Chantrese Williams and her mentor, Katherine Ryan, receive a plaque from
Schools Chancellor Joel Klein after being named NYC Mentor-Mentee of the year.
For three years, they have shared long conversations on books, careers, and life dramas. Now their relationship is being rewarded.
Chantrese Williams, a senior at Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis High School in Manhattan, and Katherine Ryan, a vice president at Lehman Brothers, were recently named New York City's Mentor-Mentee of the year.
The two, who were paired up through the New York City Mentoring Program, have been working together since Wiliams was in the tenth grade. Since then, her mentor has supported the teenager throughout high school, reading books Williams was assigned for class and offering advice on how to deal with several difficult social situations.
“My mentor and I have a relationship that is like no other, filled with trust, humor, and fun,” Williams said. “She has given me direction—something that most adolescents have a difficult time finding.”
Williams is now waiting to hear from several colleges. Katherine Ryan said the mentoring program was an opportunity to help guide a young woman down the path to success.
“Chantrese came to me as a full package, no assembly required,” Ryan said. “It has been an honor and a privilege to guide her through her high school years and help her prepare for life after graduation.”
At a reception honoring the pair, Schools Chancellor Joel Klein presented them with shiny plaques. Williams also received $1,000 for college expenses from The Mentoring Tree Foundation.
She is one of more than 1,000 students participating in The New York City Mentoring Program, which pairs public school students with adult role models from nearly 40 partnering organizations, including law firms, entertainment companies, and financial institutions. Mentors help their mentees improve their academic performance, plan for college, and explore career opportunities by giving them exposure to the workplace.
Organizations interested in providing mentors should contact mailto:mentor@schools.nyc.gov or visit www.nycmentoringprogram.org.
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