Hometown Heroes in America's Hometown where mentorship is making a difference
HANNIBAL, Mo. — Two mentors are making a big difference in youth success at Hannibal High School.
And tonight we focus on these hometown heroes in America's Hometown.
On behalf of our sponsors Peters Heating and Air and Hilbing Autobody, KHQA's Rajah Maples introduces you to this month's KHQA Hometown Heroes.
Jason Nichols and Steve Hill are mentors for the Hannibal School District's HAYS Mentorship Program, which stands for Hannibal Alliance for Youth Success.
Jason, who works at Hannibal-LaGrange University, started mentoring senior Colton Horstmeyer after other people inspired him to make a difference.
"They encouraged me to be a part of it," Nichols said. "I thought, 'wow, these guys, as busy as they are, are taking time to do it, so surely I can give up an hour a week to maybe make a difference in a kid's life.' I was partnered up with Colton when he was in second grade."
Steve Hill, who works at Benson Financial Group, started mentoring senior Da'Marion Williams when he was also in elementary school.
Mentee Colton Horstmeyer said his mentor has made the world of difference in his life.
"I've had some ups and downs in real life," Horstmeyer said. "Jason has just been there. He helped me get through it. He told me that one bad thing can either spiral you to do more bad things or you can learn kind of having helped me being great. Just turn up and make the best out of a bad situation."
That's what make Jason Nichols and Steve Hill this month's KHQA Hometown Heroes.
KHQA would like to thank our sponsors, Peters Heating and Air and Hilbing Autobody, for making our Hometown Hero series possible.
If you would like to nominate anyone as our next hometown hero, click here.
