Marietta Mentoring for Leadership

Mentor Highlight
Mike wasn't sure if his mentee match was going to work out--Chris was quiet and the relationship took a little time to become established.

However, after they found their groove, Mike reflected, "It was a great gift for me to be assigned as Chris’s mentor. You can never underestimate the value of just being there and listening. It was amazing to see his growth and it was very satisfying to be a small catalyst in his development. In summary, you don’t always get immediate feedback on the effects of your efforts but just showing up can have a lasting impact. We have become great friends and I have gained a lot from our relationship."

Mentoring is about showing up, listening, and believing in a student’s potential.

Thank you, Mike, for sticking with Chris. You made a difference.

Mentorship has shaped every stage of Coach Duke’s life and leadership.

"I’ve been blessed with incredible mentors at every stage of my life.

My high school head coach, Bud O’Hara, was a foundational mentor during my teenage years and modeled what it meant to lead with consistency and character. During my time at Edgewater, my pastor Josh Plant walked with me closely and shaped my leadership and spiritual growth from 2017–2024. My father, Jeff Duke, has been a lifelong mentor whose influence continues to guide me daily.

Since coming to Marietta, I’ve been grateful for the mentorship and support of Kevin Cash, Jeremy Morris, and Brent Shoemaker — three men who not only pour into our team spiritually but also invest in me as I grow as a leader and head coach here at Marietta High School. Their guidance has been a tremendous blessing.

I’m thankful for the opportunity to mentor others now through coaching, and it’s one of the most meaningful parts of my calling."

Now, through coaching, he has the opportunity to pay that mentorship forward. Investing in young people is not just part of his job—it’s one of the most meaningful parts of his calling. Thank you, Coach, for being part of our Local Leaders, Lasting Impact series!

Blown away by the donations coming in today from our ALUMNI. I'm seeing names of students who graduated years ago, and many from the class of 2025. You believed in them, and now they're giving back. If you haven't given today, might you now? Also thank you to the board members, mentors, and even Kristen's aunt Patsy, for giving today on Giving Tuesday!

Today is a big day for nonprofits--Giving Tuesday connects us as humans to causes that matter. If leadership development, exposure to careers and professionals, and targeted 1:1 mentoring matters to YOU, would you consider a one-time gift to our organization today? We've picked 3 giving amounts for today only. Link to give below. Giving Tuesday = Feel good Tuesday!

Thank you, Coach Duke, for not only the culture you instilled within the football program at Marietta, but also for championing mentoring and recognizing the impact a great mentor can have on a young person. We are proud of the MFL students on the football team and of the program you are building!

From feeling lost to helping others find their way — today’s Local Leaders, Lasting Impact feature reminds us why mentoring matters. Meet Cindy Culver, a hero when it comes to nutrition and food in Marietta City Schools.

“I mentor to give back to those who may not have someone at home to help navigate their collegiate pathway — hoping I can provide the answers they don’t even know to ask.”

Pictured: Cindy Culver (center) with two former GSU dietetic interns (right), now School Nutrition colleagues, and a UGA mentee (left).

Mentorship changes lives — and it doesn’t stop after high school.

“My mentor was my ballet teacher, Marie Roberts. She not only taught me the beauty, grace, and discipline of the art of dance; she also saw my ability to teach. She had confidence in me at a young age even though I was shy and quiet.”

— Irene Berens, Ward 7, Marietta Board of Education

We’re honored to feature Irene in our Local Leaders, Lasting Impact series, celebrating the mentors who helped shape Marietta’s leaders — and the lasting power of someone who believes in you.

💙 Remembering Chris — A Mentor Who Made a Lasting Impact

We are deeply saddened by the passing of one of our Mentoring for Leadership mentors, Chris Savage. Chris was more than a mentor — he was a steady, caring presence in his mentee David’s life.

He helped David enroll in Dual Enrollment classes, taught him the game of golf, and showed up with patience and encouragement every step of the way. When David was in a car accident, the first person he called was Chris — a true reflection of the trust and connection they shared.

Chris embodied what it means to be a mentor: consistent, compassionate, and committed. His legacy will live on through the lives he touched and the leadership he helped cultivate.

Our hearts are with his family, friends, and all those who were blessed to know him. 💙

Big news! 🎉
Mentoring for Leadership has earned the Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency — the highest level awarded to nonprofits that share clear, detailed information about their goals, programs, and impact.

This recognition means our community can continue to give with confidence, knowing that every donation helps local students grow in confidence, character, and leadership.

We’re grateful for every mentor, donor, and partner who helps make this work possible — thank you for believing in MFL! 💙

Learn more about our impact here:https://www.guidestar.org/profile/27-2479043

Big thanks to for providing beautiful flowers for last nights Leadership Dinner! We had a wonderful evening with a room full of mentors and students.
One student reflected, “This dinner helps us to connect and slow down to enjoy one another. A meal may seem small, but food is one of the things that connects us all. Thank you for providing us the opportunity to connect.”