CNATTU instructors lead Hoops & Dreams program at Mandarin Middle School

A number of instructors are volunteering time to support the after school program that unites active duty Sailors and Marines with local kids at the school. The objective of the program is to use the game of basketball as a fun way for kids to be mentored by active duty service members.

The groundwork for the program was laid by CNATTU staff members, SK1 Adrian Guillory and AZ2 Aaron Carney, who teamed up with teachers Shiana Barbosa and Christine McLendon at the school.

The program was originally designed to help students with special needs create a path that would lead them to achieve their goals, dreams, and success in education through a physical activity, but now is open to all students.

Using an organized sport as the main building block, the instructors are able to better teach kids the skills of team building and camaraderie.

Heading up the program is AE1 Willie Hopkins, or Coach "Hop" as the kids' call him, other volunteers/mentors are: AEC Craig Sinclair, AO1 Lawana Whiteside, AD2 Kelvin Jones, AD2 LeRoy Favroth, Sgt. Jones and Cpl Towns.

Every Tuesday afternoon the volunteers head out to mentor and play hoops with the kids. The volunteers let the kids know they are cared about and have grown-up friends willing to take the time and effort to teach them how to make their dreams a reality.

Thanks to Coach "Hop" and all the volunteers, the students have positive role models and mentors on and off the court, which also keeps them busy after school.

The volunteers also work with students who have parents serving in the military who are currently deployed or may have lost a family member.

The instructors involved with the program use their knowledge and experience learned from life and the military to help them show these kids how to prepare for success in life.

Walking down the halls at Mandarin Middle clearly shows that the program is a big success for the school. The walls are decorated with poster and letters made by the students about the program which indicates the program and volunteers are making a difference.

When the kids participating in the program were asked what they thought about the Hoops & Dreams program, there was no shortage of answers. "This is the only day of the week I look forward to coming to school!" "We love our mentors." "My grades are better now because I can't play if I don't make the grade." "We love Coach J, Hop, and Sinclair." "We are happy there is a girl mentor out here, too." "The Marines rule!" "We love the Navy and Marine Corps!" These were just some of the answers the children came up with.

Barbosa, a learning specialist and retired Marine at Mandarin Middle commented on the program and volunteers. "Whether teaching the students or dealing one-on-one, respect, fairness, commitment and love are some of the qualities the volunteers teach and represent to the kids. No one could ask for more from these volunteers, because they truly give it their all," she said.

"I would like to personally thank everyone involved, but send a special note of gratitude to Coach "Hop" for taking the initiative and having the leadership to make the program a true success this year. You have truly made a difference in the children's lives. Semper Fi," she continued.

The students understand their mentors are not forced to come out to the school and that they choose to spend time with them instead of going home to their own families.

For the students to see their mentors make these sacrifices, it helps them to understand the volunteers truly care and want to be involved with their lives.

If you have been thinking about volunteering time with a child please do not hesitate. It only requires a little of your time to get involved with a youth program in your community.

Teaming up with one has never been easier and help is always needed. The children of today are the future of tomorrow.