New Role Models
Ashley Moncrief and her daughters Savannah and Danielle.
Our Tutor-Mentors are influential role models.
Here's what this meant for one family.
Ashley Moncrief's daughter, Savannah, 16, had Tutor-Mentor Joseph Thigpen, Jr., in fourth grade in 2017, her first Black role model in a school.
"He made a difference. Everyone looked up to him," Savannah says.
Ashley's younger daughter, Danielle, had Jayden Wilson as a Tutor-Mentor in kindergarten two years ago, and Ashley says Danielle still enthusiastically refers to him.
When she started high school, Savannah was too young to join Root 2 Rise, but says she would have eagerly done so if her schedule had permitted.
"Root 2 Rise is a great opportunity, particularly for students who need a second chance," says Ashley. It's very empowering for students of color, as are the stipend and the credit toward graduation.
"I grew up in Madison and attended Alabama State University so I could be with other Black students. It changed my life," Ashley says.
Savannah also plans to attend a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) and major in sports medicine.