Baptist Church, Macon, GA

We are immensely grateful to everyone who contributed to making this event a memorable celebration. The achievements of these young leaders promise significant impacts in their communities and beyond.

For more information about The Mentors Project and our upcoming events, please visit www.mentorsprojectbibb.org

About The Mentors Project of Bibb County: The Mentors Project aims to nurture the potential of students through guidance, support, and community engagement. By connecting students with leaders and changemakers, we strive to empower the next generation of innovators and thinkers.

PRESS RELEASE MEDIA


Photos from the Achievement Banquet:

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/ahap7b5td1jnailiny487/AKIgmsO3lI31nJ8DMGEk8Ig?rlkey=yx78pv80v4s11atnk0pkjofkk&st=zynpjzsq&dl=0

Program:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/5ixswj9o5givfivzmccr4/Mentor-Project-Program-May-9-2024.pdf?rlkey=z5nzyhbo7ph53vlyxq5jiolk8&st=qcbbnnh9&dl=0

Keynote Speaker – Dr. Lori Rodgers

Dr. Lori Rodgers delivered a heartfelt and motivating speech to the graduating seniors, encouraging them to embrace the journey ahead with resilience, gratitude, and curiosity. She highlighted the importance of words and actions in shaping one’s future and stressed the value of self-care and supportive relationships. Dr. Rodgers used personal anecdotes and references to a motivational book to inspire the graduates as they step into the next chapter of their lives.

Key Quotes:

1. On Opportunity and Resilience:
* “Each day presents a new opportunity for growth and learning. Gratitude is a powerful force that can transform even the darkest days into moments of light, hope, and joy.”
* “Learn from your setbacks, adapt, and evolve. It is through facing these challenges that you, me, and all of us will build resilience needed to conquer life’s challenges.”

2. On the Power of Words:
* “Remember to embrace failure as a teacher, not as a defining moment in your life. We all have suffered from failures, but it’s how we live after the failure that counts.”
* “Believe in the power of your words because your words shape your reality.”

3. On Relationships and Personal Growth:
* “The company you keep shapes your beliefs, your values, and your aspirations.”
* “Make sure you walk alongside people who believe in your dreams, encourage your growth, and stand by you through thick and thin.”

4. On Self-Care and Wellness:
* “Take time to refill your spirit and rejuvenate your energy. Self-care…is truly something that you should take a part of because it helps you stay balanced.”

5. In Closing:
* “Be kind to yourself, celebrate your progress, learn from failure, seek growth in every experience, and most importantly, just like the Mentors Project has been here for you, be sure to be there for somebody else.”