Pottorf Elementary students are already deep into their school year, and Boys2Men volunteers have been gearing up to make 2027 our strongest year yet. We’ve locked in this year’s field trips — including an exciting new visit to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office — and updated classroom materials with fresh role models for our Six Pillars of Integrity lessons.
As we do every fall, we’re now recruiting new volunteers to help in our mission. To help you understand the impact of Boys2Men, here are some reflections from a few of the volunteers who make it all happen:
- Tom Powers: Mentoring sounds like something that you are doing for someone else. What I found out from my four years of being involved with the boys, is that they give much more back to me (the grown man). The boys challenge you to take a good look at yourself and ask the question, “how would I handle the life situations that these boys are faced with?” Once you’ve answered that question you can begin supporting them. The other great experience from joining this program is that you will meet another group of 12+ men who are open-hearted, dedicated, and a fun group to be around. Come join us!
- Rick Larson: This will be my third year as a member of the Boys2Men mentor team – and I’m all the better for it! The experience is challenging, fun, tiring, and invigorating. It’s fulfilling to coach fifth grade boys as they build confidence, aggressively learn, work together as a team, solve problems in mysterious and fascinating ways, and show R-E-S-P-E-C-T for themselves and others. C’mon along, we could use you on our team!
- Steve Sergesketter: The boys needed this opportunity to learn from all of us. They now have male role models who care about them in and out of school.
- Wayne Creiger: I have enjoyed mentoring immensely. It’s very gratifying to see the change in our students from the first day through graduation. They truly start their journey with mentoring. It’s an awesome program and everybody benefits.
- Jeff Sweeney: Mentoring has been far more rewarding than I initially expected. Working with these boys and seeing the growth from our first session through graduation has been truly amazing. Knowing that you’ve had a positive impact on their lives is an incredible feeling. And, as an added bonus, some great friendships have developed among the mentors as well!
We are fortunate to be an international group of mentors, with three volunteers from Canada – here are their quotes:
- Fred Cox Sr: Over my lifetime I have coached many sports teams and have been involved with many groups. However, being involved with Boys2Men and seeing the progress that these grade 5 boys make in such a short period of time working with the mentors has been an unbelievable experience and very gratifying. These young men learn so much and mature so quickly, all within 12 weeks of the boys’ getting direction. It is truly amazing. If you can donate approximately two hours a week for 12 weeks to assist the boys, you will never regret it. Every session is like getting eagles and birdies and never do we walk away with a bogey.
- Brian Morris: I was part of the program in the first year. It was well run then and has improved steadily since then. It’s very satisfying to see the gradual growth and maturing in the young men during the 12-week program. It’s always great to give back.
- Mike Bondy: Mentoring has been a great opportunity to give back to these young men. Someone helped us when we were 11 years old. Hard to believe this will be the 4th year already.
Boys2Men needs caring adults who are willing to show up and guide young boys during a pivotal time in their lives. A small commitment from you can create a lasting change for them. If you’re ready to make a difference, we’re ready to welcome you. Join the Boys2Men volunteer team this fall. Contact Lou via email and check out our website, http://www.PottorfBoys2Men.org to get started.
