Take Stock In Children Salutes Top Volunteer Mentor

MIAMI, April 24, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In celebration of National Volunteer Week, Take Stock in Children honored one of 7,500 Florida volunteer mentors with the organization's most prestigious award.  Dr. Charles Voorhis was honored as Take Stock in Children's 2013 Mentor of the Year at a ceremony earlier this year.

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A retired physician, Dr. Voorhis got involved with his local Take Stock in Children program in Bay County. Like all Take Stock mentors, Voorhis has worked diligently to "change a life over lunch" with the students he mentors. His weekly meetings with his students help to keep them focused on graduating from high school and attending college. Voorhis' caring nature did not stop with motivating his students to excel in education- Johnny Atwell's personal life was also significantly impacted by the Mentor of the Year.  

Atwell was in a serious automobile accident after graduation- one that left him paralyzed and unable to walk. Mentor Voorhis guided Atwell and his family through the maze of medical resources available and helped them access needed financial support. He faithfully visited Atwell in the hospital and in his handicapped-accessible apartment. After a year of recovery and therapy, Atwell entered Gulf State College and Voorhis couldn't be prouder.

"The bond formed between volunteer mentors and students is a lasting and transformational one," said Dan Lyons, interim CEO of Take Stock in Children. "We are proud to honor Dr. Voorhis, and all of our 7,500 volunteer mentors for their commitment to higher education and Florida's at-risk youth."

To learn how to "Change a Life Over Lunch," please visit www.takestockinchildren.org.

About Take Stock in Children

Take Stock in Children, a Florida 501(c)3 non-profit organization, provides  mentors,  scholarships and hope for Florida's low-income and deserving students. Incorporated in 1995 and maintaining a 94 percent high school graduation rate, TSIC is Florida's flagship and most successful mentoring and scholarship program. In every Florida county, TSIC scholars in middle and high school pledge to meet regularly with their mentor, maintain academic standards, and remain drug and crime-free on the way to achieving a high school diploma. The reward for fulfilling these commitments is a four-year scholarship to a Florida state college, university or vocational school. To donate, volunteer or learn more about Take Stock in Children, please call 888-322-4673 or visit www.takestockinchildren.org.

SOURCE Take Stock in Children