The Fountain Hills Rotary Club once again has made a significant contribution to the Fountain Hills Mentor Program.

The Fountain Hills Mentor Program was developed to offer local children the opportunity to reach their maximum potential.

By providing trusting relationships between young people and individuals, the program is aimed at developing the youth’s confidence, competence and character.

Committing one hour per week, volunteers are serving as both tutor and mentor.

While the Fountain Hills Mentor Program brings enrichment to the lives of local youth, it can’t be underestimated the sense of personal gratification and enjoyment it brings to the volunteers, too.

This year’s recipients of the Marvin Glink Pillar of Strength Award for the most outstanding mentors are Bobbie Odom at Four Peaks Elementary School and Adrienne Savage at McDowell Mountain Elementary School.

Odom is caring, kind responsible, creative, knowledgeable and organized, according to Mentor Program leaders. She is gentle, yet strong and understanding, as well as a promoter of moving forward toward greater success.

She motivated one student who is a challenge but was able to reach many goals.

Savage has been a wonderful mentor to McDowell Mountain Elementary students for over 10 years, said site administration. This year she mentored a third grade boy who is working at a fifth grade level in math. Her experience as a high school math teacher made it a positive interaction for both.

Savage was delighted every week to work with this student, and he looked forward to a challenging math lesson with her.

In continuing support of the Mentor Program, the Fountain Hills Rotary Noon Club also made a $1,000 donation to the program to assist in continuing its invaluable contribution to young students.

For those interested in community service such as the Mentor Program, or the many other service programs Rotary is involved with, join the group for lunch each Tuesday at noon in the Community Center to learn more.

Those interested can also contact club President Brian Martin at cpd515@msn.com or call 831-345-1747.