Take Stock Nassau
Take Stock Nassau Mentors Make All The Difference!
We asked Take Stock Mentor and Board member, Chason Forehand to share why he mentors. Chason has been mentoring for two years and is always willing to assist when other mentors are unable to meet with students. Chason has also been instrumental in the recruitment of new mentors. Here is what Chason shared with the Take Stock team:

"I think the best investment we can make in the future of our community is investing in education. I love mentoring with Take Stock because with just 30-45 minutes of my time each week, I can make an impact that will change the next 30-45 years of a student’s life. Take Stock is enabling the next generation of community leaders to get the educational opportunities they deserve, and I am just thankful to be a small part of each student’s legacy. Take Stock has also been an amazing platform for me to connect with other community leaders and stakeholders that are equally invested in building up the next generation, which benefits me as a mentor just as much as it benefits our students. I highly recommend anyone looking to pour into the future of our community take a look at becoming a mentor with Take Stock!"

Thank you to Chason for that wonderful endorsement of mentoring! Take Stock Nassau would not be able to support our students without our wonderful and giving mentors.
Mentor Appreciation Breakfast
Take Stock Nassau mentors were treated to an appreciation breakfast on Saturday, January 17, at Fernandina Beach Golf Club. Special recognition was given to mentors of seniors, and the students were on hand to share what makes their mentor special. Mentors of the year and those who have provided long-term mentoring to the program were also recognized. Each mentor received an small apprecation gift and personal thank you card from their student. The event is always a highlight every year!
2024 Mentors of the Year
Gary Farrar, shown with his mentee Braden Hibbs, is the Callahan Mentor of the Year. Gary and Braden have been matched since March 2021. Gary mentors two students from WNHS.
Roni Lenz is the Fernandina Beach Mentor of the Year. Roni and her student, Ruby Outten, have been matched since May 2020. Roni has been a long-time mentor with Take Stock Nassau.
The Hilliard Mentor of the Year is Laurel Strong. Laurel and her student, Jaydin Combs, have been matched since May 2020. Laurel drives from Amelia Island to Hilliard weekly to meet with Jaydin.
Kendra Shafer is the Yulee Mentor of the Year. Kendra was matched with her student, Zach Tullius in August 2020. Kendra also mentors a second student at Yulee High School.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
FBHS senior Sydnei Harris was in the school's recent production of The Little Mermaid. Sydnei was part of the ensemble, playing multiple roles. In the top photo, Sydnei, in bright red, is playing the princess. She is the orange fish in the bottom photo.
In addition to her school responsibilities, Yulee freshman Mackenzie Parrish is working as a food runner at The Patio. Mack has been in Take Stock Nassau since March 2022.
WNHS sophomore Brian Wheat is busy playing multiple sports, some in the same season! Brian is involved in weightlifting, wrestling, football, and basketball. Brian works just as hard in the classroom as he does on the field/court.
DJ Alderman from HMSHS is a freshman playing on the varsity basketball team where he competes against skilled older players. DJ maintains his grades adn TSIC obligations at the same time. Way to go, DJ!

Congratulations to FBHS Senior Joshua Modupe on his recent selection as Winter Homecoming Prince! Joshua participates in multiple sports and is committed to playing football at West Point following high school graduation.
Take Stock YHS Senior Leah Kasper recently shadowed a dental hygienist. She has been accepted to UNF and FSCJ and is working hard to figure out which career path is best for her.
Congratulations to YHS Sophomore Cloud Byrd for his recent achievements in debate. Cloud was the recipient of the Eleanor Roosevelt Leadership Award in the town hall debate round, as well as a qualifier in the 2024 Incubate Champs debate.
Javian Milton-Brown is shown on Senior night at the West Nassau High School varsity basketball game. He is accompanied by his mother and his sister, Destinee Brown, who is a Take Stock Nassau alum.
Georgia Southern Tour
On February 2, thirty-five Take Stock Nassau students and their College Success Coaches toured the Gerogia Southern campuses in Statesboro and Savannah. The tour was arranged by Chris Danbeck, the College Completion Coach. The students were able to eat in the campus dining area and learn about the opportunity to attend out-of-state programs that still provide an in-state tuition rate.
Todd Nuckols and Joshua Modupe
This month's student-mentor spotlight is on mentor Todd Nuckols and his mentee, Joshua Modupe. The two have been matched since April 2019.
Todd Nuckols, Mentor
What do you consider to be your hometown? How long have you lived in Fernandina Beach?
My hometown is Pratt, WV. It’s a “one stop sign” kind of town and West Virginia will always be home. I have lived in Nassau County for 18 years. 

What made you decide to mentor with Take Stock?
I have been a business coach for the past 25 years so mentoring / coaching is what motivates me. When I saw this opportunity it was a natural fit for my skills and also my passion.

How many students have you mentored?
I have mentored two students.

What have you gained from mentoring Joshua?
I have gained a perspective on what the youth are dealing with today. I’ve also enjoyed watching him grow, achieving goals and positioning himself for future success. He’s accomplished a great deal in both athletics and academics. He’s an extremely well rounded guy and I’m confident he will be a great success at life. 

Joshua Modupe, FBHS Senior
Why did you want to apply for Take Stock?
I wanted to apply for Take Stock because it was a way to make my future cheaper for my parents and myself. I was blessed to have an opportunity to join the program and being selected to join.

What have you learned from your relationship with your mentor, Todd?
I’ve learned business economics, athletics, techniques to get faster, how to build talent from repetition, and he has even given me a financial book called, "Rich Dad Poor Dad" by Robert Kiyosaki which talks about how people view money. He has heavily influenced my financial interest and my wanting to expand my financial knowledge, as well as in business.

What is your favorite memory from TSIC?
My favorite memory from Take Stock is visiting UCF’s beautiful campus.

What are your plans after you graduate high school and TSIC?
My plans after graduating high school and TSIC include attending the US Military Academy at West Point and playing football.
Be sure to get your Light Up a Life Gala tickets! Click the link for more info on purchasing tickets/table: