Mentoring Program Hosts Annual Golden Corral Thanksgiving Feast 

In the spirit of being thankful, WYN's Mentoring Program annually invites its mentors and their mentees to join in a celebration feast.

Golden Corral gladly hosts the yearly event, offering 'buy one get one free' coupons to the mentors and mentees. 

The pairs came together over a great meal and engaged in activities and discussion about what they are thankful for.

Attendees created "turkey hand" art work that included things they were thankful for. Children reported being thankful for things such as, "family, a roof over my head, and having a mentor."

This year marked the sixth year that Mentoring Director, Angela McMann has gathered mentors and their mentees for the mentoring program's "most attended event"

McMann says the mentoring program is doing well and has reached an all-time high of 44 total matches. 

If you would like to learn more about becoming a mentor, please contact Angela McMann at mcmanna@westernyouthnetwork.org 

WYN's Prevention Program represented at WHS Health Fair 

Watauga High School Freshman who participated in a health fair last week were given the opportunity to hear from local organizations about health and wellness.

Western Youth Network's Prevention Program Director, Ronald Holste and Prevention Coordinator, Nicole Hiegl provided information to students about underage drinking and other alcohol issues.

Students were given an opportunity to participate in an interactive game that encouraged critical thinking and challenged the freshman on their current knowledge of alcohol related topics.

Students were asked to answer questions such as, "How many WHS freshman say they do not drink alcohol?" and "How many times more likely are you to need treatment for alcohol use if you begin drinking before the age of 15?"

Statistics and further information concerning local alcohol issues were provided.

After School Program Hosts Career Day

WYN's After School Program recently partnered with a service learning group from ASU to showcase a variety of future job opportunities available in the area.

Students from WYN's East and West after school sites were able to hear from the following professionals: Zoo keeper from Grandfather Mountain, mechanic from Good Guys Garage, a chiropractor, ASU Police Officers, a Case Manager from Oasis, and a Career Counselor from ASU. 

This year’s career fair is one of many opportunities that seeks to expose WYN participants to a variety of local occupational opportunities.  

WYN would like to extend a big thanks to the local businesses that participated in the career fair and also to Virginia Page and her Life and Career Planning students who organized the event