TeamMates Of The Month
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Harold Dorssom became a mentor after hearing about the TeamMates program from a couple other very active mentors in the Sunrise Kiwanis Club. He became interested in the program and liked the idea of being able to make a difference. It is significant to him that he can be a positive influence in someone else's life.
Harold and Demontre were matched in 2008 when Demontre was in 4th grade. Demontre is currently in 7th grade.
Harold said he is pleased that he has been able to help Demontre set goals and see him achieve them. "It makes me feel good to know that I can help him actually do that.
"Demontre has set goals. He's achieved goals. He's gained confidence to set goals. That has led to him achieve goals. By setting goals and achieving them, he's learned he can guide himself down his own pathways. He can set his own course."
Demontre said he's learned the he likes getting his work done. Harold has helped him practice for upcoming tests.
When they meet, they often play chess. Harold laughingly shared that he has not won more than once in five years!
"Demontre really seems to understand the concept. You've got to watch him. He sets you up and sets traps. He's good at games."
Working with Harold has helped Demontre with self-confidence. He has also enjoyed improved grades, Demontre said.
Demontre is also an artist. Harold proudly added that Demontre is very good. "I can see him working for Hallmark."
Becoming a cartoonist is one of the career paths Demontre is considering. In addition to playing games, they capitalize on Demontre's artistic talents and drawing skills. Demontre likes to create cards for family.
"He's really thoughtful. I'm proud of him for doing that," Harold said.
Domentre countered with a compliment for Harold, "He's a fine person."
Basketball is another of Demontre's interests.
He's a good basketball player and Harold thinks he could probably have a career in that as well. Playing basketball is another way they spend their time together. Additionally, the two of them have gone to the TeamMates basketball games at UNL and Creighton in previous years.
Harold mentioned that Demontre is beginning to take on leadership roles in class. He proudly continued, since they started to meet, Demontre has improved in so many ways.
"I'm really proud of him. He's gained a lot of confidence. He can do whatever he wants to do."
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She started with her first TeamMates student in 2003. She said her first TeamMate taught her how to deal with children who don't have a perfect world to live in.
Kathy strongly believes in the TeamMates program. "It helps students realize there's a future for them after high school. It doesn't have to be a four year college, but there are opportunities." She believes in "never letting kids sell themselves short."
Hope is important. "You have to give them hope and a feeling that the future belongs to them. Their destiny is right there in their hands. Nobody else gets to control their destiny but them."
Also, it is important for the students to know that someone will advocate for them when they need it.
Kathy said being a TeamMate fills a void. After her own children were grown and out of the home, becoming a part of TeamMates gave her an opportunity to get back into the schools. She enjoys being a part of her TeamMates' academics and activities, she likes to cheer them on and be proud of them. "I love to be around teenagers."
Kathy currently mentors Staci and theirs is a unique TeamMates relationship. Kathy is Stacia's aunt in addition to being her TeamMates mentor. They have been meeting since 2005.
When Stacia was in 3rd grade she wanted some academic assistance and Kathy wanted to help. She believed that working within the TeamMates program would be a great option because of the security in place and the opportunities to work within Stacia's class schedule.
Stacia, who is currently in 9th grade, said the part of TeamMates she most appreciates is having individualized time with her aunt. Kathy agrees it is nice that they have special time together.
Stacia said she also likes being able to tell her aunt about what is going on in her life.
"We have a level of trust, don't we?" Kathy responded.
Kathy believes being a TeamMate gives Stacia a focus in school and helps her understand the problems associated with growing up. One of the life-lessons they recently discussed is the process of making good decisions.
Stacia has learned that one way to view a decision is to question who might be affected. "If it hurts you or anybody else, it's a bad decision," Stacia said.
"Everybody makes mistakes. It's what we learn from them and not repeating them," Kathy said.
When they meet for their TeamMates time they spend some of the time playing computer games or cards in addition to talking with each other.
"She's my aunt, but I can tell her almost anything. She helps me when I need help. She gives me advice. She helps with homework."
Stacia hasn't decided on a career path yet, but she is considering becoming a lawyer or perhaps getting into forensic science. She has long had an interest in science and finds her biology class to be a favorite.
Kathy encourages others to be a part of the TeamMates program. "I think more people should reach out and become TeamMates. The impact on their own lives is incredible. Meeting one day a week with a young person adds value not just to the student's life, but to the adult's life. You create a friend forever.
