Bill Sales and his wife Suzanne had already been scholarship angels through Be A Student’s Friend program for 8th grader Emely during her whole time at the school, and Bill was a long-term board member at St. Athanasius when he raised his eye brows at the possibility of mentoring four, sixth grade boys. Meeting after school from 4:15-5:30 Bill had his hands full as Emanual J., Albieri B., Edward S., and Jonathon O., all vied for his attention. Always beginning with a healthy snack, Bill set about finding interesting ways to get the boys engaged and moving. Many of the sessions were based on themes related to what the boys covered in school. After Bill took a trip to New Orleans, the boys learned about jazz and the Louisiana Purchase, as well as the culture of New Orleans. The gym was a great outlet for them but nothing matched the extraordinary field trip Bill organized to the “no access” construction site he was able to take them to. With a career working in real estate at the Tishman Company, it was only natural that Bill could organize a five-star hard hat tour, where the boys signed their names on what will be the inside structural beam of One World Trade Center. Once the beam is covered in the 105 story building, each boy’s signature will be there for the rest of their lives – and for the life of the building. Now that was a concept worth a field trip. As the program continues in the fall, Mr. Sales plans to take the boys on more trips, including to college campuses and cultural institutions in the city. Ideally, he will mentor the same group of boys until they all graduate together in eighth grade. You can be a mentor too. Whatever your career or interests may be, our students would love to learn about them. If you’re interested, or you simply want to learn more, send an email to info@www.pnyc.local.com. We will be delighted to help you find your part in the Partnership.