By Mary Owen
Now in its eighth year, Regis ASPIRE earned top honors at this year’s fall conference, including the ASPIRE Substantiability Award and ASPIRE Volunteer of the Year.
Regis ASPIRE earned the substantiability Award as one of two programs in Oregon that served every student in the school, freshmen through seniors.
Additionally, Regis recognizes the need to plant seeds about the future by making presentations to seventh- and eighth-graders at St. Mary Grade School and other area schools.
Administered by the Oregon Student Access Commission, ASPIRE (Access to Student Assistance Programs In Reach of Everyone) helps middle and high school students access education and training beyond high school.
Students receive information about college and career options, admission and financial aid from trained and supportive volunteer mentors who work one-on-one with them throughout the year.
Retired teacher and child development specialist Patti Keudell was named Volunteer of the Year for the state of Oregon.
“I really enjoy seeing students grow and challenge themselves to be the best they can be after retiring,” said Keudell, a Regis graduate. “Regis has a special place in my heart and I want to see the future of the school continue to flourish.”
Keudell said the program focuses on making the most of students’ strengths by providing job-shadow opportunities, portfolio collection, workshops on finding funds, and scholarship information.
“The ASPIRE program, along with the volunteer mentors, give the Regis students and their families a partnership to aid in success after high school,” Keudell said.
Keudell enters her fifth year as the ASPIRE coordinator, and together with past coordinator Dave Schumacher continues to expand the program.
“Patti continues to provide exciting ideas, energy, wisdom, and her enthusiasm to make the ASPIRE program more viable than ever,” said Regis counselor Mike Bauer, who watched the program from six volunteers assisting the Regis senior class to 19 volunteers, including Keudell, mentoring the entire school.
“Patti is so special because of her boundless energy, her ability to connect with kids, and her tremendous organizational skills,” Bauer added.
Bauer said the Regis ASPIRE continues to attract qualified mentors from the community to help the program grow and remain vital.
Chuck Martin, a retired police officer and former Regis parent, joined the group this year as a full-time mentor. Martin will assume mentoring duties for Larry Etzel, who will shift his focus to advising students who are interested in a military career. Jo Barsotti, Louanne Etzel and Paula Smith also joined the team.
The new mentors join Tom and Carolyn Lulay, Patty Kintz, Gay Stuntzner, Carol Tower, Karen Kintz, Diane Hall, Dave Valencia, Joan Roberts and Richard Silva.
“Regis is very fortunate to have loyal people who donate back to the school, so that we can assist students and families make the most of the future,” Keudell said.
For additional information on Regis ASPIRE, contact Regis High School at 503-769-2159.
