transformative MENTORING WITH MEANING - WHY AVONDALE FIRE & MEDICAL DOES IT


For many young people, middle school years can be an excep- tionally challenging time. From issues such as bullying and peer pressure to trying to keep up academically while struggling to fit in, Gen Z tweens often struggle on their own, without the guid- ance of a trusted adult.


Avondale firefighters are seeking to change that, one student at a time.


In 2019, Avondale Fire and Medical partnered with Avondale Mid- dle School (AMS) to pair Avondale firefighters with students for the purpose of providing mentorship and guidance during the school year. The program started with five mentors and five stu- dents and was a wild success, with AMS staff reporting a marked improvement in student attendance and performance. Working in partnership with AMS staff, the firefighter mentors have se- cured grants and community business donations to help provide students with everything from tutors to school supplies. Today the program count includes 25 firefighter mentors and about 45 student mentees and has assisted over 75 students since the program’s inception.


“As a firefighter mentor working with Avondale Middle School, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative impact we’ve had on the lives of our mentees. By consistently showing up to meet with them, we establish trust and reliability, providing a stable pres- ence in their lives,” said Avondale Fire and Medical Engineer Kevin Commisso.


As part of the mentorship program with AMS, the City’s 25 fire- fighter mentors engage with students, check in on their well-be- ing, encourage them to keep up on their grades, and guide them towards making good relationships and decisions. This regular interaction allows the mentors to track the student’s progress, understand their challenges, and provide timely guidance and support.


In her role as a firefighter mentor, Capt. Kristina Lopez is also serv- ing as a positive role model for girls, who may not have previously considered firefighting as a potential career path. When she real- ized that a group of girls wanted to try out for the school vol- leyball team but did not have the equipment to practice, not only did Capt. Lopez purchase volleyballs for them, she also practiced with them at recess, encouraging them to keep up their grades so that they could play on the school’s team.


Capt. Lopez recalled a particularly heartbreaking event in one of the student’s lives. “Prior to starting the school year, one student had tragically and unexpectedly lost her mother,” she related. “This led to her sister having to raise her and her other sisters on her own. I made bracelets with their mother’s name on them for Christmas, so she and her family would always have a piece of their mom with them.”


Said Engineer Commisso: “A lot of these kids are facing struggles that most adults couldn’t handle alone, so having people there for them who work in their community, and who understand some of the challenges they face really helps reinforce the stu- dent’s growth and development.”


When Covid struck, the 8th graders at AMS did not get to par- take in their traditional promotion ceremony. That’s when the Avondale Firefighters Charities supported making promotional care packages for all the 8th grade students. It’s no wonder that testimonials from the students have been overwhelmingly posi- tive. The mentees stated they appreciate having conversations about grades and ways that they can “do better.” They’ve noted that they have been inspired to go to college, or play sports or take up certain classes in high school.


“We work toward cultivating a safe and supportive environment where students feel heard, understood, and empowered to navi- gate the challenges of middle school. I want to give a huge thank you to the staff at AMS who continually put in extra effort and time for their students. They really care and want to leave a last- ing impact,” said Engineer Commisso.


“I am very proud of the Avondale firefighters who serve as men- tors in our community. Our firefighters are so much more than the uniform they wear, the big trucks they drive, or the tools they use to fight fires and save lives,” said Avondale Fire Chief Larry Rooney.


For more information about Avondale Fire & Medical’s student mentorship program, please contact Gabby Bobinsky at gbobinsky@avondaleaz.gov.


RAVE May - August 2024 • 31


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