Fri Apr 11 13:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Killeen Mentorship Program Founder Calls for Proactive Action After Teen’s Death
**KILLEEN, TX** – Following the tragic death of 14-year-old Serenity Baker, Dalton Rudd, founder of the Boys Matter to Men mentorship program, is urging Killeen ISD to take proactive steps to prevent future tragedies. Rudd addressed the Killeen ISD school board, emphasizing the need for immediate and sustained action beyond reactive measures.
Baker’s death has shaken the Killeen community, prompting Rudd to call for increased access for mentorship programs like his within schools. Boys Matter to Men provides young boys with guidance, structure, and emotional support, aiming to address underlying issues contributing to violence.
Rudd believes the district’s response has been insufficient, stating that the incident affected the entire community and requires a long-term solution, not just immediate reactions. He criticized the current focus on response over proactive measures, stating, “We’re still responding, and we’re not developing anything to be proactive.”
Despite acknowledging the legal complexities involved, Rudd’s primary request is for consistent access to schools for his program. He contends that increased presence of mentorship programs could prevent future incidents, stating, “If my program had been in that school, I believe this incident could’ve been prevented.”
Rudd’s message to Killeen ISD and the community is clear: student safety requires proactive engagement, not solely reactive responses. He is calling for a collaborative effort between local groups, organizations, and school leaders to maintain the current momentum for change and implement lasting solutions.
First Piper 