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Mentoring Program Celebrates 15 Years Empowering Youth

Structured Support Ensures Meaningful Interactions With Students

Lindsay Federmeyer, Javier Diaz, and Lindsay Cathcart Pennetta

Early Childhood Education Specialist Lindsay Federmeyer (left) and Lindsay Cathcart Pennetta (right) acknowledged mentor Javier Diaz at the anniversary ceremony, which brought past and present mentors together.

Mentoring can play a crucial role in shaping the future for students, especially those who face significant challenges. By providing guidance, support, and positive examples, mentorships help students navigate personal and academic obstacles, empowering them to reach their full potential.

The LINKS Mentoring Program, which is operated by the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) to pair students with adult mentors, celebrated its success with a 15th anniversary ceremony last Wednesday. The event brought together past and present mentors for a joyful and heartfelt evening recognizing their remarkable dedication, impact, and long-standing commitment to the program. It was both meaningful and festive, recognizing the enduring success of the program with warmth, gratitude, and community spirit.

To date, approximately 150 mentors have served nearly 500 students across multiple sites through the LINKS Mentoring Program. During the anniversary celebration, which was held at the David P. Meaney Education Center, SCOE recognized long-serving mentors for their work—a combined total of nearly 100 years of volunteer service.

“It’s incredibly powerful to see student confidence grow because of this special program, knowing that caring and dedicated mentors helped light the way,” said Project Specialist Lindsay Cathcart Pennetta. “SCOE is such a unique organization because many of its programs affect thousands of students countywide, while ones like ours ensure students get the extra support they need at an individual level.”

Structured Support Helps Mentorships Succeed

Currently offered at El Centro Jr./Sr. High School—the WASC-accredited Juvenile Court School Program located inside the Sacramento County Youth Detention Facility (Juvenile Hall)—students sign up for assistance with things like setting goals and developing essential life skills. They meet with their mentors weekly.

The hallmark of the program, which is run through SCOE’s Prevention and Early Intervention Department, is its structured support system. Sessions are facilitated by a staff member who provides organized activities, materials, and ongoing assistance to ensure productive and meaningful interactions.

LINKS Mentoring Program participants have improved attendance, are more likely to graduate from high school, and are less likely to have disciplinary issues. El Centro Principal Barbra Modlin has seen the successes firsthand. “When students have someone in their corner and a curriculum that speaks to their reality, it changes the way they show up,” she explained. One-on-one mentorships offer students a consistent, trusted adult connection, and the structured curriculum helps them reflect, set goals, and build real-life skills. “We’ve seen students re-engage, open up, and begin to see a future for themselves—often for the first time,” she said enthusiastically.

This consistent support—utilizing SCOE’s LINKS philosophy, which tailors services to individual student needs—has led to sustained success since 2010.

Mentors Recognized for Commitment to Program

Longevity Award (10+ Years of Mentoring)

  • Anita Artalejo
  • Patrick Flaherty
  • Bina Lefkovitz
  • Mahalia Manker

Mentorship Excellence Award (5–9 Years of Mentoring)

  • Maria Arcara
  • Sheldon Fields
  • Greg Geeting
  • Larry Hoover
  • Jackie Levy
  • Lindsay Ramirez
Nancy Herota speaking

Deputy Superintendent Nancy Herota acknowledged the hard work and dedication of staff and mentors over the program’s 15-year history.

Kristin Wright speaking

Executive Director Kristin Wright helped recognize ten mentors, whose combined volunteer work totals nearly 100 years of service.

Lindsay Cathcart Pennetta and Patrick Flaherty

Lindsay Cathcart Pennetta thanked Patrick Flaherty for being a mentor for all 15 years of the program.