News Release
September 20, 2005
Marcus Camby To Launch Second Season Of Marcus' Mentors Sept. 21
Denver Nuggets forward Marcus Camby officially kicks off his mentoring program, termed Marcus' Mentors, at approximately 3:15 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21 in the library at Mitchell K-8 School, 1350 East 33rd Ave.
Marcus' Mentors, which is overseen and managed by local non-profit Denver Kids, Inc., consists of tutoring sessions conducted by nine juniors and seniors from three Denver high schools. Every week from September through May, the high school students meet with 18 fourth- and fifth-grade students from Mitchell K-8 School and tutor them in math and reading.
At the end of the school year, the high school students are eligible to receive a $2,500 college scholarship based on their successful completion of the program. Additionally, the juniors will have the opportunity to remain in the program during their senior year and earn another $2,500 in scholarship money - a combined total of $5,000 for college.
The younger students will be awarded throughout the school year based on weekly attendance, academic performance and good behavior in school as well as in the mentoring sessions.
"We are proud to have Denver Kids, Inc. students take part in the Marcus' Mentors program. The high school participants are very serious about the responsibilities they have assumed and the fourth- and fifth-grade students are in awe of their high school mentors. Our thanks to Marcus for his foresight, support and understanding of the value of this program," said Donna Hultin, executive director of Denver Kids, Inc.
Wednesday's appearance will be the first opportunity for Camby to meet with the students, their families and teachers. During this special mentoring session, Camby will learn about the students' backgrounds, share his aspirations and life goals and encourage the students to achieve success and stay in school. Throughout the course of the season, Camby will periodically make 'surprise' visits during the tutoring sessions to provide continued motivation and inspiration to the students. Furthermore, the high school mentors will be given the opportunity to assist Camby on his numerous community service projects.
Wednesday also will mark Camby's first event in the Denver community since his recent trip to Africa for the NBA's Basketball Without Borders program. While in Africa, he volunteered his efforts for basketball coaching, HIV/AIDS Awareness and more.
For more information on Marcus Camby and his community activities, contact Jenna Walker with the Cambyland Youth Foundation at 303-762-7830.