Chautauqua Striders held their annual Mentor Recognition Dinner on Thursday, January 22 at the Harbor Hotel. It was an evening filled with gratitude, reflection, and powerful reminders of the difference mentors make in the lives of young people. Mentors, students, families, legislators and community supporters gathered to celebrate the individuals who consistently show up for students in our area, offering guidance, encouragement, and belief when it matters most.
This year’s theme, “Mentors Are the MVPs in Our Community,” came to life through the words of the speakers and student stories that highlighted the dedication, consistency, and care mentors bring to every relationship as they work behind the scenes, helping students navigate school, relationships, and life’s challenges while building confidence and resilience.
Melinda Sanderson from the New York State Mentoring Program, Mason Palude from Assemblyman Molitor’s office, and Chautauqua County Sheriff Jim Quattrone all shared appreciation for Striders mentors who are investing in the next generation and making our community stronger.
The keynote speaker, Josh Roth, owner of Kinetix Combat Sports, talked about the difference mentors have made in his own life, believing in him and helping him achieve his dream of playing for the Buffalo Bills. He said, “Nearly every meaningful success that I’ve had can traced back to a mentor. Someone who believed in me, someone who held me accountable, someone who refused to let me settle for anything less than I was capable of.” He also shared about the lasting impact mentors have: “Having someone walk alongside you can make all the difference in the world. It’s about creating community, a place where people feel seen, valued, supported. That foundation creates well-being, creates confidence, creates resilience.”
The most impactful moments came from mentees themselves who shared how much having a mentor means to them. Student speaker Carlous Blake shared how much his mentor Anna Gassman means to him, describing their meetings as a highlight of his week. As a senior preparing for college, Carlous emphasized how valuable it is to have a trusted adult to lean on. “We talk about everything – college stuff, life stuff, and random silly things. Having someone like my mentor to talk to makes all of it way less stressful,” he shared. Carlous also spoke about being a peer mentor himself and seeing the impact of mentoring come full circle.
Laura Arnold reflected on being matched with her mentor, Mikayla Certo, since elementary school, and underscored the importance of long-term commitment. “From the very beginning, my mentor made me feel safe and happy,” Laura said. “Even when I didn’t always know how to say what I was feeling, she listened.”
She shared how simple moments together can carry lasting meaning. “Even something simple like breakfast can mean a lot when you’re with someone who really cares,” she added. Laura emphasized how powerful it is to have someone who never gives up. “Knowing someone has had your back since elementary school is a really big deal.”
Student Patience Sprague spoke about her newer mentoring match with Sam Gast and how quickly it has become something she looks forward to each week. “We meet every week for lunch, and that’s something I really look forward to,” Patience said. “No matter how my day is going, I know lunch with my mentor is going to make it better.”
She added that having someone consistently show up makes a bigger difference than many adults realize. “It’s nice knowing there’s someone who shows up every week just to spend time with me and support me.”
Another student speaker, Lilly Scarsone, shared how mentoring creates a lasting ripple effect. “From offering advice on schoolwork to coping with stress, mentors give their mentees the tools they need to face obstacles head-on,” Lily shared. She spoke about the deep connection she shares with her mentor, Hannah Swan-Leuze, and their time spent together giving back to the community. “She is a huge part of my life,” Lily said, adding that mentoring inspires former mentees to become mentors themselves.
Student Kevoian-Davis highlighted a quality of his mentor, Carlye Montgomery, that resonated strongly with the evening’s theme: consistency. “She always shows up, she always remembers what’s going on with me. She’s there every week, no matter what, and that means a lot,” he said. “She knows how to push me in a good way – like ‘do your best and don’t be lazy.’ She jokes around, but she also gives solid advice and actually listens.”
Students Emma Couse, Cheryl Kozma, and Gianna Stokes also shared how much they appreciate their mentors. Together, the students’ voices painted a powerful picture of why mentors are truly the MVPs of the community. Their commitment, presence, and belief not only change individual lives but strengthen families, schools, and the community as a whole.
The Mentor Recognition Dinner highlighted how much mentors are appreciated and valued by members of the community, and served as a reminder that mentoring changes lives.
THANK YOU to all of the current Chautauqua Striders mentors, and to everyone who has served as a mentor in the past!
There are many more students on our waiting list who would love to be matched with a mentor! Visit chqstriders.org, call 716-489-3483, or email erika@chqstriders.org for more information.