"Stacia and I will always have a special bond."
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Sara loves to cook and enjoys classes about foods and wellness. She's been cooking a long time and she likes to cook "anything and everything." Sara's favorite school subjects are math and English and when she and Carolin meet they sometimes talk about grades and homework, but mostly they just talk. "We talk a lot," Sara said. Sara also credits Carolin with helping her get organized and staying organized.
"Staying organized is an ongoing process for all of us," Carolin said.
Additionally, Carolin said they are already exploring post-secondary education opportunities and job shadowing. Because of Sara's interest in cooking, she's considering a college culinary program.
"I love Sara's enthusiasm. She's a happy person and she makes me smile. Sara's a loyal friend and has lots of potential. She's disciplined and very mature."
Carolin added that one of her favorite facets of the program is that she knows more about today's youth. Sara is in the same generation as Carolin's twenty-something sons. "I value her insight as a young woman in this era which includes all the technology and social media." Also, Sara helps her with social networking and texting abbreviations.
"I have met several of Sara's family members. I've enjoyed lots of family stories, many of them humorous. I feel fortunate to be a part of Sara's life."
They have attended previous TeamMates activities and are looking forward to attending the upcoming TeamMates Recognition Event on Jan 26th.
"We do a lot of stuff together," Sara said. In fact, they have made TeamMates presentations at the Kiwanis Convention in Omaha and at Lincoln Rotary #14. Carolin is the Chairperson of the Rotary and TeamMates Partnership.
"Sara did an incredible public speaking job," Carolin said. At the Kiwanis Convention they were part of breakout sessions and were able to provide information about TeamMates to many Kiwanis members. At Rotary, she spoke to nearly 200 Rotarians and they talked about what their mentoring relationship has meant to them. "Sara finished up with stating that she thought lots of the people at the meeting should be mentors!"
The TeamMates program has been important to Sara. "If I didn't have Carolin in my life, I probably wouldn't have the higher standards that I have now."
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The High School Initiative Grant program features 60 mentors who are matched with 9th graders at North Star, Lincoln High, & Northeast. These mentors and mentees will be able to use the Strength-Finder surveys to pinpoint their strengths. Strengths building will add an additional facet within the relationship building between the mentors and mentees. The goal is for these matches to remain in place until the student graduates from high school.
For their first session, Schuyler and Jerry spent their time chatting, getting acquainted and discovering shared interests.
Schuyler said, "I like computers and electronics and books." He prefers fiction.
Jerry also likes to read and he enjoys novels. Education and teaching have long been a part of his life and while he is semi-retired, he continues to teach. He was the Executive Director of the Nebraska Council of School Administrators and has taught business classes and the University of Nebraska's College of Business Administration for much of his career.
Jerry has been a TeamMates mentor since 2001. Schuyler is Jerry's third mentee. "I was excited to hear that Schuyler has already decided that he wants to graduate from high school and he wants to graduate from college."
Schuyler likes the idea of being in the TeamMates program for many reasons, but he specifically appreciates the opportunity to get to know someone from outside of school and "to have another trusting adult in my life."
Jerry likes being a part of TeamMates because it provides the opportunity to get to know a student and offers a view of student life today. Jerry also hopes that he's able to share some of his experience with the issues that students are dealing with.
Both are excited to be a part of the High School Initiative Grant program. Jerry and Schuyler plan to work together to build on Schuyler's strengths and work to further develop them so Schuyler can reach his goal of high school graduation and college graduation.
As the two planned their next one-hour meeting, Jerry asked Schuyler if he knows how to play chess. Schuyler said he'd belonged to Chess Club in second grade and sometimes plays with his grandfather.
"I want to learn how to play chess," Jerry said excitedly. He's looking forward to playing with Schuyler and also hopes to challenge his grandson after he learns the game - looks like this match is off to a winning start!
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Mohamed and Dr. Doug Christensen have been matched since Mohamed was in the 6th grade. This year, Mohamed recently began as a junior in high school. Mohamed said he appreciates that when he needs someone to talk to, Dr. Christensen is always there.
During their time together, they discuss grades and how Mohamed is doing in school. Chemistry and history are a couple of favorite school subjects. They also talk about social studies, Dr. Christensen said. They discuss the difference in cultures and Mohamed has shared issues that face the country from which he emigrated, Sudan. Dr. Christensen complimented Mohamed on his deep understanding of cultural issues, especially for someone his age.
