2025 Mentors of the Year
Thank you Mentors!
Four mentors, each representing one of the county’s high schools, were recognized for their distinctive service to their graduating senior and the overall Take Stock program: Ross Powell, Debra Harris, Allison Moore and Erma Brutscher. Additional praise was given to two dedicated mentors who have been steadfast supporters for 18 years, Kevin Webb and Diane Williams. This year, the Nassau County chapter boasts 140 active mentors 30 of whom are guiding seniors who will soon be graduating.
Ross Powell
Ross Powell from Fernandina Beach High School has been a mentor since 2021 and has completed 85 sessions with his student, Zachary Sawyer. Ross goes above and beyond by attending his student’s concerts and wrestling meets, as well as participating in 8 mentor events. He has also provided TSIC with valuable information on additional student scholarship opportunities. Zachary credits Ross with helping him discover and pursue his career path, saying, “Ross has not only acted as a mentor, but he has cemented me into his life. Any concerts or wrestling meets I may have coming up, he puts into his calendar making sure to attend them. This comes from his desire to see me succeed at the things I love. Ross has helped me throughout my years in high school by helping me create a path in life that I want to go down.”
Debra Harris
Debra Harris, a mentor since 2020 at Hilliard Middle Senior High School, has logged 84 mentoring sessions and attended 10 mentor events. Debra currently mentors two students and followed one of 2024’s seniors through graduation as well. Class of 2025 senior, Charity Leung says, “She is the most caring and appreciative person I’ve ever come across. I am deeply grateful for the time and effort she has invested in mentoring me. Her guidance has been a guiding light in my life.”
Allison Moore
Allison Moore, who has been mentoring since 2016 at West Nassau High School, is currently mentoring her second student and has accumulated an impressive 164 sessions in total. Allison meets virtually with her mentee to accommodate her schedule. Her senior mentee, Kuristan Desselberger, expresses gratitude, saying, “I am very thankful to have someone as wonderful as her to guide me these past 4 years of high school. She has made a very positive impact on me and my life. I am forever thankful for her.”
Erma Brutscher
Erma Brutscher from Yulee High School has been mentoring since 2021 and has met with her student 75 times. Erma has also generously supported TSIC’s annual gala by donating beautiful works of art for auction. Mentee Reagan Miller states, “Erma is incredibly nice and always takes the time to listen to my problems and give me advice. I’m thankful to have her because she always encourages me to do better. I’m so grateful that she has been a part of my life.”