Bradford, Vt. — A local mentoring project that promotes self-confidence and academic growth in children and adolescents will honor its volunteers with a dinner Tuesday at Colatina Exit.

Attending the event is a good way to support the Mentoring Project of the Upper Valley and its dedicated volunteer mentors, Nancy Jones, the nonprofit’s program coordinator, said in an email. Everyone is invited.

A social hour will start at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets, $35, include a choice of entrees — Tuscan flank steak, pesto plank salmon or eggplant parmesan, and bread, salad, coffee, dessert and soft drinks.

The guest speaker will be Rep. Sarah Copeland-Hanzas, D-Bradford, Vt.

Mentors undergo an extensive application process and background check and receive training before being matched with a young person who has applied to have a mentor, Jones said. They commit to checking in with their “mentees” at least once a week and to spending at least five hours a month engaging in wholesome activities with them.

Adults and students are matched based on geographic location and mutual interests.

The following mentors will be recognized Tuesday: Cindy Clemence, Rick and Emmy Hausman, Tom Kidder, Caroline Nininger, Amy Sherman, and Laurie Williamsom, all of Newbury; Thomas Chapin, Donna Clements, Sam Drazin, Pat Dwyer, Sheena Loschiavo, Betsy Nadeau, Monique Priestley and Holly Young, all of Bradford, Vt. Volunteer mentors Steve Tucker, of East Corinth; Penny Sirjane, of Thetford; and Rob Elder, of Piermont, will also be honored.

Tickets are available at Colatina Exit on North Main Street, Swenson Insurance Agency on Main Street, or by calling 802-439-3562.

— Staff report