2026 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: Chason Forehand, Vicki Arpin, Lynda Smith, and Jeff Hirshberg.
This year, the Nassau County chapter boasts 140 active mentors 30 of whom are guiding seniors who will soon be graduating.
Chason Forehand
Since becoming a mentor in 2022, Chason has completed 78 mentoring sessions and consistently supports his mentee by attending performances. A dedicated advocate for Take Stock in Children, he has attended seven mentor events, served as a Board Member since 2023, encourages his employer to participate in the annual gala, and volunteers at mentor recruitment events.
His impact is best reflected in the words of those he mentors. His mentee, Juan Mendez Matias, shares, “I have learned a lot of life skills from Chason. Sometimes it can be hard to put emotions into words, but the advice, conversations, and metaphors we talk through have helped me develop that ability. Thinking more deeply about real-life situations and the meaning behind them has made it easier for me to process things. Having a dedicated time each week to reflect on the past week or even the past month has been incredibly helpful, whether I am talking through highlights or challenges.”
College Readiness Coach Nora Wood adds, “Chason is a wonderful mentor at Fernandina. He has a smile on his face when he visits and brings insightful conversation. Not only is he a great role model to Juan, but he also recruits other mentors to our organization and represents us well in the community.”
Vicki Arpin
Since becoming a mentor in 2021, Vicki has completed an incredible 136 mentoring sessions—all with the same student—demonstrating her unwavering commitment to building a lasting, meaningful relationship. She has attended 14 mentor events, regularly travels from Amelia Island to the Westside to meet with her mentee, and frequently volunteers at Take Stock in Children Nassau events.
Her mentee, Emma Jones, shares, “Mrs. Vicki has been supportive and kind since the very beginning, and I can’t wait to see where the rest of this year will take us.”
College Readiness Coach Sandra Giles adds, “When Vicki made the commitment to Take Stock in Children, she meant it. From post-COVID uncertainty to today, Vicki has been committed to Emma and her success and goals. Making the cross-county trek, sometimes weekly, Vicki has always been the smiling face and dependable encouragement her mentee needed.”
Lynda Smith
Since becoming a mentor in 2016, Lynda has made an extraordinary impact by mentoring, co-mentoring, or serving as a substitute mentor for seven students. She has completed an impressive 444 mentoring sessions, attended 28 mentor events, and is finishing her sixth year as a Board Member. As Chair of the Mentor Recruitment Committee, she also dedicates her time to recruiting new mentors and volunteering at mentor outreach events, helping ensure even more students have access to life-changing mentorship.
Her mentee, Danyelle Bell, shares, “Mrs. Lynda has been an incredible mentor who consistently supports and encourages me to be my best. She gives honest guidance, valuable advice, and always takes the time to listen and help me grow. Through her mentorship, I have gained confidence, motivation, and a stronger sense of direction. I am truly grateful for her constant support and belief in my potential.”
College Readiness Coach Sandra Giles adds, “Lynda is the epitome of a great mentor. She cares deeply and works diligently to help guide her students toward their goals. She is truly an asset to Take Stock and Nassau County. She has impacted and loved Nassau County youth from kindergartners to high school seniors.”
Jeffrey Hirshberg
Since becoming a mentor in 2023, Jeff has met with his student 63 times while also mentoring through Baptist Nassau’s Tipping the Scales program. He has attended 12 mentor events, is a longtime supporter of the Take Stock in Children Nassau gala, and is a passionate champion for the organization throughout the community, continually encouraging others to get involved.
His mentee, Cloud Byrd, shares, “My relationship with Mr. Jeff has taught me a great deal. Throughout our discussions about life and literature, amongst many other things, I have broadened my perspectives, succeeded in many things, and built my dreams. Mr. Jeff has served as an inspiration for me. He has been such a great supporter in my life, and above all else has taught me, in the simplest terms, to always think.”
College Readiness Coach Ally Schaerf adds, “Cloud and Jeff’s relationship is truly something special. Jeff consistently encourages and supports Cloud’s ambitions to the fullest extent. Beyond his support for Cloud, Jeff continually goes above and beyond for Take Stock in Children Nassau—helping at events, bringing in mentors and donors, and serving as a true advocate for the program.”
