Pete Bank - An Inspirational Mentor

A mentor is someone who sees more in you than you do yourself.

Peter Bank and Ms. Emily Blumenthal with a 2025-26 student.

Many of Oakland Serves mentors help students stay or get back on track.  And some, like Peter Bank, inspire them.

​For two years, Pete, a retired structural engineer, has been working in Ms. Blumenthal's math class at Oakland High School. “Pete is such an amazing mentor and a wonderful asset to my classroom community. He knows how to make math feel fun and approachable and really connects to all of my students” she said.

Ms. Blumenthal related a story about one of last year’s students who was formerly an English Language Learner: “I've seen the student's understanding blossom as a result of his partnership with Pete. This student is now a consistent "A" student and is interested in pursuing more elective math classes to continue on a path towards engineering.”

​Mentoring is an opportunity to learn for mentors as well.  “I’ve learned to appreciate the importance of gaining a student’s trust” Pete said. In addition, he was impressed with how polite and mature all the students were at OHS. Pete uses a cane and appreciated students offering to assist when he moves about. “We all need help” he said.  

Thank you Pete for your work as a mentor and for inspiring all of us!