Mentor Sammie Lee Hill Having earned the nickname “Mentor Hill,” Sammie Lee Hill, San Francisco native and retired San Pablo police officer, served as a mentor to countless youth while working at Richmond High School. During his time there, Hill created the Student Principal of the Year Program in 2007, which is an educational program aimed to help enlighten high school seniors to what it is like to be a principal by allowing students to perform as the school principal for an entire day. This educational project has been used at other schools though out the nation as well as international. In addition to positively influencing kids through his mentoring work throughout his community, Hill is a passionate song writer and lyricist actively involved in the American Society of Composers, Authors & Publishers (ASCAP) and the Songwriters Guild of America (SGA). While Hill has created many songs on his own as well as through collaborative efforts, one song in particular stands out as a shining example how music can reach so many individuals, youth and adults alike. Since being written in 1999 Mentor has become known as the international theme song for mentors across the globe. Since the release of the Mentor song Hill has received several awards and recognition honoring the significance of the song’s message, including praise from President George W. Bush in September of 2000. In May of 2000 Hill received a letter from George Miller, former representative for the 7th district of California, in which Miller wrote to congratulate him on his Mentor song being selected by the California Legislature as the official theme song for Mentor Appreciation Day of 2000. “Your song combines the spirit of building self-reliance and creating community which mentoring engenders,” wrote Miller. “Your song will be a very positive influence on youth in our community.” “My heart, my mind and my love is reachin’ out for you. I know there’s nothin’ you cannot do. So reach, reach for the sky and do all you can. Someday you will understand that I’m your mentor,” reads the chorus. With a strong impactful message that is repeated throughout the song, Hill has said that he has absolutely no doubts that the song will eventually be performed by a major music artist. I will show you the way…to succeed in life “MENTOR” But first, you gotta promise me that you do things right Life is hard; we all know this is true But no matter what comes…I will stand by you Think positive and fulfill your dream No matter how difficult it may seem___ I’m your MENTOR______ I’m givin’ back to my community So that you and I can work…in unity Forget about the past…that we all done wrong Now is the time to stand tall and be strong This will be your decision…and your ultimate choice Now it’s time to celebrate and rejoice___ I’m your MENTOR______ Chorus: My heart…my mind…and my love is reachin’ out for you I know there’s nothin’ that you can not do So reach…reach for the sky…and do all you can Someday you will understand___ That I’m your MENTOR______ Repeat Chorus: Original Lyrics by: Sammie Lee Hill Copyright. © 1999
Contra Costa Marketplace - Feb 2016
To see the actual publication please follow the link above