Zanay Lignon’s view of school changed drmatically due to Root 2 Rise. She’s more confident and now plans to teach or go to law school.

“Root 2 Rise was “an oasis, a chance to interact with people who look like me,” said Armari Tucker, who plans to become a venture capitalist and serve the community after graduating from college.

”In Root 2 RIse, I felt my life had a purpose when I saw how the faces of the kids I helped would light up,” said Shaneece Taylor. ”Helping others is a personal and philosophical goal for me.”

After what was a “rough” childhood, Devail Washington said Root 2 Rise was the main reason he attended high school. Now, he’s ambitious and eager to help others.

Once uninterested in classes and unlikely to graduate, Dietrich Swain is more confident and eventually wants to teach, even if it’s after he retires from another job in 20 years. S

“Root 2 Rise bought out a side of me I didn’t think I had,” said Martina Gabriellie (left). “It was a sense of relief to have somene so dedicated, “ said Partner Teacher Jaclyn Thompson.

After just a few months,helping in the classroom of Zach Richards, Lendsay Llalndavede said she learned so much about teaching — and about herself. Richards said she was a good role model for students.

Before Root 2 RIse, Jose Santacruz said the was “not necessarily liking school.: Now he is considering becoming a teacher. Partner-Teacher Shyla Woock praised his :great rapport” with students” and his ability to make her job easier.

Before Root 2 Rise, Damari Thomas said he never took school seriously. Partner Teacher Angie Hall remembers his passion for helping kids. Thomas credits the experience with his decision to become a special education assistant.

Once uninterested in classes and unlikely to graduate, Dietrich Swain is more confident and eventually wants to teach, even if it’s after he retires from another job in 20 years. S

“Teachers are in love with Root 2 Rise. Everyone wants a Tutor-Mentor in their classroom,” said Principal Cynthia Bell Jimenez, whose school has partnered with Root 2 Rise for three years.

“I can;t think of anything remotely negative about Root 2 Rise,” said Principal Stacy Talus. “It’s the type of program public education should offer,”

“Root 2 Rise really, really helped these students,” said Beth Thompson, a veteran administrator with the Madison Metropolitan School District.

After working with dozens of Tutor-Mentors and Partner Teachers, two coordinators of the program (Dacia Giordana, left, and Rebecca Griffin) say it benefits everyone associated with it.

Root 2 Rise has been “an amazing experience. I’m beyond grateful for it,” said Principal Rich Peters, whose elementary school has had Tutor-Mentors in classrooms for three years.

Daniel Wilson said he had already done “super good” in high school, and that Root 2 Rise made him a leader. His mother, Valerie, said the experience taught him to be more patient. “I remember every one of them (the students he helped,)”, Daniel said.

Tutor-Mentors made a difference in the lives of her daughters, said Ashley Moncrief.

Root 2 Rise motivated Jimena Ayala to finish high school and to attend college to become a teacher. Root 2 Rise “made the difference. It was a gift,” said her mother, Maria.

Root 2 Rise gave Andrew Cassidy an opportunity to provide help instead of being viewed as someone who required assistance. “The experience was amazing,” said his mother, Amy. Andrew is no considering a career in education, which Amy said was “a possibility neither of us expected,”