Even as a young child, Terry Knighton knew the meaning of being there to help a neighbor in need. "I grew up in a small East Texas community. If there was a problem, everyone rallied around to help out." While in 5th grade, Terry and his family were on the receiving end of community support when their family home burned. A neighbor took them in for four months.

Terry brings this same giving-back philosophy to his professional life as a director in the Silicon Systems Group Austin Manufacturing Operations at Applied Materials, Inc. He encourages the more than 400 manufacturing staff he supervises to give back any way they can. "I've been fortunate to work for companies that have created a culture of giving and supported volunteerism. It's an eye-opening experience. It reminds us to count our blessings."

A 16-year veteran of Applied Materials Terry has a particular affinity to help middle and high school students. "Being a role model and offering them guidance is very important as it's a critical time in their life."

Terry's sentiments are borne out by research that shows that middle school students with at least one supportive adult in their lives are almost twice as likely to graduate from high school as those who do not. United Way Capital Area recognizes this and encourages mentors to sign-up through its 1 Hour for Kids program, which supplies mentors at schools in both Austin and Manor.

Last year, Terry mentored a Manor middle school student who spent time in detention. Terry helped his mentee realize that all things may not require an immediate reaction or response. "Sometimes it is better to stop and think before speaking or acting. There are always alternatives available on how to best handle peer relationships." Terry also provided guidance on personal persistence. "My advice was to figure out how he could overcome roadblocks in his life, versus allowing them to stop all action. For example, how he could find a way to complete homework assignments even without readily available resources."

Terry said many of the families in Manor, a rural town near the Applied Materials facility, struggle to make a living making it much harder for their children to succeed. "It's sometimes hard to imagine that these kids don't have essentials. They don't have role models. If mom and dad are worried about how they are going to feed and clothe their children, they aren't thinking about getting the kids to school."

A Pflugerville resident, Terry said one of the most meaningful ways he helps out is by donating to a food pantry in his community. "I tell my family we're blessed. We can't do it all, but we can do something. It does make a difference."