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2008 Mentor of the Year
Retired Teacher Continues Giving Back to Youth
and Recognized as 2008 Mentor of the Year |
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Mr. Dennis Hafeli with current mentee, Darryl Jackson (left),
at 2008 Mentor Recognition Dinner |
For the past five years, in collaboration with the Metro Detroit Mentor Collaboration, Student Mentor Partners has honored and recognized mentors who perform above and beyond the requirements of their mentoring role. This year’s honoree, Mr. Dennis Hafeli, was recognized for his volunteerism and unwavering dedication to his mentee, Darryl Jackson, on January 31, 2008 at the San Marino Club in Troy, MI.  “He is not only a mentor to me, he has become a friend and idol in some ways. I feel lucky and blessed to have had the opportunity to sit, eat and have conversation with Mr. Hafeli, and lucky enough to have a mentor that cares enough about me to travel back and forth from Port Austin to see me. He brings so many things to the table, but the two
most important in my opinion are spunk and character. I have learned numerous things from Mr. Hafeli in the way that he carries himself, and because of Mr. Hafeli, I too want to become a mentor,” says mentee Darryl Jackson about his mentor Dennis Hafeli. It was in part these words that won Dennis the 2008 Mentor of the Year Award with Student Mentor Partners.
Dennis has been mentoring Darryl since August 2005 and has committed to mentoring him until his graduation from high school in May 2009. He retired three years ago after spending 38 years in education as an English Teacher, Assistant Principal, Coach and Counselor. Dennis was one of those educators who loved virtually every moment of his career, mainly because of the terrific young men and women with whom he was able to interact. According to Dennis, “mentoring has given me the opportunity to continue that one-to-one interaction and I feel truly blessed to have Darryl as my mentee.” “Darryl’s presence in my life has added a real sense of purpose and pride.” Together, they have developed a genuine comfort and rapport treasured by each of them.
 Dennis and Darryl spend well over the required four hours a month together, in fact they have spent close to 500 hours together in the 2 ½ years they have known one another. Dennis and Darryl meet for breakfast before school on a regular basis to discuss Darryl’s school activities, homework, sports accomplishments and social life. Dennis has become a true father figure in Darryl’s life since he is being raised in a single parent home. Dennis attends all of his sporting events and regularly meets with his teachers and school administrators to monitor his academic progress. Dennis’ ability to always give encouragement and positive feedback, even when Darryl struggles at school or makes a mistake, is a quality that truly makes Dennis a special mentor. Due to the involvement of Dennis in his life, Darryl has excelled at DeLaSalle Collegiate High School and is currently
considering several colleges to further his education. One highlight of their special relationship occurred at a Super Bowl black tie event held at the Fox Theatre in Detroit. Dennis and Darryl were given complimentary balcony tickets for the event. Dennis used his “gift of gab” and his many connections to get into the VIP area of the event on the main floor where he was able to introduce Darryl to sport figures, dignitaries, and corporate leaders, including the current mayor of Detroit Kwame Kilpatrick and former mayor Dennis Archer. Darryl got his picture taken with both mayors, sports celebrities and CEOs of the Big Three. Dennis and Darryl even got invited to sit down at one of the VIP tables and ate a five-course meal that was offered to VIP guests only.
That night, Darryl’s mom stated, “Darryl came home and woke me up, proudly stating that this had been the best day of his life!” If it weren’t for his mentor Dennis Hafeli, Darryl would never have had that opportunity to meet so many important people.
Dennis has been married for 41 years to Dawn and enjoys visiting his children and grandchildren. Dennis is an avid Detroit Tigers fan, and spends his free time singing with his “oldies” band and performing in community theatre, particularly in the thumb area town of Port Austin, Michigan where he owns a second home.
Congratulations Dennis!
Past Mentor Honorees
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