Veteran mentors and a new community impact council seek partnerships with LCPS

During the public‑comment portion of the March 19 meeting, two local veterans introduced community organizations focused on mentorship and youth mental‑health and asked the board for partnership and engagement.

Mario Harris, who identified himself as a retired Marine and the founder and CEO of MAC (Mentor Every Neighborhood and Community), said his organization has worked in multiple counties since 2011 and partners with schools to improve attendance, academics and behavior through structured mentoring, tutoring and soft‑skills development. "We aren't just helping them pass a grade. We are helping them build a foundation of character that lasts a lifetime," he said.

Terron Cannon, an Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran and a resident of the county, introduced the Lenoir County Community Impact Council. Cannon described the coalition as a collaborative of parents, youth organizations and community leaders focused on mental‑health and family support. He said the council will coordinate prevention, caregiver supports and community connections, and listed early partners including Lenoir Community College and other local groups.

Board members thanked the presenters and noted staff would follow up if additional partnership steps were appropriate. Both presenters asked the board to consider formal collaborations that could bring mentoring and mental‑health supports into schools.