At Wylie High School, a quiet room filled with snacks, support, and heart has become a powerful tool for student success. Mentors Care, a program launched in 2021, connects students with community volunteers who serve as consistent, caring adult mentors—meeting weekly to build relationships, set goals, and track progress.
Led by Mr. Mark Blakely, the program has grown to serve approximately 70 students annually. But it's more than just mentoring—it’s a space where students can take a breath, grab a snack, and reset. “Every student who joins Mentors Care gets snacks and a water every day,” Mr. Blakely says. “It’s a chance to check in, see how they're doing, and build trust.”
Senior Darrion Hawkins shared his story with KTAB, reflecting on how the program helped him grow from a quiet, withdrawn student to an active leader in theater and audio/visual production. With the support of his mentor and Mr. Blakely, he found confidence and purpose. “If I had to count all the times this program helped me, we’d be here all day,” he said.
Now, Darrion is headed to Louisiana State University (LSU) to pursue theater arts and continue exploring opportunities in AV production. His journey from uncertainty to success is just one of many unfolding through Mentors Care.
Wylie ISD’s Mentors Care program is part of a statewide initiative that began in Midlothian and now serves over 20 districts. Mr. Blakely pairs each student with a mentor who commits to regular check-ins and goal-setting conversations. These mentors—often individuals who’ve overcome their own struggles—provide authentic encouragement and accountability.
Want to see the impact for yourself? Watch the full feature from KTAB News:
🔗 Snacks, Support, Success: How Mentors Care is Changing Lives in Wylie ISD
To donate snacks, become a mentor, or simply learn more, reach out to the program lead:
Program Lead: Mark Blakely
📧 Contact: mark.blakely@mentors.care
