ARTICLE
Bridging the Gap: Academy 4 Volunteers Mentor the Next Generation in Birdville ISD In the heart of the Birdville Independent School District (BISD), a quiet but powerful transformation happens once a month. It isn’t led by new technology or a revised curriculum, but by something much more human: relationships. At the center of this movement are volunteers like Troy and Kristy Dunn of Troy Dunn Insurance, who have dedicated their time to Academy 4, a unique mentoring program that pairs community leaders with fourth graders to build character, leadership, and hope. Why Fourth Grade? Academy 4 focuses on 4th graders because it is a pivotal "turning point" year in a child’s development. It’s the age where students transition from "learning to read" to "reading to learn," and where their self-image begins to solidify. In Birdville ISD, the program serves several campuses—including Alliene Mullendore, Cheney Hills, and Jack C. Binion Elementary—ensuring that every fourth grader on those campuses has a mentor. This inclusive "all-in" approach removes any stigma and creates a shared culture of leadership across the entire grade level. Meet the Mentors: Troy and Kristy Dunn For Troy and Kristy Dunn, volunteering isn't just about giving back; it's about showing up. As mentors, they join a dedicated group of locals who visit the schools for 90 minutes once a month. Troy Dunn, known to many for his career in reuniting families and his work in leadership training, brings a unique perspective to his mentee. He understands that the strongest foundation a child can have is a consistent, positive connection with an adult who believes in them. Kristy Dunn complements this mission with her own heart for the community. Together, they represent the "it takes a village" mentality that makes Birdville such a special place to live and learn. Through the Academy 4 curriculum, Troy and Kristy help their students navigate the "spark" of leadership. They aren't there to be teachers or parents; they are there to be friends and listeners. "The positive, hope-inspiring influence of mentors on these young lives spills over into the school and the families of the children." — Academy 4 Mission In Their Own Words: A Mentor’s Experience We asked Troy Dunn about his personal experience volunteering with Academy 4. 1. The "Aha!" Moment When asked to describe a specific moment where he connected with his student, Troy shared: "My mentee around the third session really opened up. I believe when he saw I was going to be there every month and not disappear, he really relaxed." 2. The Reciprocal Benefit Regarding what has surprised him most about the fourth graders, Troy noted: "What has surprised me the most is the excitement each month when they come in and see their mentors. You can see the smiles coming as they enter the door." 3. The Curriculum in Action Academy 4 focuses on a different leadership trait each month. Which trait did he find most impactful? "Leadership skills are our focus every month. I feel like my favorite one with my mentee was listening. Not just listening but listening with your whole body and acknowledging the talker respectfully." 4. The Birdville Connection On why Birdville ISD is the perfect place for the program and how it strengthens the local community, Troy explained: "The Academy 4 in Birdville is a perfect district because of the amount of free and reduced lunch recipients and how that correlates to both parents working or single parents and these kids needing a mentor to help guide their growth. The payoff for the mentor is the impact we all try to make on the future of the community through the kids that will one day be leading." 5. The "Call to Action" Motivation For busy business professionals considering volunteering, what is the return on investment for that 90 minutes a month? Troy emphasized: "As a busy person involved in a lot of things, Academy 4 has given me a purpose to get involved with a 4th grader and pass on the information and leadership I have learned. I have always believed whatever I have learned—good and bad—means nothing unless I share with others who can learn from my experiences. To go beyond that, sharing with a future leader of our community who may not learn the skills in his everyday setting has been truly rewarding." The Impact on Birdville ISD The partnership between Academy 4 and Birdville ISD is a win-win for the community: For Students: They gain confidence and a tangible sense that their community cares about their future. For Schools: Teachers report improved behavior and a more positive classroom environment on "Academy 4 Fridays." For Volunteers: People like Troy and Kristy get to see the direct impact of their time, building a bridge between the business community and the next generation of leaders. How You Can Get Involved Academy 4 is always looking for more "Troys and Kristys" to step up. It only takes 90 minutes once a month to change a student’s trajectory. Whether you are a business owner, a retiree, or a busy professional, there is a 4th grader in Birdville ISD waiting to meet you.. Author: Sean McGaughey The Edge Home Finance During your transaction, please DO NOT make any major purchases, job changes, credit requests or deposit cash with your bank without first consulting with me. Your loan approval may depend on it! Confidentiality Notice: The information contained in and transmitted with this communication is strictly confidential, and is intended only for the use of the intended recipient and its affiliates and subsidiaries. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any use of this communication is strictly prohibited by law. If you have received this communication in error, please immediately return this communication to the sender and delete it from your system. To avoid wire fraud: Please CALL the Title Company first to verify information, BEFORE wiring your money. You will NOT receive wiring instructions from me. IMPORTANT NOTICE: Never trust wiring instructions sent via email. Cyber criminals are hacking email accounts and sending emails with fake wiring instructions. These emails are convincing and sophisticated. Always independently confirm wiring instructions in person or via a phone call to a trusted and verified phone number. Never wire money without double-checking that the wiring instructions are correct.
