Like millions of my fellow Americans, I could have accepted the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.

It’s a worthy cause to bring awareness to and raise money for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly called the Lou Gehrig disease.

I applaud them all who have accepted the challenge to the tune of $79.7 million in donations for the ALS Association.

But there’s another challenge out there, and I accepted it without even a drop of cold water touching my head.

The challenge is as simple as it is significant. Starting next month, I’ll spend about an hour a week at Washington High School as a Take Stock in Children mentor.

Those few hours a month can make a lifetime of difference for a young people who may need a push, a pat on the back or a few kind words to motivate them to always strive to become the best they can be.

So my challenge to you is to join the important cause of becoming mentors in our schools.

Even with parents, teachers and extended family members and friends, students can use all the help they can get to plot their course in life and plan for their future.

You could be the spark that ignites their passion and desire to believe in the impossible and do the incredible.

Studies show that children who have at least one consistent, caring adult in their lives are less likely to drop out of school or get in trouble with the law. They are better prepared to build strong relationships with their families than those without that positive influence.

You never know where your influence starts and can never underestimate the impact you have on a child’s life and future.

You don’t need power or prestige or deep pockets to mentor.

Any responsible, caring adult willing to consistently share a little time can become a mentor for a child.

Mentors usually end up becoming a friend and a role model to students who benefit from the guidance of another adult in their life.

I mentored in Escambia schools for more than 10 years. It was a rewarding experience not only for the but for me as well.

In the end, mentoring has the power to change lives. By being available for a child, sharing dreams and validating them, we can make a significant difference.

I chose Take Stock in Children because it fits my schedule and fulfills the desire I have to see young people finish high school and pursue higher education.

Take Stock in Children is a scholarship and mentoring program that provides students who qualify an opportunity to reach their potential and attend college.

Sixth-grade students are eligible to apply if they meet the income requirements for free or reduced-price lunch.

More than 14,000 children have graduated from the program. This year in Escambia County, 119 students are Take Stock Scholars in grades seven through 12. More that 75 students are in currently college and 45 have already graduated, something that may not have been possible without the scholarship — and guidance and support of a caring mentor.

Ideally, each student in every school would have a mentor. With more than 40,000 students in Escambia County and nearly 26,000 in Santa Rosa, obviously that’s not the case.

So that leaves an opportunity for you to step up and step in the role as an adult mentor for a child at a school near you.

Accept the challenge and become a mentor. At no cost to you except a little time, energy and passion, becoming a mentor is a wonderful way to help a young person and your community at the same time.

And you don’t have to get cold and wet to do it.

To become a mentor, contact:

Patty Vaillant, ECARE Escambia County, 433-6893, [email protected].

Sally Bergosh, Youth Motivator Program Escambia County, 469-5676, [email protected].

Sally Lee, Take Stock in Children Escambia County, 469-5458, [email protected].

Angi Brown, Take Stock in Children Santa Rosa County, 712-2264, [email protected].

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