SOAR mentors with Mountain View Elementary School are pictured. Front row, from left: Emily Mottley, Lisa Boothe, Amy Dew, Paige Bradley, Chloe Mann, Jason Helmintoller, Chris Fisher, Howard Nicely, and Sierra Cosby; back row, from left: Vic Bowman, Barry Schell, Seth Bradley, Jason Hall, Shawn Helmintoller and Ryan Kessinger. Not pictured: Kassie Hall, Jennifer Lodge, Heather Baker, Josh Craft, Alyssa Wheeler, and Darrell Gleason. (AHPS Photo)

SOAR Connects Students with Caring Community Mentors   Low Moor, VA (April 27, 2026) - Mountain View Elementary School is using the SOAR mentorship program to support and encourage students. SOAR stands for “support each other, open our hearts, accept everyone, and rise together.” Started in September 2025, the program pairs students with community members who visit once a month to share lunch and a fun activity. Mentors spend time listening, offering encouragement, and helping students reflect on their future goals.  “The SOAR program gives our students a chance to build meaningful relationships with caring adults in our community,” said Principal Mallory Thompson. “It’s amazing to see students gaining confidence, setting goals, and feeling supported every step of the way.” Emily Mottley, the school counselor who oversees the program, added, “Our mentors are helping students see what’s possible for themselves. Just spending time together, talking and having fun, makes a big difference in a student’s day, and in their future.” Through SOAR, students are not only connecting with positive role models but are also learning valuable skills such as teamwork, leadership, and goal-setting. By engaging with mentors who genuinely believe in their potential, students are encouraged to dream bigger and approach challenges with confidence. SOAR is made possible through the generous support of local businesses, whose contributions help sustain and strengthen its impact. Program organizers cited the Covington Moose Lodge, Nicely’s Auction Company, Domino’s in Clifton Forge and McDonald’s at Love’s for their donations and discounted support throughout the year. Mentors say that support ultimately helps fuel one of the program’s most meaningful outcomes: the relationships formed between mentors and students. “Being a mentor to my student has been such a meaningful experience. I have had the opportunity to build onto an existing relationship, as my mentee is a previous student of mine when I taught third grade, which has made it even more special. Being a mentor shows you how powerful encouragement and simply showing up can be for our students. Even simple activities such as eating lunch, laughing, talking and playing games together monthly can make such a lasting impact. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of this important program,” said mentor Paige Bradley. The 2025-2026 mentor roster includes Bradley, Kassie Hall, Sierra Cosby, Jennifer Lodge, Heather Baker, Amy Dew, Chloe Mann, Lisa Boothe, Vic Bowman, Alyssa Wheeler, Josh Craft, Jason Hall, Chris Fisher, Jason Helmintoller, Ryan Kessinger, Barry Schell, Shawn Helmintoller, Seth Bradley, Howard Nicely, and Darrell Gleason. Several mentors also shared reflections on their experiences serving in the program. “To be a part of the mentoring program has been a true blessing to me. Being able to work with youth while providing them with positive ideas and encouraging good decision-making helps build character. It is definitely a wonderful way to learn from the student and keeps my day upbeat,” Fisher said. “Being a resource officer in SOAR means more than keeping kids safe. It means helping them believe in themselves and giving them someone in their corner,” said Sierra Cosby, who serves as SRO at Mountain View. The SOAR mentoring program is receiving positive feedback from students, who say it provides a supportive space to connect with their mentors, build relationships and enjoy shared activities such as games, conversation and creative interests. “I think it’s really good because I’m able to tell my mentor things. I like playing the games with her,” said a fifth-grade female student. Another student shared a similar experience, saying, “It’s really good because people get to talk and people get to hang out with people who are alike. For example, me and Chloe are both artists and enjoy art, so it is nice we connect. I really like it,” said a fifth-grade female student. SOAR is an example of how AHPS is fostering strong community connections, supporting student growth, and providing programs that help every child reach their potential.

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