WATERLOO - Waterloo Community Schools needs new recruits for its team of mentors.

The second annual Be A Mentor event took on an athletic theme Thursday in the East High School commons, complete with a pep band and cheerleaders.

The University of Northern Iowa's pep band played for about 35 people who showed up, including organizers. Cheerleaders from UNI and Wartburg College cheered for the cause. Featured speakers were drawn from UNI athletics programs.

Emceed by KWWL-TV's sports anchor Rick Coleman, it kicked off the district's efforts to double its number of in-school mentors to 500. Mentors are paired with a student, whom they visit weekly during the school day.

Employees from Big Brothers Big Sisters, which oversees the district program, were dressed in black-and-white-striped referee uniforms. Lannia Syren, executive director of the organization, said that is because their job is similar to what referees and coaches do.

"We are there to guide people into becoming mentors," she said.

UNI women's basketball coach Tanya Warren told the audience a mentor is "someone who goes above and beyond to make a positive impression on one's life."

"The impact that you can have on young people, even when you're spending one hour is tremendous," said Rick Hartzell, UNI athletic director.

Maggie Burger came with Irving Elementary School fifth-grader Adrianna Miller, the girl she has mentored for the past year. The pair may spend time outside or get ice cream nearby when Burger visits. She even brought friends and cupcakes to celebrate Miller's birthday.

"I've met other mentors, I've met teachers and staff throughout the school district," said Burger, who works for Speer Financial in Waterloo. "It's a wonderful experience. I've learned a lot, and I value the friendships that I've made."

Cora Turner, the district's director of student services, said mentoring builds confidence and character in students. It also impacts how well students do in school.

"School-based mentoring is helping our district close achievement gaps," she said. "Just having a person to listen just means a lot to a child."

"The things that you do with these kids, the things you say to these kids stick with them and guide them in their lives," said Panther basketball player and East High graduate Carlton Reed.

He recalled a discussion about goals with a mentor as an elementary school-aged child. Along with telling Reed about setting goals, the mentor explained what he shouldn't do - like get involved with drugs. It's a conversation Reed has thought back to on numerous occasions.

"All it took was that one conversation to help me to do the right thing in life," he said. "The amount of good you're doing for youth is priceless."

Contact Andrew Wind at 291-1507 or andrew.wind@wcfcourier.com.