Aldine ISD Lighthouse Mentorship Project Celebrates Students, Mentors, and the Power of Positive Relationships

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District leaders, mentors, students, and families gathered for an end-of-year celebration recognizing a growing mentorship initiative rooted in guidance, support, hope, resilience, and leadership.

Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney shares a moment with her mentee, Lesley Aguilar from Grantham Academy, during the district’s Lighthouse Mentorship end-of-year celebration.

Mentorship in Aldine ISD is a guiding light for students, offering steady support and direction.

The end-of-school-year celebration for the Lighthouse Mentorship Project was held on Monday, May 11, at the Aldine ISD Community Center. Mentors, mentees, families, campus staff, and district leaders gathered to celebrate the connections formed over the school year and the growth of students supported by caring adults.

Mentors and mentees standing together to recite the Lighthouse Pledge.

The Lighthouse Mentorship Project, a partnership between the Family and Community Engagement Department and Student Support Services, connects Aldine ISD students with district leaders and staff who serve as mentors. The initiative began during 2024-2025 with 25 mentees at Anderson Academy, Francis Elementary School, and Grantham Academy. This year, it expanded to 42 mentees in third through ninth grades across eight campuses: Anderson Academy, Francis Elementary School, Grantham Academy, Jones Middle School, Aldine Middle School, MacArthur Ninth Grade School, Aldine Ninth Grade School, and Blanson CTE High School.

The initiative’s central message: a lighthouse does not move the ship or control the storm; it shines, guiding those in need.

Similarly, Aldine ISD mentors encourage and support students so they can navigate challenges with confidence and purpose.

“Our students need to know they are seen, valued, and supported,” Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney said. “A mentor can help change the trajectory of a child’s life simply by showing up, listening, encouraging, and reminding that student of what is possible. That is the heart of the Lighthouse Mentorship Project.”

Throughout the school year, mentors checked in with their mentees every two weeks. The program also included special recognition moments at the beginning and end of the year, as well as during the holiday season. Each mentor-mentee relationship looked a little different, with mentors tailoring celebrations and activities to what was meaningful to the student.

Nancy Gauthier, FACE specialist, poses with her mentee.

Nancy Gauthier, Aldine ISD family and community engagement (FACE) specialist, said the project is rooted in five key ideas: guidance, support, hope, resilience, and leadership.

“Lighthouse Mentorship is about being a consistent, trusted presence in a young person’s life,” Gauthier said. “We are helping students find their path, make positive choices, believe in their potential, and understand that they can overcome obstacles and keep moving forward.”

During the celebration, mentors shared advice for school and life, students were recognized with certificates, and participants reflected on what the mentorship experience has meant to them. Chief Communications Officer Shelia Adams served as master of ceremonies and opened the event by connecting the image of a lighthouse to the role mentors play in students’ lives — offering guidance, hope, and direction during moments of challenge or uncertainty.

Diaka R. Melendez, chief of school improvement and student support services, spoke about the importance of mentorship and the impact positive relationships can have on student achievement, confidence, and belonging.

“This work goes far beyond one event or one school year,” Melendez said. “We are pouring into the next generation and creating a legacy. Our hope is that every mentee will become a light for others — in their families, schools, communities, and everywhere life takes them.”

Lesley Aguilar from Grantham Academy speaks at the Lighthouse Mentorship event with her proud mentor, Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney (far right), proudly looking on.

One of the most meaningful moments came when students were asked to share one word that represented success, growth, encouragement, or support. Lesley Aguilar, a student from Grantham Academy and Dr. Goffney’s mentee, was the first to raise her hand. Her word was “happy.” She explained that happiness represents success and growth in her life.

For project leaders, moments like that show the quiet but powerful impact of mentorship.

Gauthier noted that mentees have shown increased confidence and engagement. Parents reported positive changes, such as improved attitude and motivation, suggesting that mentorship can enhance academic and emotional growth.

Anderson Academy was recognized for its strong participation in the program, with 17 mentees on campus. Gauthier noted that she wanted to give special recognition to Principal LeAnnda Ashley and Counselor Cherella Jackson for their support and leadership in helping students and mentors stay connected.

Todd Lindeman also helped recognize mentees with certificates and shared how the Lighthouse Mentorship Project began as a vision that grew into a collaboration between the Family and Community Engagement Department and Student Support Services.

The celebration ended with mentors and mentees standing together to recite the Lighthouse Pledge — a shared commitment to listen, encourage, grow, lead, and support one another.

Ana Flores-Bolívar, director of transformational learning programs, speaks with her mentee.

Mentors pledged to guide with patience, respect, and care. Mentees pledged to learn, grow, stay curious, and believe in themselves. Together, they pledged to build trust, lift each other higher, and be a light for one another.

Dr. Goffney said that commitment reflects Aldine ISD’s broader belief that relationships are central to student success.

“When students have someone in their corner, they are more likely to see their own strength, their own voice, and their own future,” Dr. Goffney said. “That is what this work is about. We are not just mentoring students for today; we are helping them see who they can become — college students, skilled professionals, service members, community leaders, and well-grounded individuals who know they do not have to walk their path alone. They have a network of people who care about them and want to see them thrive. That is the #AldineStory.”