Students at Jordan Lake School of the Arts participate in a mentorship program.
In this program, mentorship is provided by community members to Levels Four and Three students. Level Four mentors level Three, Level Three and Level Two Students mentor Level One Students. Mentorship program participation is encouraged by grandparents of JLSA students.
The school's mentorship program is run by a special advisor to Jordan Lake School of the Arts, Daniel Svoboda. Below is some information about Daniel:
Daniel Svoboda is a talented artist who overcame his challenges with autism to achieve a prosperous and fufilling life. He has had his artwork included in deals with Southwest Airlines and Sesame Street among others. DJ dedicates himself to improving the community and changing people’s perceptions about being unique.
Here are some words from DJ:
"I was diagnosed with Autism at the age of three. During my school age years I went through some very difficult times. I was often picked on and made fun of. It was from these experiences that The Imagifriends were born. The Imagifriends live in a place called Imagiville. In this imaginary place no one is ever picked on or mistreated in any way. Every-one is loved and accepted for who and what they are. Each Imagifriend that I draw is different. They come in many sizes, colors, and designs. None of them are ever mean or cruel. They each have their own special job and purpose in Imagiville. I want to use The Imagifriends to help others with Autism know that they are special “Just the Way They Are.” I have designed a coloring book for children and written a book about my experiences with Autism. I also draw Imaginames where I take letters of your name and design an Imagifriend andconnect them to make a name. My art was also chosen by The Autism Society of America for their Autism Puzzle Project.
Being Autistic has presented me with many challenges in my life. From those challenges I have learned to never give up. Even those with Autism can make a difference in this world and deserve to be accepted and treated with respect. I donate a portion of all I make to my wonderful church, Hope Community Church and various Autism organizations. I want to thank the Lord for giving me the talent to draw. Thank you and have a great blessed day."
DJ's work can be purchased at: www.myimagiville.com.