Bridging the Gap: Academy 4 Volunteers Mentor the Next Generation in Birdville ISD
In the heart of the Birdville Independent School District (BISD), a quiet but powerful transformation happens once a month. It isn’t led by new technology or a revised curriculum, but by something much more human: relationships.
At the center of this movement are volunteers like Troy and Kristy Dunn of Troy Dunn Insurance, who have dedicated their time to Academy 4, a unique mentoring program that pairs community leaders with fourth graders to build character, leadership, and hope.
Why Fourth Grade?
Academy 4 focuses on 4th graders because it is a pivotal "turning point" year in a child’s development. It’s the age where students transition from "learning to read" to "reading to learn," and where their self-image begins to solidify.
In Birdville ISD, the program serves several campuses—including Alliene Mullendore, Cheney Hills, and Jack C. Binion Elementary—ensuring that every fourth grader on those campuses has a mentor. This inclusive "all-in" approach removes any stigma and creates a shared culture of leadership across the entire grade level.
Meet the Mentors: Troy and Kristy Dunn
For Troy and Kristy Dunn, volunteering isn't just about giving back; it's about showing up. As mentors, they join a dedicated group of locals who visit the schools for 90 minutes once a month.
Troy Dunn, known to many for his career in reuniting families and his work in leadership training, brings a unique perspective to his mentee. He understands that the strongest foundation a child can have is a consistent, positive connection with an adult who believes in them.
Kristy Dunn complements this mission with her own heart for the community. Together, they represent the "it takes a village" mentality that makes Birdville such a special place to live and learn.
Through the Academy 4 curriculum, Troy and Kristy help their students navigate the "spark" of leadership. They aren't there to be teachers or parents; they are there to be friends and listeners.
"The positive, hope-inspiring influence of mentors on these young lives spills over into the school and the families of the children." — Academy 4 Mission
In Their Own Words: A Mentor’s Experience
We asked Troy Dunn about his personal experience volunteering with Academy 4.
1. The "Aha!" Moment
When asked to describe a specific moment where he connected with his student, Troy shared: "My mentee around the third session really opened up. I believe when he saw I was going to be there every month and not disappear, he really relaxed."
2. The Reciprocal Benefit
Regarding what has surprised him most about the fourth graders, Troy noted: "What has surprised me the most is the excitement each month when they come in and see their mentors. You can see the smiles coming as they enter the door."
3. The Curriculum in Action
Academy 4 focuses on a different leadership trait each month. Which trait did he find most impactful? "Leadership skills are our focus every month. I feel like my favorite one with my mentee was listening. Not just listening but listening with your whole body and acknowledging the talker respectfully."
4. The Birdville Connection
On why Birdville ISD is the perfect place for the program and how it strengthens the local community, Troy explained: "The Academy 4 in Birdville is a perfect district because of the amount of free and reduced lunch recipients and how that correlates to both parents working or single parents and these kids needing a mentor to help guide their growth. The payoff for the mentor is the impact we all try to make on the future of the community through the kids that will one day be leading."
5. The "Call to Action" Motivation
For busy business professionals considering volunteering, what is the return on investment for that 90 minutes a month? Troy emphasized: "As a busy person involved in a lot of things, Academy 4 has given me a purpose to get involved with a 4th grader and pass on the information and leadership I have learned. I have always believed whatever I have learned—good and bad—means nothing unless I share with others who can learn from my experiences. To go beyond that, sharing with a future leader of our community who may not learn the skills in his everyday setting has been truly rewarding."
The Impact on Birdville ISD
The partnership between Academy 4 and Birdville ISD is a win-win for the community:
For Students: They gain confidence and a tangible sense that their community cares about their future.
For Schools: Teachers report improved behavior and a more positive classroom environment on "Academy 4 Fridays."
For Volunteers: People like Troy and Kristy get to see the direct impact of their time, building a bridge between the business community and the next generation of leaders.
How You Can Get Involved
Academy 4 is always looking for more "Troys and Kristys" to step up. It only takes 90 minutes once a month to change a student’s trajectory. Whether you are a business owner, a retiree, or a busy professional, there is a 4th grader in Birdville ISD waiting to meet you..
Author: Sean McGaughey
The Edge Home Finance
During your transaction, please DO NOT make any major purchases, job changes, credit requests or deposit cash with your bank without first consulting with me. Your loan approval may depend on it!
Confidentiality Notice: The information contained in and transmitted with this communication is strictly confidential, and is intended only for the use of the intended recipient and its affiliates and subsidiaries. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any use of this communication is strictly prohibited by law. If you have received this communication in error, please immediately return this communication to the sender and delete it from your system.
To avoid wire fraud: Please CALL the Title Company first to verify information, BEFORE wiring your money. You will NOT receive wiring instructions from me.