Mentee of the Month-LaVaughn Miranda

LaVaughn Miranda is recognized as the March 2019 DonCARES of Philadelphia, Inc. Mentee of the Month. Miranda was selected because of his commitment to his education and his perseverance in dealing with life's challenges. Miranda is currently a Senior at The U School and very passionate about football and has been a member of DonCARES of Philadelphia, Inc. since 2017.

DonCARES Executive Director Donovan Forrest met Miranda during a Man-Up Discussion during the 2016-2017 school year when Forrest taught him how to tie a necktie. Throughout the following school year, Forrest would run into Miranda outside and in the school building. In September 2017, Miranda told Forrest that he still had the tie Forrest gave him and that he planned to wear it to graduation. After their initial meeting in June 2017, Forrest matched Miranda with a mentor from Temple University.

LaVaughn's mentor is Jordan Smith, a graduating senior and theater major at Temple University. In addition to being involved in theatrical productions, Smith is an avid reader, a member of the Progressive NAACP, and a well-traveled scholar. During their meetings together, the two scholars talk about life, education, and college plans.

After high school, Miranda plans to attend a junior college where he can excel academically and walk-on to the football team. DonCARES Founder describes LaVaughn as a intelligent young man who will exceed in life. "When I think about LaVaughn, I immediately think of how inquisitive he is. That's a key characteristic of intelligence. He wants to know what's going on. That's an admirable trait." Forrest says.