Mission Viejo Mentor Goes Above And Beyond To Support Students’ Success

Mission Viejo, California — Behind every thriving student is someone who believed in them. To celebrate these mentors, Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to spotlight the educators, coaches and role models supporting the next generation.

This submission comes from Nola Vroom, who nominated Andrew Douglas Stratton. Know someone who should be recognized? Click here to nominate them to be featured on Patch.

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What is the mentor, coach or educator’s name?

Andrew Douglas Stratton

What is your relationship to them?

Community Member

How have they made an impact?

They have given tirelessly to students and parents of all ages and races. He has been coaching and teaching in different schools and roles since he was a college student, before he was married and had a family of his own. If someone needed a listening ear or money for supplies or an event, he would give it out of his own pocket or find an “angel” to help make it happen. He would sometimes tutor them in their studies as well, and still does, helping them succeed and set goals for themselves.

He has done this in small groups and one-on-one. When he considers them a graduate of this program he has created—without even realizing he had created a “program”—he rewards them with a steak dinner at a nice restaurant, with instructions to dress up. He has even taken them home to change if they arrive in improper clothing, such as sweats. Then they return to the restaurant and enjoy the dinner he promised.

Where do the funds come from? His own pocket, or most likely his credit card. He has created lifelong relationships, helping them achieve their goals and dreams. And he doesn’t stop there—he continues to follow their journeys and reminds them he’s always a phone call away. He’s known to many as “Coach Stratt.” He deserves to be recognized, but he’s so humble he may not even realize they are describing him when his name is called.

What are three words that best describe them?

Christian Man, Humble, and Deserving.

Do you know a teacher, coach or mentor making a difference in your community? Click here to nominate them to be featured on Patch.

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