Dr. Christensen says that he has gained a better understanding of Muslim culture and beliefs and a better understanding of the North/South civil war. They have discussed the social implications regarding both racial and cultural issues. But most important, Dr. Christensen said, they talk about basketball. They each have a favorite team and good-naturedly square off about which is the better, the Miami Heat which is Mohamed's team and Dr. Christensen's team, the Boston Celtics. A little bantering seems to also be a part of their conversations.
Dr. Christensen was proud to state that Mohamed is also a track star. He won the all-class gold in the 1600 Run in the State Track Meet last May. And, as a sophomore he was named the honorary captain of the All-City Cross Country meet.
Dr. Christensen likes to attend Mohamed's sporting events to cheer him on. "I don't miss too many of his events."
In addition to sports, Mohamed also enjoys hanging out with his friends and playing video games. He has started to think about college and would like to go to Oregon University because it is a premier track school. He is also considering the University of Nebraska, Doane College and Nebraska Wesleyan.
How has being TeamMates helped both of them? Being with Mohamed gives Dr. Christensen a chance to remember what it is like to be 16 again. He gets to see the world through his eyes plus has the opportunity learn about his background. "He has a fascinating background. He has a positive way of looking at and respecting his background and culture without it being foremost. He remembers his roots, yet he is as American as anyone I know."
Mohamed has learned to "look toward the future. You can't just focus on the here and now. Plus," he said with a smile, "he's old. He'd know all that." All kidding aside, Mohamed said "He's there for me."
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What is Mackenzie's favorite part of having a mentor? "We get to play games and spend time with each other."
"We like playing games don't we?" Cheri responded with a smile.
Some of the games they like to play are Uno, Connect 4, and Checkers. They agree it's a toss-up as to who wins the most often. They also talk about family and pets. They both have dogs. Mackenzie shares what her older sisters are doing. Sometimes they do arts and crafts. Mackenzie made a keychain and she made a necklace that she is wearing in the photo.
Cheri likes "spending time together and getting to know each other. Mackenzie has a big heart and is very caring. She is helpful to her classmates and always willing to lend a hand."
Cheri said she's looking forward to getting back into regular weekly visits each week for the school year. During the summer they keep in touch via the phone. Also, since Mackenzie attended the TeamMates Abbott Sports camps this summer, she and Cheri were able to meet there once since Abbott Sports Center is one of the approved sites for mentors and mentees to meet during the summer.
Mackenzie also appreciates being a TeamMate because she had the opportunity to go to camp. This year she was fortunate to receive a scholarship to the Abbott Sports camps and also Camp Kitaki.
Camp in the summer is really helpful to Mackenzie. Her neighborhood has very few children living nearby and her siblings are older.
Cheri got involved in TeamMates through work at State Farm. The company promotes volunteerism and is very supportive of TeamMates mentoring. Cheri said, "State Farm is always encouraging employees to volunteer and especially supports the TeamMates program. The company reminds employees about the number of students still waiting for a mentor."
State Farm offers their employees the annual opportunity to bring their TeamMates mentees to work to show what hard work and school can do for you. This is a half day when employees get to share their job and take the kids on tour of the building.
Mackenzie attended with Cheri last year. Mackenzie said she was especially impressed with the demonstration of how the Arson Dog could find the scent of drop of gasoline. This is how the dog alerts the handler of how a fire was probably started.
Mackenzie's favorite school subjects are language arts and she likes to read. Cheri says she always asks Mackenzie how she's doing with her homework, "but Mackenzie keeps up with that on her own. She's good with homework."
Cheri has two teenage sons. She enjoys having a chance to spend time with a girl. She appreciates that Mackenzie's mom is willing the share her daughter with her.
Mackenzie's mom, who joined them for the Abbott meeting, said Cheri has helped Mackenzie grow in self-confidence. As she has gained self-confidence her grades have also improved.
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Darveon is especially knowledgeable about football. He enjoys playing all sports, but especially football and basketball. For one meeting during the summer, the two met out at the Abbott Sports Center while Darveon was attending the summer sports camps. This summer was Darveon's second year at the Sports Camp. He likes the learning opportunities the camps provide.
When he and Howard meet during the school year, Darveon said he enjoys that they play "paper basketball." But, first they do homework. Then they check on grades.
