CHAMPIAGN, IL (Chambana Today) – A former C-U One to One mentee from the Unit 4 school district, and his mentor, are now working together at U of I Facilities and Services. Chris Cook, an electrician at U of I Facilities and Services began mentoring Anthony Howell in 2014, when Anthony was in 4th grade at Booker T. Washington School in Champaign. Chris and Anthony met weekly until he graduated from Central High School in May of 2023. During his junior year, Anthony (he prefers to be called Tone,) expressed interest in the trades, most notably, carpentry.

The C-U One to One program matches mentors with mentees based on their compatibility, interests, and needs.

Chris talked to him about a trade career and helped Tone learn more about the Construction Trades Programs at Parkland. Tone enrolled in the program in 2023, received a Construction Certificate in 2024, and was hired by the Facilities and Services Carpentry Department in 2024.

Chris was so influential in Tone’s life that Tone wanted to pay it forward and give back to another student. Tone is now signed up to
become a mentor at Booker T. Washington. Chris has also signed up to mentor a new student at the school. Tone and Chris will both attend new mentor training together in early October.