Posted by: Lea_Marie_C_Paar on 07/10/2014 01:18 PM
Updated by: Lea_Marie_C_Paar on 07/10/2014 01:21 PM
Expires: 01/01/2019 12:00 AM
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Mike Ryan Honored as July 2014 Mentor of the Month
Murphys, Ca...The Calaveras Youth Mentoring Program is pleased to honor Murphys resident Mike Ryan as its July 2014 Mentor of the Month. Mike, a seven-year resident of Forest Meadows, has been partnered with his eleven-year-old mentee, Nathan Leon, for just over a year. “Mike approaches mentoring with a wonderful enthusiasm and attention to his mentee,” said Colleen Dolan, Coordinator of Mentoring Programs for the Calaveras County Office of Education. “When I asked Mike if he wanted to mentor Nathan for a second year, his response was, ‘Whatever Nathan wants, I can do!’” Mike and Nathan both enjoy being outdoors and exploring the history of Calaveras County. The two of them have taken many trips around the area visiting Moaning Caverns and Columbia State Historic Park. “One of Nathan’s favorite things to do is to go out exploring the hills around our property on one of our ATVs,” said Mike. “And that just happens to be one of my favorite things to do too! We’re a great match.”
“I took Nathan river-rafting at Knight’s Ferry. It was his first time rafting, and he was a little
outside of his comfort zone, but he had a great time,” said Mike. “He’s really been challenging
himself and trying new things. This year we went to Calaveras Airport Day where Nathan flew
in a plane for the first time.”
As Nathan’s mentor, Mike has also enjoyed getting to know Nathan’s parents and brothers. And
Nathan’s parents couldn’t be happier to have Mike in their lives. “We are lucky Nathan found
such a good match,” said Renee, Nathan’s mom. “Mike is a better mentor than we ever could
have hoped for. He’s reliable, a good friend, and a great role model for Nathan.
Nathan too appreciates what a good friend he has in Mike. “He’s a caring guy,” said Nathan. “I
know that he cares about me because he takes time to be with me.”
Mike’s wife, Sheila, was the first person to encourage him to volunteer as a mentor with the
Calaveras Youth Mentoring Program. “I also had several close friends who were mentors,” said
Mike. “And I would encourage everyone to volunteer. It’s a chance to make a new friend, and
the Mentoring Program really guides you through the process.”
The Calaveras Youth Mentoring Program is seeking volunteer mentors for eager boys and girls
living in San Andreas, Angels Camp, Murphys, and Arnold. For more information about the
Calaveras Youth Mentoring Program, call Colleen Dolan at (209) 736-6078 or visit the program
online at www.calaverasmentoring.org.
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