As a not-for-profit cooperative, Piedmont Advantage Credit Union understands the importance of giving back to our communities.

That’s why we highly value our connection with the Winston-Salem Street School (WSSS), a private alternative high school serving the at-risk youth of the Greater Winston-Salem area of North Carolina.

On Tuesday, October 7th, 10 of our awesome PACU team members joined WSSS and its many other partners and donors at their Sylvia Shelton Memorial Fall Luncheon.

At the luncheon, WSSS shared updates on the impact they are having on students’ lives, and special remarks from a student-mentor duo who perfectly embody how any challenge can be overcome when one has the confidence to achieve their goals and the support of their friends, school and community behind them.

The student, Gabe Sweat, first heard about WSSS from his mother and decided to attend when he realized continuing in public school would not benefit him.

Transitioning to WSSS was not easy at first, Sweat admitted. He often kept to himself. However, as time passed and he got more involved in the WSSS basketball team, things started to change. That’s also when he met his mentor, Guy Morgan.

Morgan, a former WSSS board member and basketball player for Wake Forest University and the Indiana Pacers, connected with Sweat both on and off the courts.

“A lesson he taught me that stood out was to go wherever your heart sets you,” Sweat said. “You may think you want to do one thing, and then one day that switches, but it’s okay to change what you want to do.”

Sweat says that his biggest takeaway, not only from Morgan being his mentor, but also from attending WSSS, is how much more confident he is in his future.

“I feel ready for my future,” Sweat said. “I know I want to further my education after high school, but I am taking my senior year to decide between pursuing a trade or the medical field.”

At WSSS, 73 other high school students are enrolled in the on-site day program with similar stories to Sweat’s. And, PACU is honored to play a role in how WSSS gives these students the skills and opportunities to reach their goals.

For more information about WSSS, click here.