Scholarship Winner 2007 - Jessica Baker
DSU student named as mentor scholarship winner
DICKINSON, ND - The Best Friends Mentoring Program announces that Jessica Baker, a Dickinson State University student from Columbus, Mont., has been selected to receive the fourth annual scholarship awarded to a volunteer in the program.
Two years ago, Jessica signed up to share some of her free time mentoring a fourth grade girl. She also juggled a full load of classes at Dickinson State University, volunteered for the Red Cross and worked as a living skills counselor. She also worked in the AmeriCorps tutoring program, in which she assisted students in becoming proficient in reading and math.
Jessica spent at least two hours each week with her Junior Friend, eating lunch at school and doing fun social activities such as ice skating, swimming, watching movies and attending sporting events. Jessica also volunteered at Best Friends' carnivals and other special events so she could do more to help kids.
"It is heartwarming to build a relationship with someone that is younger and to truly relate and bond with each other," she said. "She even taught me to roller blade!" To date, Jessica has logged about 300 hours a year -- more than 600 hours total -- working with children through the Best Friends Mentoring Program.
A 2003 Columbus, Mont. High School graduate, Jessica is the daughter of Jason and Carmen Baker of Columbus. She graduated in May with a pre-professional biology degree and will be pursuing graduate studies in physical therapy at the University of Montana.
The Western Wellness Foundation's board of directors established the $500 Best Friends Program Senior Friend Scholarship to help recruit new mentors to the program and to encourage potential mentors to volunteer. To be eligible for the scholarship, the applicant must have volunteered as a Senior Friend with the Best Friends Program for at least nine months, be attending post-secondary education or training in the 2007-2008 school year and complete an application form.
The Best Friends Program serves more than 150 children in the eight-county area of southwest North Dakota, matching them one-to-one or in small groups with responsible, trained volunteer mentors. For information about Best Friends, call 483-8615 or 1-877-877-8685 toll free.
Past Scholarship Winners
