Inside the Balinbin Mentor Group

by Chris Laylo

At O’Dea High School mentor group is more than just a short break time throughout the day. For students like Jalen Armstead, he calls it a place that’s built on connections, energy, and leadership.

Jalen is a junior and mentor group captain who has spent this past school year helping lead the mentor group, along with Amani Caesar and Mr. Balinbin, to build a strong sense of community. He says that a typical day in the Mentor Group is always loud and social with kids from all grades always having conversation and connecting with each other.

The Balinbin Mentor Group has built its reputation for being full of genuine people bringing a positive environment every day. Jalen also highlighted classmates like Brady Curran and Evan Prokop as key members of the Mentor Group who carry on this legacy.

Amani Caesar says the same -- that the mentor group is always active, whether it be through students competing in ping pong, playing board games, or even just getting work done for other classes. “Guys aren’t on their phone -- they’re always talking to someone and connecting daily,” Caesar states.

Leadership remains a key part of the mentor group. Amani highlights Jalen as someone who always stands out. He says that he is

“always ready to stand up and lead,” whether it’s a small group or the entire class.

In a place built on brotherhood, Mr. Balinbin’s Mentor Group continues to show how leadership, energy, and connection continue to bring students together every single day.