CROSSVILLE —
Gene (Skip) Skipworth has a long history with Kids on the Rise (KOTR). He first became a mentor in 2005 to a third-grade boy student. This young man is now a sophomore in the Cumberland County School System and still Skipworth’s mentee. Skipworth took on another mentee in 2007 who will start the fifth grade this year.
Skipworth first became a member of the KOTR board of directors in 2007 and took over the responsibility as executive director of the organization in January 2009. He agreed to a two-year term as executive director, so in December 2010 he retired and no longer was an active contributor to the board.
Skipworth accomplished many things as executive director. He wrote a complete manual for mentors to follow. He held two mentor meetings each year to discuss problems and solutions. Many speaking appearances were made to clubs and organizations to explain the KOTR program. He was instrumental in developing a scholarship program for mentees graduating from high school. He was more than proud when KOTR awarded their very first scholarship to graduate Deanna Sola from Cumberland County High School in June 2012.
Skipworth has now rejoined KOTR as an active board member. His many years as a mentor, a total dedication to the program and his enthusiasm and personal commitment will certainly be a great addition. Skipworth is currently interim pastor of the United Church of Cookeville to fill in his “spare” time.
KOTR is always in need of male and female mentors. Elementary school teachers identify students daily who they feel are at-risk and need additional guidance. They turn to KOTR for adult mentors to help provide consistent support in order for the student to reach a responsible adulthood.
KOTR is only asking for an hour or two each week of your time to provide experiences and direction. Each student is in need of further development of his or her intellectual, social and creative capacities. Please call the current executive director Amy Raymond at 459-2388 to learn more about this important program.
Lifestyles
Related Photos
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President Josh Stone, right welcomes the return of Gene Skipworth to the Kids on the Rise board.
Skipworth rejoins KOTR board of directors
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