In particular, I reflect on my friendship with Blaine Sickles and the mentoring that he extended to me. Along with his strong ethical business savvy, he brought with him a strong political background that has influenced me for life. Blaine served as a member of the administration for Governor C. William O'Neill. Blaine spent 20 years on Upper Arlington City Council, and ten years as Vice-Mayor. He helped me learn the importance of public service as well as how each and every one of us can make a difference in serving the public. He was one of my first introductions into local government, how it worked, and why it is important. I feel that his example and mentoring had a lot to do with my choice to enter into politics and ultimately be elected to serve as Mayor of Grove City.

- Cheryl L. Grossman, Mayor - City of Grove City
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My Mentor and hero was my uncle, Mr. James T. Barnes. He was the eldest of ten children and after the passing of their parents, he and my aunt, Mary Louise, assumed the responsibilities of raising their siblings.

With the passing of my father and possessing only a third grade education, my uncle purchased a small farm and general store. Each summer from age 11 until I graduated from high school, they invited me to stay on the farm with them…I would spend the entire summer working on the farm and clerking the general store.

The three things he instilled in me were:
1. No one is going to give you anything, you must work hard to be
successful,
2. Believe in God and yourself, and
3. Persevere (never give up).

By the time I graduated from high school, I could operate the store and manage the farm. All that was not good enough for him; I had to get a college education (degree).

- Ronald L. Barnes, President/CEO - Central Ohio Transit Authority
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As the third of four sisters in an active family, I cherished my friendship with Monnie Postle, a neighbor.

At that time Monnie was a member of the Upper Arlington School Board and was keenly interested in how I experienced school. Her penetrating questions and her perspective listening made me feel respected as an individual and regarded as her valued friend…She demonstrated that volunteerism is a valuable foundation for public policy. Most of all, Monnie's God-given gift to make each person she meets feel like he or she is the most important person in the world has been a guiding standard for my own conduct. I hope that my own young friends feel half as affirmed as Monnie has made me feel. She is a life long mentor to me.

- Senator Priscilla Mead - Ohio Senate
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My vision of a great city is one where education doesn't end when the school bell rings.

...where every child is encouraged to learn and grow with the full support of their communtiy. We will recruit an army of volunteers and mentors to help make this happen.

- Mayor Michael Coleman - City of Columbus
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(Besides) doing something good for the communtiy...

....I found that the supervisors who have dedicated themselves to (our) program are more committed to this company. It shows in their results.

- William J. Salamy, Vice President - Alliance Data Systems
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Our program's greatest strength is what the students gain from their mentors.

Mentor preparation through training is key to developing the mentors' comfort level, which translates directly to stronger mentor-mentee relationships. In Columbus, the Mentoring Center has helped us achieve these goals.

- Rob Bartels - Bank One Academy
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Of all my activities, connection with one child through tutoring and watching his eyes light up with knowledge and the sense that someone cares is the most rewarding part of my week.

- Ohio Governor Bob Taft
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Columbus Public School students need dedicated, caring adults to listen to them and advocate for their success.

Mentors help provide this important resource to our students. Together, our goal is to reach one child at a time.

- Gene T. Harris, Ph.D, Superintendent - Columbus Public Schools
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