05/18/2026
✨We’re so excited about this news from CCMS✨
Cleburne County Middle School is proud to announce that the CCMS Volunteer Mentoring Program, led by school counselor Jennifer Swafford, has been recognized by Character.org as a National Promising Practice for 2026. Character.org, a leading advocate for character development across schools and communities worldwide, selected only 290 programs across the nation to receive this distinction.
The CCMS Volunteer Mentoring Program reflects the heart of CCMS and its mission of “Connecting People to Resources and Resources to People.” Through meaningful relationships with community volunteers, mentors, school staff, and student leaders, the program focuses on building character, encouragement, belonging, leadership, and positive decision-making for students in grades 5–7.
Under the leadership of Mrs. Swafford, the mentoring program has become an important part of the culture at CCMS by connecting students with caring adults who invest their time, encouragement, and life experiences into the next generation of Tigers. Community partnerships with local businesses, churches, civic leaders, law enforcement, former students, and volunteers continue to demonstrate what makes Cleburne County such a special place.
Character.org noted that this year’s recognized practices focused on fostering caring relationships, empowering student voice and leadership, inspiring service, promoting intrinsic character development, and strengthening family and community engagement — all values deeply embedded in the CCMS counseling program and mentoring initiatives.
“At CCMS, we believe relationships change lives,” said Jennifer Swafford. “When students know they are valued, supported, and encouraged by their school and community, amazing things happen. This recognition belongs to every mentor, volunteer, teacher, community partner, and student who helps make CCMS a place where people truly matter.”
The CCMS Volunteer Mentoring Program joins other nationally recognized CCMS initiatives that continue to highlight the school’s commitment to character education, student leadership, and community engagement.