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.
