Introducing the Future Leaders of Tomorrow: Class of 2021

It’s hard to believe that this time last year our soon-to-be seniors were navigating the learning curves of online classes for the first time and settling in for one of the most challenging years we’ve collectively faced. Now, here they are, one year later—stronger, wiser, and even more technologically savvy than they were before.

A Well-Deserved Recognition

While every graduating class deserves praise for their hard work and dedication that earned them their diplomas, we recognize that the accomplishments of the Class of 2021 are even more monumental in light of the difficulties faced this past year. Each of our graduating seniors overcame unique and collective hardships throughout the pandemic, and we hope they look back on this year with pride in all that they accomplished amidst uncertainty.

The Steady Presence of a Mentor

As we heard from our graduates about their accomplishments and future plans, it was especially touching to hear how impactful it has been for them to have the steady presence of a mentor. A mentor for them has been someone to vent to; someone to help search for colleges and scholarships; someone to laugh with, and someone to offer valuable life advice they will carry for years to come.

Continue reading to meet some of our graduating seniors. We are so proud of you, Class of 2021! We can’t wait to see all that your future holds. You can help support the future leaders of tomorrow by giving today. Visit give.mentorakid.org/classof2021 to make a donation.

Erwin

Matched for 2 years

After Graduation Plans

I plan to attend MTSU to study electrical engineering

ScholarshipS

True Blue Scholarship

What has been one takeaway from your time being matched?

I can learn a lot by listening to others speak, especially people more successful than me in my current position

"[I am proud of being] in All-State two years in a row, salutatorian in high school and valedictorian in middle school."

Jennifer

Matched for 3 years

After Graduation Plans

I plan to pursue either an associate’s or bachelor’s degree

Big Superlative

Best Advice Giver & Best Listener

What has been one takeaway from your time being matched?

I’ve learned to focus on my goals and how to get there

“I am proud of being a part of many good things and being involved in school. I think I made the most out of my four years here.”

Kaviere

Matched for 1 year

After graduation plans

I plan to attend college and hopefully play basketball

Scholarships

Nashville Old Timers Baseball Association Scholarship

What is a piece of advice your Big gave you?

To keep my head on straight and give things my all to get the best results

“[I am proud] that I haven’t given up on myself and have continued to work hard.”

Rodolfo

Matched for 3 years

After Graduation Plans

I plan to attend college

Scholarships

I received a full ride to the University of Tennessee in Knoxville

What has been one takeaway from your time being matched?

To be myself

“[I am proud of] maintaining connections, good grades, and mental health.”

Taylor

Matched for 3 years

What is a piece of advice your Big gave you?

To ask for help because I don’t have to struggle alone

Big Superlative

Most Fun

What has been one takeaway from your time being matched?

I always have someone in my corner

“[I am proud] that I’m independent.”

Clara

Matched for 2 years

After Graduation Plans

I plan on going to an esthetician school

Big Superlative

Most Calm

What is a piece of advice your Big gave you?

To not worry about finances

“I’m most proud of raising my GPA while maintaining a job.”

Vanessa

Matched for 2 years

After graduation plans

I plan to either attend a local community college or MTSU

Scholarships

Tennessee Promise

What is a piece of advice your Big gave you

To always try new things

“I’m glad that I’ve became more of a socially active person. My Big made me realize I had more to say and that everyone’s opinions aren’t always taken for granted.”

George

Matched for 2 years

After graduation plans

I plan to attend Middle Tennessee State University to study mechatronic engineering

What has been one takeaway from your time being matched?

My Big helped me manage my priorities and identify scholarship opportunities, and gave me advice on college and life, just reassuring me everything will be okay when I get to college

“I’m glad that I’ve became more of a socially active person. My Big made me realize I had more to say and that everyone’s opinions aren’t always taken for granted.”

Alan

Matched for 3 years

After graduation plans

I’m hoping to attend either Lipscomb or Trevecca

Scholarships

I received merit scholarships from the school

What is a piece of advice your Big gave you?

My Big says to always try your best, but not to the point of exhaustion

“[I am proud that] I learned more about concrete work and my career choice.”

Jontrez

Matched for 7 years

After graduation plans

I plan to work full time

Big Superlative

Most Chill

What has been one takeaway from your time being matched?

It’s cool to be comfortable with people who normally wouldn’t be in your walk of life

“[I am proud of] staying sane through all that’s happened in Nashville recently.”

Dilan

Matched for 2 years

After graduation plans

I plan to go to college

Scholarships

I received scholarships from the school, which was enough to give me a full ride. I also made honor roll almost every semester!

What is a piece of advice your Big gave you?

A piece of advice that my Big gave me that has always stuck with me is something he told me on the first day we met in person. It was to put myself out there and enjoy myself. That was one of the biggest pushes I’ve had to get involved because it really boosted my confidence. It seems simple but for some reason it hit so hard.

“I’m proud of being able to pull together enough confidence to put myself out there. It was a struggle I definitely dealt with throughout the beginning of my high school years, and by overcoming that struggle I was able to make a whole bunch of new friends and get involved in school.”

Congratulations to the future leaders of tomorrow!

Anaijah

matched with Tiffany for 11 years.

Landasia

matched with Elizabeth for 11 years.

Travis

matched with Kevin for 10 years.

Marquis

matched with Andrew for 9 years.

Kyra

matched with Patsy for 9 years.

Ondra’ah

matched with Ashton for 8 years.

Jontrez

matched with Justin for 8 years.

Laurisha

matched with Kathryn for 6 years.

Khamar

matched with Matthew for 6 years.

Blake

matched with Chris for 5 years.

Orlando

matched with Clayton for 5 years.

Quortney

matched with Karissa for 4 years.

Zachary

matched with Freeman for 4 years.

Taylor

matched with Sarai for 3 years.

Lesley

matched with Alisa for 2 years.

Zayra

matched with Wanda for 2 years.

Wendy

matched with Shermicka for 2 years.

Vicki

matched with Jayna for 2 years.

Randy

matched with Irene for 2 years.

Ereny

matched with Louisa for 2 years.

Emily

matched with Ayesha for 2 years.

Dilan

matched with Jonathan for 2 years.

Vanessa

matched with Kimberley for 2 years.

Merna

matched with Loretta for 2 years.

Adilene

matched with Macy for 2 years.

Alan

matched with Ashley for 2 years.

Alexis

matched with Kelsey for 2 years.

Ashley

matched with Jordan for 2 years.

Beshoy

matched with Jordan for 2 years.

Charmaine

matched with Taneisha for 2 years.

Clara

matched with Megan for 2 years.

Claudia

matched with Alexandrea for 2 years.

Cooper

matched with Tom for 2 years.

Erick

matched with Rebecca for 2 years.

Erwin

matched with Donald for 2 years.

George

matched with Brogan for 2 years.

Jennifer

matched with Jane for 2 years.

Kaviere

matched with Melvin for 2 years.

Lizabeth

matched with Rebecca for 2 years.

Mark

matched with Michael for 2 years.

Robreanna

matched with Kimberly for 2 years.

Rodolfo

matched with Renee for 2 years.

Shelby

matched with Kyiara for 2 years.

Whitney

matched with Tristan for 2 years.

Yasmine

matched with Kia for 2 years.

Yahaira

matched with Margaret for 2 years.

Rowan

matched with John for 2 years.

You can help support the future leaders of tomorrow by giving today. Visit give.mentorakid.org/classof2021 to make a donation.

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