Air Wing
Pictured left to right are MSgt. Joseph Cook, Capt. Brandi Hyatt, Dr. Debbie Grant, MSgt. Lynn Johnson, and SSgt. Chavette Hillard.
Hoover High School’s freshman counselor Dr. Debbie Grant knows first-hand the caliber of people associated with the 117th Air Refueling Wing of the Alabama Air National Guard. After all, her husband is part of this Birmingham-based team. It was familiarity with the 117th’s character that led Dr. Grant to develop the Hoover High School 117th Air Refueling Wing Alabama Air National Guard Mentor Program. Inaugurated for the 2013-14 school year, the program works with students who have been identified as high risk either academically or socially and may need assistance when adjusting to high school.
“I developed the mentor program to give these students a ‘fresh’ adult who can listen, reflect and offer them encouragement and support,” Grant said. “Students sometimes just need an objective advocate who will offer them a new way of reflecting upon their school and home situation.”
Grant realizes the need can be great at times, and as such, hopes to continue her mentor program.
“This is our second year and it has already proven to be a big success. The kids look forward to school visits, emails, cards, etc. from their mentors. Parents of these students are thrilled to have another positive influence on their child’s life.”
-Submitted by Jason Gaston
