3 Ways to Thank an Athlete Mentor

Forming meaningful connections with a Classroom Champions Athlete Mentor can be a transformative experience for classrooms. Classroom Champions has been at the forefront of this unique educational approach, bridging the gap between athletic excellence and the pursuit of academic success.

As students and educators engage with their dedicated Athlete Mentors, the impact extends far beyond the classroom walls. The mentorship relationships formed with these extraordinary individuals are nothing short of inspiring, and what better way to acknowledge their invaluable contributions than by expressing gratitude?

In this blog post, we’ll explore three heartfelt ways your Classroom Champions Classroom can express their gratitude and appreciation for the Athlete Mentors who light up their educational journey. So, let’s dive in and discover how you can make a lasting impression while thanking your Athlete Mentor for their unwavering support and mentorship.

We are excited to send a huge THANK YOU to the 180+ athletes who have mentored students, provided their lessons and experiences, and represented Classroom Champions over the last 9 years… while training and competing!

Just last week, we had Classroom Champions mentors in China, Austria, Italy, Norway, Germany…. all bringing their travels, experiences, and growth mindset lessons into their classrooms.

Where are Classroom Champions mentors? Last week they were…. everywhere!

How to thank your Athlete Mentor for all they’ve done for your classroom

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1. Thank your Athlete via Social Media

In the digital age, expressing gratitude is just a click away, and Classroom Champions classrooms can harness the power of social media to thank their Athlete Mentors in a heartwarming and public way.

Posting on social media platforms allows you to showcase the genuine appreciation and the incredible impact your mentor has had on your classroom’s journey. Whether it’s a heartfelt message, a creative shoutout, or a collage of memorable moments, sharing your experiences with the world makes your Athlete Mentor feel cherished and gives the Athlete Mentor inspiration to keep Mentoring.

How to post on social media about your Athlete Mentor

• Express Sincere Gratitude: Begin your post with a heartfelt message that genuinely expresses your gratitude and appreciation for your Athlete Mentor. Be specific about how they’ve made a difference in your classroom’s life and learning journey.
• Highlight Impact: Share stories or anecdotes that illustrate the positive impact your mentor has had on your classroom and personal growth. This can help others understand the significance of their involvement.
• Use Visuals: Visual content is engaging and memorable. Include photos or videos of your classroom activities with your mentor, showcasing the moments that have meant the most to you.
• Tag Your Mentor: Make sure to tag your Athlete Mentor’s official social media accounts, if available. This ensures that they see your message and feel appreciated.
• Tag Classroom Champions: Make sure to tag Classroom Champion’s official social media accounts. This ensures that we see your message and can re-share.
• Engage Your Audience: Encourage interaction by asking questions or inviting your audience to share their thoughts or experiences with Classroom Champions and Athlete Mentors. This fosters a sense of community and solidarity.

2. Mail your Athlete Mentor thank you cards and letters

In the spirit of gratitude and connection, a Classroom Champions Classroom can express their appreciation to their Athlete Mentor in a heartfelt way by mailing them letters from the class. This personal touch not only showcases the students’ growth and learning but also deepens the bond between the classroom and the mentor. It’s a wonderful way to say “thank you” for the inspiration, guidance, and support that Athlete Mentors provide, reminding them that their influence goes far beyond the digital realm and into the hearts of the students they’ve impacted.

Use these tips to write to your Athlete Mentor:

• Plan a Letter-Writing Day: Dedicate a class session to composing heartfelt letters to your Athlete Mentor.
• Encourage Creativity: Let students express themselves through drawings, poems, or stories in addition to written letters.
• Personalize Each Letter: Ensure every student contributes, sharing their individual experiences and growth.
• Express Gratitude: Encourage students to express how their mentor has inspired and influenced them.
• Include Highlights: Share memorable moments and lessons learned during the mentorship.
• Provide Updates: Inform your mentor about your class’s achievements and progress since their involvement.
• Show Appreciation: Express your class’s appreciation for the mentor’s dedication and time.
• Encourage Reflection: Ask students to reflect on the positive changes they’ve experienced through the mentorship.
• Add Personal Touches: Decorate the letters with colorful artwork and encourage students to sign their names individually.
• Coordinate Mailing: Collect and organize the letters, and send them as a group to make the process smooth and efficient.
• Include a Thank-You Note: Add a note from the teacher or coordinator to express gratitude on behalf of the class.
• Use Snail Mail: Traditional mail adds a personal touch and makes the gesture even more special.
• Encourage Responses: Invite your Athlete Mentor to respond with their thoughts and reflections. Include a pre-postmarked envelope for your Athlete Mentor
• Continue Building the Connection: Let your mentor know that the classroom looks forward to maintaining the bond, even after the program ends.

Show your Athlete how their message resonates with a Community Project

Throughout the year, your Athlete Mentor is sharing about the importance of Community. To recognize how their Athlete Mentor’s remarkable Athlete Mindset on Community has deeply resonated with them, complete a Community Project for your community!

A bonus is that the project’s impact extends beyond the tangible results, forging a powerful connection that underscores the importance of teamwork, dedication, and the ability to make a positive difference in their community.

By passing it forward you can SHOW your mentor how much their mentorship means to you, like Dena Morosin’s class did by collecting thousands of socks in response to their mentor Josh Prenot’s community service challenge! Read more here.

Use this Community Project Toolkit to get started:

Download the Toolkit here!

Let’s thank our mentors today and every day!