Darveon appreciates Howard's help with homework. "I like to finish my homework so I don't have to do it at home."
Howard's favorite part about being a TeamMates mentor and meeting with Darveon is that he likes being around a young person who is "so energetic. "Howard has 15 year-old-daughter. Sometimes Darveon helps me interpret what she's saying. Darveon helps to keep me young," Howard said.
Howard works for the U.S. Postal Service and is part of the management of Nebraska, Iowa and Kansas. He and Darveon meet nearly every week during the school year. "We never miss," said Howard, "unless I‘m out of town."
Howard has mentored three other students. He believes mentoring benefits him as much or more than it benefits the students. "Adults hear lots of negative things about kids that aren't necessarily true," he said.
Darveon has lots of friends and Howard has had the opportunity to meet some of them. He's found them to be "energetic, positive, bright and courteous." It makes him feel positive about the next generation and the future.
Darveon has also given some thought to the future. He likes math and the English arts and believes he may want to study business when he goes to college.
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During their meeting time of one hour, once a week during the school year they spend some time just chatting. "I want her to always feel comfortable with me," Chi said. "I want our time together to accentuate who she is as an individual."
Bobbi especially enjoys talking with Chi. They discuss what's been going on during the week and how each feels about it. Bobbi said she appreciates the opportunity to express her feelings.
Bobbi likes being a part of the TeamMates program because she has another adult to count on. "It feels like there's somebody in addition to family that cares for you and you can count on them."
It's also fun. "Chi and I joke around and we have a similar sense of humor. We don't keep everything so serious. We both have serious lives and this is our time to joke around and relax a little."
Chi is an on air personality at KFRX radio station. She also is journalism major and probably because of that, she and Bobbi spend about 15 minutes working on creative writing. They randomly look through some of the books in the Media Center where they meet. Then they sit down and collaborate about a creative story which Bobbi takes a few minutes to write.
Chi said she is so amazed by Bobbi. "She is not your average 14-year-old. She puts her friends before herself. She's so aware of other people's feelings." Chi says Bobbi has an unusual grasp and understanding of what's going on in her world. "She thinks above and beyond her years."
"When I look at Chi, that is the person I wish I could be," said Bobbi. "She's doing what she wants to do. She's going to school and working at the station. That makes me feel that there is a possibility that I could achieve my dreams too."
Bobbi wants to be a photographer and she said she may want to become a photojournalist.
During the summer, they are keeping contact on Facebook.
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Bryan is a 5th grader at Prescott Elementary School. He is a young man with many interests. He sings and plays the trombone. He's part of the 5th grade band and has participated in the school concerts.
He likes science and enjoys conducting experiments. He found learning how to clean oil from water particularly interesting. He also likes learning about pre-historic creatures, especially dinosaurs.
When at home, Bryan likes spending time training and playing with his 2½ year old puppy, Peanut.
Mr. McDermott is the Principal at Irving Middle School and has been at Irving for the past 7 years. Previously he was the Principal at Lefler Middle School and on staff at Goodrich. (Many teachers, administrators and retired LPS staff participate as mentors in the Lincoln TeamMates program and Mr. McDermott has chosen to spend one hour, once a week with a TeamMates student.)
Mr. McDermott proudly shares that Bryan is computer savvy and good in science and math. He pointed out that Bryan also likes building things, and taking mechanical things apart to see how they work.
Bryan says that he's also learned more about math since he's been meeting with Mr. McDermott, and another of his favorite things about being matched with Mr. McDermott is that he's learning what it will be like at Irving Middle School next year.
Bryan's sister is already attending Irving, and he has some idea of what it's like to be a middle school student, but his time with Mr. McDermott is also helping him prepare.
Learning is a two-way street within TeamMates. "Bryan is teaching me patience and to slow down." They have lunch together and Mr. McDermott says he's learning to eat slower, which is better for him.
Mr. McDermott said he likes being a mentor because it is a way for him to become more connected with the children. It is a way to give back. He said he's worked with many mentors at both Lefler and Irving who lead incredibly busy lives. If they can take time out, he decided he could as well.
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Rhonda is a mother figure in Daisy's life. "Rhonda does a lot for me," Daisy said, "She actually loves me. She treats me like I'm her daughter." Daisy really enjoys the time they spend together. She and Rhonda go to the movies and sometimes out to dinner.
