Empowering Dreams: ASPIRE Program at The Dalles High School

Yamari Santillan-Guzman receiving mentorship from Bill Noonan through the ASPIRE program.

by Stephanie Bowen

The Dalles, Ore., October 16, 2023 — At the heart of many college dreams and student aspirations at The Dalles High School is a program that is quite literally, changing lives.

ASPIRE stands for "Access to Student Assistance Programs in Reach of Everyone," and it embodies the state of Oregon's official mentoring program. Its mission is simple yet profound: to empower students with the knowledge and support they need to navigate the path toward higher education and future success.

 ASPIRE volunteer mentors work one-on-one with students throughout the year, providing them with vital information about college options, admissions, and financial aid. A beacon of guidance and hope, ASPIRE, has been helping TDHS students access higher education and pursue their post-grad dreams for nearly a decade. For many students, the pathway post graduation can be daunting, but with the guidance of their dedicated mentors, those dreams become an achievable reality.

Bill Noonan has been one of the volunteers since its beginning here at TDHS, serving alongside his wife Lori Russel.  The dynamic duo has since been guiding the path for many TDHS grads.  “Education has always meant a tremendous amount to me,” he remarks of the driving force behind becoming a mentor.  Working with about 3 students each year, Noonan has dedicated countless hours of his time and expertise; navigating college entrance essays, scholarships, and, as he explains, ‘stretching’ student dreams. 

“I remember my first student, he told me he wanted to be an auto mechanic,” Noonan recalls. After getting to know him a bit and seeing his potential, he  threw out a different idea, “I asked him, what about becoming a mechanical engineer?” He remembers the student’s eyes going wide.  

A few short years later, that student ended up graduating as a Mechanical Engineer from the Oregon Institute of Technology, and with a scholarship that Noonan helped him secure.  

“I don’t push students, I just give them a little nudge,” he remarks.

The ASPIRE Program began its journey in Oregon with just four pilot schools in 1998. Since then, it has grown exponentially and currently operates in an impressive 115 sites across the state. Its expansion reflects the increasing need for guidance and support in the ever-evolving landscape of postsecondary education.

A cornerstone of ASPIRE's success is its community of adult volunteers, Like Noonan and Russell, who generously donate their time and expertise to mentor students. These volunteers become pillars of support, offering invaluable insights and encouragement to young minds.

ASPIRE is also committed to educating students and their families about the scholarship application process and other options for paying for postsecondary education. Financial barriers should never stand in the way of ambition and potential.

This year, Noonan gets the unique opportunity of being a mentor to a sibling of one of his previous students. Yamari Santillan-Guzman, a TDHS Senior, already has about 13 college applications in the works, but she’s currently working on a special one.  A rival Ivy League to that of her older brother’s.  Yamari’s brother, Yahir, is now a Junior at Harvard and he too was under Noonan’s wing as an ASPIRE student. 

TDHS graduates Yahir Santillan Left (Junior at Harvard), Jasmine Elias Right (freshman at Brown). To read Yahir’s story of getting into Harvard click here.

She’s been using her mentoring time to fine-tune her applications, navigating prompts and character limits, all while making a lasting impression on the entrance committee. Noonan is quick to tap into her ideas, helping her to dig deeper.

And while volunteers like Noonan have undoubtedly shaped the future of many students walking out of The Dalles High, “You receive more than you get,” he reflects.

The ASPIRE Program at The Dalles High School and its presence across Oregon is not just about education; it's about empowerment. It's about turning aspirations into achievements, and dreams into reality. By providing students with knowledgeable, caring mentors and a community of support, ASPIRE ensures that no dream is too big and no goal is out of reach.

TDHS ASPIRE is always looking for volunteer mentors.  If you are interested, or know someone who might be, in getting involved, contact Elaine Powrie at powriee@nwasco.k12.or.us to get started. No experience necessary.