South Tahoe grad starts "Pay it Forward" scholarship and mentor program

Knowing that not all South Lake Tahoe kids plan on heading to a four-year college, John McDougall wanted to help those students find their vocational path.

And he is accomplishing this in two ways: Pay it Forward Scholarships and with a High School Mentoring Program.

"I'm helping kids that are taking the vocational path," said the 1972 South Tahoe high graduate.

McDougall's mentoring program brings together kids interested in learning a certain skill or about a business with locals who have that expertise. Recent mentors include a mechanic from Cardinale Way, a firefighter, restaurant owner and a probation officer. Sherry Hawks, a local nail salon owner will be speaking with STHS kids soon as will Nancy Chandler, a career planning specialist. Nancy will guide the students on how to fill out job applications as well as how to dress for interviews.

"Whatever the kids or schools want," McDougall said, "I'll find them someone who can come and talk to them."

He had requests to bring in a Hispanic business owner to speak to students, so he contacted the owner of Carpet Network who will be heading to STHS soon. Mentors are also working with students at Whittell High School.

Mentors either speak to kids one-on-one or whole groups at a time, depending what is requested. Anyone interested in either mentoring, or having you student mentored, contact Lori Nelson at South Tahoe High's counseling office. At Whittell, contact counselor Estela Gerlinger.

Pay it Forward Scholarships at South Tahoe High were set up by McDougall through the El Dorado Community Foundation. Three years ago he came up with the idea of receipients learning how to give back to the local community once they start their careers. All applicants must write an essay about "paying it forward." They've even started carrying books on the subject at the school to spread the word.

He set up his endowment with the foundation since they'll take care of all the red tape the 501(c)3 requirements bring with them.

McDougall is serving the youth of South Lake Tahoe in another way too, one that has been in the works to be rolled out this year. He wants a culinary arts student in high school to be mentored through Lake Tahoe Community College and then into a career. The recipient will be someone who has the passion for success and wants to stay in the community. Counselors and teachers will select the student they feel is deserving and has the best chance for success. He's set it up so LTCC will award this student a two year scholarhip. After graduation there will be job opportunities.

A great example of "paying it forward" from this Tahoe Douglas Rotarian. Many of McDougall's fellow Rotarians have gone to the schools as mentors and they are also lined up in the future.