Present Brian Stover called our post-Memorial Day meeting to order bringing everyone up-to-date with our calendar and calling on various members to give specific updates of events upcoming. The floor was then given to Chad Plumley who introduced this week's guest speakers. He introduced Jonathan Black and Bill Driskell of Paulding County High School and retired judge Bill Foster.
Mr. Driskell drew the short straw and took the podium to introduce the other guests and himself in relation to the Paulding County High School's Mentoring Program. As a coach Mr. Driskell's perspective on coaching change in June of last year. As a football coach the emphasis on winning and driving to succeed on the field was paramount. In coaching he became aware that many of the kids that attend Paulding County high school have difficult home lives to the economic stress in the community. This can be very severe, more so than many of us realize. Beyond athletics many of young athletes need encouragement and support. Our county high school severed a heartbreaking tragedy last year in the deaths of Nick Wright and Janeal Priester . As the defensive captain of the football team that was loved and respected by all the members of his team. His death, due to an automobile accident, had a traumatic effect on the entire team. Through this tragedy Bill Foster and several ministers were called in to help these young men deal with the tragic situation. Through this the Paulding County mentoring program came into being as the need was made abundantly clear. Thanks to the people that came together to contribute their time and compassion to assuage the grief of this team, a greater need was realized.
Many of these young adults have the deck stacked against them and endure many obstacles and achieving their education. Last year a total of 14 men donated their time to become mentors. Sometimes all it takes is a person willing to listen. The simple act of listening and just being there can make a world of difference to some of the more desperate and isolated youth right here in our midst. This year we have approximately 24 mentors willing to take up the challenge of providing positive effect on these youngsters.
Bill Foster followed up Mr. Driskell's remarks. As a retired judge Mr. Foster is active in the FCA. The Fellowship of Christian Athletes takes an active role in providing a positive Christian influence through coaches. Mr. Foster was called in to help after the car wreck that took the lives of Nick Wright and Janeal Priester. All of the team members were dealing with sever sorrow at the loss. Janeal and Nick were a huge part of football program. Like many who were involved with the aftermath of this event, he began to join with the rest to answer the need that was evident. In becoming a mentor to one young man through this event he soon became a mentor to many following. The impact on these lives is evident. So little is required to make such a difference in the lives of these young athletes.
The Paulding County High School football team is looking for a few more quality men in the community to fill a need  as mentors this coming football season. If you are interested in making a difference in a young mans life, please contact Coach Driskell at 404-358-0103.

Photo (L-R):  Jonathan Black, Chad Plumley, Bill Driskell, and Bill Foster.