There is paper work to complete, but Rhonda finds it fun to do things outside of school from time to time.
During their TeamMates time at school they sometimes read. They both liked reading the "Twilight" series which is a popular combination of horror, action and romance. They also like to walk, sometimes inside the school and sometimes outside around the school campus.
Daisy likes being outside and observing the weather, so much so, she is considering going on to school to be a meteorologist. However, she's a young woman with many interests. She might like to be a lawyer. She also likes to cook, and believes she's pretty good at it. "I can cook anything and everything." She has taught herself to cook. "I teach myself how to do a lot of things."
Rhonda decided to become a TeamMate because she wanted to find a way to give back. She said she was shy when she was in school. "I could have used something like that when I was young."
Rhonda likes spending time with Daisy and tries to encourage her to stay on the right path. "Daisy is a smart girl. She's got a ton of potential and she's going to do great things in life."
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Kristian likes board games such as Aggravation and to complete puzzles. He's taught Janet a few new card games.
Janet proudly states that since they've been meeting, Kristian has become more of a gracious winner.
Kristian, a 4th grader at Pershing Elementary, hopes to become more involved in sports such as soccer and football. He is also learning to play the violin.
Janet says she is looking forward to hearing him play and hopes to attend an end of the year recital. Music is a favorite for Kristian.
Janet and Kristian started meeting in January 2010. When she and Kristian first started meeting, he was a little shy, but now he's usually impatiently waiting for her to get there.
Kristian is Janet's second Teammate. She started in the TeamMates program in December of 2007. After her first mentee moved to Fremont, Janet took some time off from the TeamMates program but now she and Kristian are becoming good friends.
"He's a good kid, a very good kid, and we always have a good time with each other."
Janet is very proud of how Kristian has progressed this year. They talk about what is going on with him. They play games and also talk about good sportsmanship, how to make friends and how to maintain good friendships.
"I'm so proud of him this year," Janet says, "he's doing so well."
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Ryan is a sophomore at UNL. His major is in athletic training. He's been able to work alongside the trainers at University of Nebraska sports events and this semester he's working in injury prevention care through Campus Recreation.
Cody is very interested in University of Nebraska sports, especially the football team and program.
Cody reads about NU sports in the newspaper and on the Internet. He also reads Huskers Illustrated, plus in addition to his contact with Ryan, Cody has friends and some family members also interested and knowledgeable about the programs.
"If something is going on with sports at UNL, Cody knows about it," Ryan said with a smile. "He keeps tabs on the NU football team."
Cody said he wears Nebraska clothes every day and hopes to play football when he goes to high school. He's enjoyed playing club football and was the quarterback on his team.
Cody likes to hear about Ryan's student experiences and Ryan has taught him the rules of basketball and how to shoot baskets.
Both view sports as providing life lessons. Athletics is a perfect representation of how life works, Ryan said. In sports you have highs and lows and it's how you respond between the two that makes the difference. Life is the same way.
Ryan knew he wanted become a part of the Lincoln TeamMates mentoring program after visiting the TeamMates information booth during the Big Red Welcome week when he first came to the University.
"I had an awesome childhood. I wanted to share that with someone else and make a difference in their lives," Ryan said.
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Now that Trevin is in 6th grade they've had lots of time to get to know each other. They both like sports, computer games and playing practical jokes.
If the weather cooperates, they like to go outside and play basketball. Indoors, they play computer games and they often play a favorite math game that features a ball and chain. "It's a game that makes you think," Jim said, "because you need to guess where the ball is going to land."
Another favorite interest is Trevin's drawing talent. "You should see Trevin draw!" Jim has had Trevin's artwork laminated and he gives it to Trevin to keep in a binder that is special for his drawings.
They've also spent time setting goals. Trevin's favorite class right now is science. Jim was happy to hear this because science class was a focus of Trevin's goals. Trevin said that he's noticed that he's improved in several classes by remembering the goals that he and Jim set together.
Trevin's favorite part of having a TeamMate? "I just like hanging out with him. He's fun to hang out with."
They've had lots of opportunities to learn from each other
"I just like coming to spend time with Trevin. He's fun to be around. He keeps me young and I'm getting better at computer games." Jim said.
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Cody, who is in 9th grade at North Star High School, said he had wanted a mentor for about two years or since he was in middle school at Dawes/Goodrich at Dawes.
