ANTICIPATION is building ahead of the 20th anniversary of the highly acclaimed Standing Tall in Hamilton (STiH) mentor program to be celebrated at 6.15pm on Thursday, November 9, following the annual general meeting at 5.30pm.

STiH is a local not-for-profit organisation that was founded by former Baimbridge College senior schoolteacher, Jeanette Pritchard OAM in 2003, in response to a belief that there were several students who would benefit from a supportive, one-on-one mentoring relationship with a trusted member of the community.

Ms Pritchard will be in attendance to give an address on what motivated her to initiate what has gone onto be a successful and enduring program, embraced by the whole community.

Last year STiH celebrated huge success in smashing the goal of raising $140,000 in 140 days for the mentor program.

The program also officially received endorsement in June 2022, as a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC) thus making donations tax deductible.

Today there are 15 primary and secondary local schools with an established formal partnership with STiH, which enables up to 70 students in need to benefit from a mentor each year, who wouldn’t otherwise be able to access them.

STiH program manager, Dee Barrera, was thrilled with the community support the program receives which makes an incredible difference in the lives of hundreds of local kids.

“Celebrating 20 years gives me so much pride,” she said.

“As a person that once benefited from the support of a mentor myself when I was a teen, I know first-hand just how important programs like Standing Tall can be for students.

“The fact that this program has endured the test of time, and the transition from just one school and into now 15 different schools, further demonstrates the significance of it.

“It sounds like such a simple thing, one hour of school-based mentoring, but it is so much more than simply a one-hour break from class.

“It is the chance to connect with and gain support from a trusted adult, a role model from our community, that is not a family member, but that complements the role of family, and supports the student to thrive and have a chance to be the best they can be - there really is nothing like it.”

Ms Barrera also expressed gratitude for the partnership of Wellways and the South West Community Foundation that allowed STiH to be able to celebrate 20 years.

“This community - where we feel the love and support of so many locals,” she said.

She said for two decades, STiH had been a beacon of hope and support for over 300 students in our community through the award-winning school-based mentoring program.

Ms Barrera said the anniversary milestone was not only a time for reflection but also a moment to celebrate the incredible accomplishments and lasting impact made.

“The 20th Anniversary Celebration promises to be a memorable evening filled with joy, camaraderie, and a shared commitment to the ongoing betterment of our community,” she said.

“Together, we will acknowledge and celebrate the contributions over the years of our dedicated staff, volunteers, our schools and our students, our many community partners, as well as all the philanthropic and business supporters who have been instrumental in our success.

“We will present a visual journey showcasing the lives we’ve touched and the positive change we’ve brought to our community.”

Ms Barrera said attendees at the celebrations would have the chance to connect with like-minded individuals and discuss opportunities for future collaborations and mentoring opportunities.

“Standing Tall in Hamilton Inc. would not be here without the ongoing support of so many within our community,” she said.

“We are grateful to you all.”

“We invite community members, past and present volunteers, business supporters, school partners, Standing Tall students, and their families to join us in this celebration.”

Please RSVP by Monday, November 6 to secure a spot at this special event at programmanager@standingtallhamilton.com.au