News Staff Report
Seventeen mentees participated in the New Horizons graduation ceremonies Saturday, May 18, in the Escambia County High School.
New Horizons, which was started last fall in Atmore, is a mentorship program for youth ages 11 to 16 years residing in Escambia County, Ala. It is an eight-month program meeting every fourth Saturday of the month during the academic school year.
According to Felicia Bishop of Atmore, director of the program, the 17 mentees received leadership and therapy sessions that focused on topics such as self-esteem, peer pressure, choices vs. consequences and decision- making skills. Mentees also participated in educational excursions during the past eight months to regional museums, local businesses and a local horse farm.
The guest speaker for the graduation ceremony was Judge Eric Coale, who encouraged the students to take full advantage of the program and skill sets given to ensure they make the right choices to land them in the future they desire.
The mentees presented their family and guests with a five-year future plan and action plan to reach their goals.
New Horizon is a mentoring program sponsored by the Escambia County Children’s Policy Council.