ASPIRE
Mentor Program
Planning for Life after High School
What is the McNary ASPIRE Program?
Why should you Apply to be a part of the McNary ASPIRE Mentor Program?
McNary's ASPIRE Mentor Program mentoring program is available to help students access education and training beyond high school.
The program matches trained and supportive adult volunteer mentors with our high school students to develop a plan to help them meet their future career and education goals.
McNary Students Apply Now!
McNary is a National AVID Demonstration school! However, we are also a National ASPIRE school. These two programs are not competitors to each other. What are differences between AVID and ASPIRE?
The student drives their career and college process with ASPIRE. There is not a specific class, but there are resources.
Students have access to mentors with ASPIRE. Students have a class teacher with AVID.
Meet your McNary Mentors
Tammy Ready I was born in Los Angeles California, but grew up and graduated from Stayton High School. I attended Chemeketa Community College and I am a certified nursing assistant. I work for the state of Oregon in the Employment Department as an Operations and Policy Analyst. I manage position management as it relates to the business, the budget, and Human Resources, as well as being the records custodian. I am married to David, and in partnership with his brother, we own our own contracting business, specializing in concrete. I am the mother of two amazing adult young men, Jerry who is 29, and Logan who is 18. Jerry is a graduate of McNary High School and Oregon State University, where he double majored in engineering and business administration, with an additional minor in entrepreneurship. Jerry is married and has a daughter. Yes, I'm a grandma. Logan graduated from McNary High School and is currently attending Pacific Lutheran University, where he is playing both football and baseball.
Lorena Akerman As an ASPIRE mentor I take great pride in having the opportunity to work directly with students to help them achieve their future academic/career goals. I currently have a senior who is preparing for college so I know first-hand what struggles students and their families are facing. I’m here to help read student essays, help with admissions forms, FAFSA as well as research schools and scholarships. If interested in connecting with an ASPIRE mentor, I am here and happy to help play a role in you achieving your college and career goals.
Christiana Kennedy has lived in Keizer for 3 years and is proud to have her oldest daughter attend McNary in the upcoming 2019/2020 school year. Christiana has an undergraduate degree in History and a Master’s degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling. She has experience working for various colleges, as well as the state of California as a counselor and facilitator. Christiana has dedicated many years to helping adults become self sufficient through work and education. Currently she volunteer tutors for a non profit, while staying home with her youngest daughter. She enjoys spending time with her husband and kids, sight-seeing, and taking road trips. Christiana holds strong in her values of education and brings her vocational experience to the students in the ASPIRE program. She is excited to assist students in career exploration, goal-setting, and building confidence as they transition from high school into adulthood.
Bill Lismay I was born and raised in Tucson, lived in San Diego for 13 years, and have lived in Keizer for the past 25 years. My 2 sons both graduated from McNary, and I have been a freshman basketball coach at McNary for the past 5 years. I like fishing, disc golf and beaches. I recently retired from a career in IT and technology, and I look forward to talking to you about your future, whether it be college, the military, trades, intercollegiate sports, or any other ideas you have.
Make a Difference!
McNary ASPIRE Mentors can make a difference in the lives of students. Encouragement and guidance is what students need. Can YOU be that person in a student's life?
More McNary Mentors are Needed...
Meet with students and encourage their interests.
Explore careers, schools, and scholarship opportunities.
Proofread applications and essays.
Keep students focused on a timeline.
Help students navigate college, financial aid, and Oregon Promise applications.
Want to be a McNary Mentor?
Please contact Kim Conolly @ conolly_kimberly@salkeiz.k12.or.us
Mentor Tools
Understanding the Financial Aid Process
State of Oregon Webinars for ASPIRE Mentors
First Meeting
1. Mentor & Student complete the Student Tracker (Found in College/Career.)
2. Talk about your plans for after High School.
End of the Academic Year Surveys
ASPIRE EXIT SURVEY
ASPIRE MENTOR SURVEY