Norfolk, VA

Mr. James Graves is a high school technology teacher and wrestling coach in Newport News, Virginia, where he leads the after-school and Saturday program for students with disciplinary issues.

Since 1991, Mr. Graves has dedicated his spare time to serve the community and make a difference in the lives of the young men and women with whom he comes in contact. From 1991 to 1997, he worked as Resident Hall Director for Hampton University where he provided counseling to young men and women about emotional issues, and served as a football chaplain. During this time, he also assisted the Dean of Men with investigations and hearings for students in violation of campus drug policies. In 2006, Mr. Graves received the Strayer University Outstanding Alumni Award as a result of the impact he made at the University.

Mr. Graves continues to work as a youth and educational ambassador for his church and is an ordained minister with aspirations of becoming a pastor. Today, he heads the non-profit organization called Operation Think Smart that helps at-risk youth overcome behavioral problems and troubled pasts. Since it was founded 10 years ago, Operation Think Smart has paired more than 1,500 young men and women with over 600 college-student mentors.