Mentoring: A Running Start 2008

Welcome mentor teams!

Program Description

Mentoring: A Running Start provides an opportunity for youth to train for a 5K race to learn lessons in teamwork, goal setting and accomplishment. Participants in the running program will train for the noncompetitive 5K that is a part of the Detroit Free Press/Flagstar Marathon festivities in October.

The program aims to instill a life-long love for running and physical fitness in Michigan youth and adults. Knowledge and motivation are provided to reach the goal of running a 5K. After completion of the program, participants are encouraged to continue running and setting new physical activity goals.

Mentor Teams in Detroit October 18-19

Governor's Residence Day August 19

Monday, August 11, 2008

Meet Team Dudycha/Lucas


Michelle L. Dudycha, mentor from Paw Paw, and Mary Lucas, mentee from Mattawan

Michelle, a graduate of Western Michigan University, is a middle school teacher and a newlywed. She is involved with a women’s ministry program through her church and recently completed her first mission trip to the Dominican Republic. Michelle is also a fall-season cheerleading coach. She enjoys playing rugby, running, biking, camping, cooking and traveling. Michelle and Mary have been matched for more than a year, and they are always looking for a new adventure. They usually enjoy riding bikes, antiquing, playing tennis and swimming. Mary is in seventh grade at St. Monica Catholic Church. She is one of seven children in her family and loves to have fun. Mary is also artistic both in her creative and physical outlets which include drawing, playing soccer and tennis, and running. Mary’s favorite memory with Michelle is when they spent the day with the animals at Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek. Michelle enjoyed their time together riding bikes on the Kal-Haven Trail when they rode for 12 miles. Mary is excited for the 5K race, and Michelle looks forward to seeing Mary in her element of running. She also admires Mary’s sense of self, maturity and sense of humor. Mary appreciates that Michelle teaches her something new every time they get together and hopes to be as intelligent as her.

Meet Team Midgley/Hall


Becky Midgley, mentor from Holland, and Govonna Hall, mentee from Holland

Becky is currently a college student and an AmeriCorps member with the Ottawa County Mentoring Collaborative. She is a tutor and is involved with her church, Searchlight Ministries. She likes to read, do art projects, star-gaze and go on adventures. Becky and Govonna met at the Miles for Mentoring 5K and have been in a tutoring program together for a year. Their favorite memory is the first time they ran together. Govonna is 13 years old and in eighth grade at West Middle School. She volunteers at her church and enjoys double dutch, running, hanging out with friends, and hopes to try out for basketball in the fall. Govonna is looking forward to her first trip to Detroit for the 5K race. She admires Becky’s “bubbly personality” and her willingness to help others. Becky thinks Govonna has a quiet, strong presence and many other kids look up to her. They are looking forward to strengthening their relationship and conquering a challenge.