2007 SAM Regional Winner Highlight

Darlene Cronnon, , 9th grade, Catoosa County

High School Creative Expression Regional Winner

Hands to the Future

CIS members from my school go to Battlefield Primary to mentor; the child I work with is named Abby. I get her from her classroom and take her to the media center to read, draw, play small games, and help her with her work.

My painting is a representation of the Communities In Schools mentoring program. The hands represent working together and the book represents learning. Currently, Mrs. Lomenick, our CIS site leader, is working closely with me to ensure success in high school, and one way of doing this is through the mentoring program. Every Wednesday I wake up, looking forward to mentoring that day. Mentoring has taught me about working together with many people, and my painting is an attempt to illustrate collaboration.