Karen Gadwah poses with her award. Sonny Hedgecock | HPE
For her efforts, Gadwah was recently presented with the Donna H. Black Mentor of the Year Award for the 2009-10 school year by Communities In Schools of Lexington/Davidson County. The award is named after the former executive director of Communities In Schools.
“It’s nice, but it means more to be working with the kids and what I see happening with the kids,” Gadwah said of the award.
Three years ago, Gadwah started her work as a mentor with Communities In Schools when she heard a presentation about the nonprofit at Denton Wesleyan Church. Reflecting on her childhood, she believes Communities In Schools’ mentoring program would have benefited her as a youngster.
“All of my experiences in my life ... enable me to be able to help these kids because I have walked a very long path in my life and came a long way,” she said. “Hopefully, I am able to touch somebody with all of that.”
And she has.
Christina Howell, executive director of Communities In Schools of Lexington/Davidson County, said students are anxious to spend time with Gadwah. “She currently meets with 12 different students throughout the day each Thursday of her week,” Howell said. “Her students look forward to the time with her, calling her both friend and hero.”
Gadwah volunteers six hours a week as a mentor and plans to double that amount during the upcoming school year.
“I let all my kids know that I’m on call for them even when I am not at the school,” she said. “... If any of my kids have a problem, they can call me. I also am available during the summer months as well. They have my phone number.”
Not only has Gadwah had an impact on students, she also sparked her husband, Dean, to mentor as well. He has been volunteering time with Communities In Schools for two years.
“It’s life experiences and we are hoping they will not make the same mistakes that we did growing up,” he said.
dignasiak@hpe.com | 888-3657
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