On May 29, 2026, the Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP) Parent Mentor Program hosted its annual local Parent Mentor Celebration at Lionel Hampton Fine & Performing Arts Elementary School. The event brought together Parent Mentors from across SWOP’s participating schools to celebrate their accomplishments, recognize their commitment to their school communities, and mark the close of another successful school year.
The celebration was filled with joy, laughter, and reflection as Parent Mentors, school leaders, organizers, and supporters gathered to honor the work. Representatives from each of SWOP’s Parent Mentor schools were in attendance, creating an opportunity to celebrate not only individual achievements but also the collective impact of the program across the Southwest Side.
One of the highlights of the event was hearing from school principals who have seen firsthand the difference Parent Mentors make in their buildings. Several principals took time to share their appreciation for the program, speaking about the positive influence Parent Mentors have on students, classrooms, and school culture. Their remarks also reflected a strong commitment to continuing the Parent Mentor Program in their schools and supporting parents as leaders in education.
The celebration also gave Parent Mentors an opportunity to share their own experiences. Several parents offered heartfelt testimonies about what the program has meant to them and their families. They spoke about the courage it took to step outside of their comfort zones and become more involved in their children’s education. For many, joining the Parent Mentor Program was the first step toward discovering their own leadership potential.
Parents reflected on the encouragement they received from SWOP organizers and fellow Parent Mentors throughout their journey. Whether it was learning to advocate for their children, building confidence in their abilities, or finding a supportive community of peers, many shared how the program challenged them to keep growing and continue taking on new opportunities.
The event also provided an opportunity for SWOP’s Parent Mentor Organizers to recognize each school cohort. Organizers highlighted the dedication, hard work, and contributions of the parents they work alongside throughout the year, celebrating the unique strengths that each group brings to the program.
As the school year comes to a close, the Parent Mentor Celebration served as a reminder of what makes the program so impactful: parents who are willing to step forward, support one another, and invest in the success of their children and communities. Through their commitment, Parent Mentors continue to strengthen schools, build relationships, and create pathways for greater parent engagement and leadership.
The celebration was a reflection of the lasting impact Parent Mentors have in their schools every day. As the program looks ahead to the coming year, the stories shared during the celebration demonstrated that when parents are empowered to lead, entire school communities benefit.
