Ray Ramer

Ramer talks through how not to make the mistake again. He will even get out on the playground to play tag.

Sometimes, the game stops and talking takes over.

"In twenty years, these boys won't remember who won or lost a match, but they will remember who sat across the chessboard from them," Ramer said.

Some children have problems Ramer cannot fix. But there are many sunny days, as he calls them, in which he works himself out of a job, because children move on when they get involved with positive activities.

Pam Scott has been director of the mentoring program, working in community relations for Cy-Fair for 20 years. She hosts training sessions for mentors, and Ramer shows up each time to give his testimony.

"Ray is a generous man with his time," Scott said. "He is kind and community-spirited. Ray gives of himself—not just his time—but his 100 percent attention. When he makes a commitment to show up on campus, they can count on him. Kids 'get' him. Ray makes a positive impact by walking the talk, inspiring them."

Ramer has no plans to quit mentoring. If anything, he hopes to encourage others to volunteer within the district, especially men.

"You become old if you don't see youth," Ramer said. "I have fun, and I am blessed more than they are."