UCLI is entering its fifth year of the mentoring program with Mr. John Arthur’s 6th grade class at Meadowlark Elementary in the Rose Park neighborhood of Salt Lake City. The school educates about 400 students, 98% of whom are economically disadvantaged and 90% of whom come from diverse backgrounds.
To help improve the proficiency of his students, Mr. Arthur – known as “Captain” by his students – collaborated with his friend Melina Shiraldi, an attorney in the Salt Lake City US Attorney’s Office, to create the Meadowlark Mentoring initiative. This program, which brings attorneys into the classroom every week to mentor students in writing skills, has become very popular and is one of the most long-standing and rewarding initiatives UCLI has been involved in.
On most Fridays during the school year, 20-30 attorneys visit Mr. Arthur’s classroom to help students improve their creative and persuasive writing skills. In recent years, attorney mentors have invited the class to visit their law firm offices and even the Utah Supreme Court. This year will be no different. The 2024-2025 attorney mentors joined a kick-off party on October 1 to discuss their lives as lawyers and participate in a group activity with the kids, where they respectfully debated different topics. The class then enjoyed donuts and a kickball game, allowing students to interact with the various visiting attorneys and interns. The event was successful and enjoyable for all involved!
UCLI is grateful for Mr. Arthur and his outstanding students, and for the wonderful attorneys who devote time to this great cause every week. We are excited for the growth and relationships that will be built this upcoming year. There are still a few volunteer spots remaining; if you are interested in participating as a mentor, please get in touch with UCLI at .
The Meadowlark Mentors with their students after a close round of kickball
Meadowlark students enjoying their donuts
UCLI staff, attorneys, and interns chatting with the students
Treat time!
