The Key West City Commission, during last week’s regular meeting, proclaimed January as Keys to be the Change Mentoring Month.

Established in 2014, Keys to Be the Change provides programs to the youth in Key West that promote academics, pro-social behavior and literacy,” reads the proclamation. “Mentors play a vital role by providing crucial support and guidance to our young adults as they grow and develop into our next generation of citizens and leaders.”

The program pairs Key West Police officers, members of the U.S. Coast Guard, community volunteers, and peer-to-peer mentors with at-risk students in Horace O’Bryant and Key West High School. The program is based on the fact that mentoring results in less truancy, higher rates of college enrollment, fosters better attitudes toward education and encourages more community volunteering.

“This is making a big difference in the lives of the kids of Key West,” said Heidi Golightly, director and founder of the program.

The commissioners and Golightly were joined at the podium by participating students and mentors for the recognition.

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