APPLETON (NBC 26) — We could all use someone to help us through a tough time or just have them there to listen. As a part of our Celebrating Volunteers series with the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, meet someone helping our youth through mentoring. Now, those mentees say, they're trying to follow in her footsteps.
"It's awesome to have a role model so close to you," said Elle Blaney.
"I think she really, kind of shaped my world view as far as what I want to do in life," said Amberlyn Nourse.
For Jean Blaney McGinnis, mentoring was like a calling.
"Seeing the growth in the students is probably one of the most inspirational things," Jean said. "One of the reasons why I keep doing it."
Jean began mentoring when her daughter Elle was in middle school in 2015. She continued to mentor students as they transitioned to Appleton West High School. It was during that time in which she met Amberlyn.
"I was struggling in school pretty hard," Amberlyn said. "I was failing most things."
Raised by a full-time working mom, Amberlyn said, she didn't realize just how much Jean would impact her.
"I definitely needed Jean," she said. "I didn't really have room in my life at that point to keep a commitment, but she just stayed there. That's been one of the most valuable things, having Jean in my life."
Now Amberlyn is graduated with a good job and hopes to be a mentor for kids someday, just like her.
Jean's ability to show up for kids to help them through tough times, or just to chat, is one of the reasons she was chosen for this year's Paul and Elaine Groth Mentoring Award. As you can see in the video above, it's an honor even more special because her daughter Elle was the one to nominate her.
"I don't know if I have the words...it makes me feel really good about, not what I'm doing, but what she's [Elle] is seeing," Jean said.
"I think every kid deserves someone to look up to and I think she's a great person to have, and I'm very lucky in that I can't wait to share what she taught me just by being there for someone," Elle said. "I hope when I'm older I can help kids like she did."
With the award, sponsored by the Mielke Family Foundation, Jean received $5,000. She said she will be splitting the money to donate to two groups: Miracle League and Big Brothers Big Sisters. She chose these two groups because of the mentoring opportunities they provide to for the area.