Even though Cody is new into the program he said his favorite part is that "TeamMates has good mentors. If something's wrong, they can help you."
Gus has been a mentor since 1997 and Cody is his fifth Teammate. One of his former mentees, Phuong, graduated from North Star High School.
Gus and Cody have already learned that they have common interests. For one thing, they both like to read mysteries by author Janet Evanovich. These books are mysteries with a comical side. They find them interesting and enjoy the humor.
Gus wants to visit one of Cody's favorite school classes, International Woods. Cody likes the class because he gets to build things. When we met, he had just finished a wood compact disc holder. The final coat of polyurethane was going on the piece during the next class. Gus shared that Cody is good at and enjoys working with his hands. Cody nodded in appreciation of the compliment and said he is interested in someday becoming a car mechanic.
As Gus and Cody plan their future TeamMates weekly hour, they aren't sure what types of activities they will work on together. "Cody and I are just starting on our journey together. We need to spend some time to get to know each other," Gus said. "We're truly excited that we are matched up together. Cody is a special young man with lots of potential. I see some really great things down the road."
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David and Mike have established the kind of relationship in which David feels he can talk to Mike about anything. Mike's help with homework has also been a key.
In previous years they've worked on history, reading, math and Spanish. This year they've mostly spent time on literature and history.
"I've come a long way," David said. Mike helped him realize how important it is to focus on homework. "He helped me become more outgoing and to be more confident."
With pride in his voice, Mike added, "He has mostly As and Bs across the board."
The two have sports in common as well.
David appreciates that Mike comes to his swimming, diving and track meets -- and the connection between academics and sports.
"Sports keep you on track. It is a privilege to play, so you have to keep your grades up. Academics come before sports."
They are both looking forward to attending the TeamMates Recognition Event in January. TeamMates mentors who have served three years or more are eligible for Mentor Hall of Fame Award and school facilitators, community partners and scholarship winners receive special recognition. Mike and David have attended together in previous years and David said he's enjoyed hearing the speakers.
College is definitely the next step. David wants to combine his special interests and hopes to pursue a career that includes public speaking, perhaps counseling and working with youth, possibly as a youth pastor.
They are also planning for the A.C.T. David told Mike that he'd just purchased a test prep book. As David outlined his plans to prepare for the test, Mike smiled and nodded. They will work on it together.
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They share and discuss goals. "Sometimes (they make) grade predictions which are fun," said Prudence.
Every year they take time to write about their reflections and share their thoughts with each other.
Along with journaling, the pair took on another writing project that was very important to Breanna. They incorporated the need to learn the skill to write a persuasive letter and a situation of importance to Breanna. Breanna wanted help her younger sister get a TeamMate mentor at Arnold Elementary.
Breanna came up with the ideas, Prudence helped her outline the ideas in the correct order and then Breanna wrote the letter on the computer.
"I think it helped," Breanna said.
"It had to have helped. It showed you cared." (Her sister did get a TeamMate.)
They have worked together on other service projects. They participated in the elementary school project Blankets for Troops and this past May, they hand-made flowers for retirement homes and wrote cheerful, encouraging notes that were then delivered to retirement communities.
This is the 5th year of their match. They started meeting when Breanna was in 4th grade. Breanna appreciates the mentoring program and would recommend it to other students. She would ask them, "do you need help with homework? Do you have family issues? If they say yes, then that's your answer."
They have a tradition of having Subway sandwiches at the end of the school year during their last in-school visit. They keep in contact over the summer and make arrangements to meet for two or three times outside of school. For these summer visits they also have two traditions. One outing is to a museum, this past summer they visited the Quilt Museum. They always go for a swim at the Arnold Pool.
Through mentoring, what has Breanna learned? "To always respect people for who they are."
For Prudence, she has enjoyed watching Breanna's growth and changes.
Breanna is an A student in math. Prudence, a retired LPS teacher, said the Social Studies curriculum at LPS is very difficult and "this one has managed to ace it!"
Breanna is in 8th grade and plans to go to North Star next year and she's looking forward to taking French. Her long-term goals include serving in the military and becoming a teacher.
"Behavior is not even an issue," Prudence said. "Once we got together, I realized, this child is bright, she can go and she can do things, and she did!
"She is a wonderful role model for her younger sister."
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When they meet, they usually play games. One of their favorite pastimes is building futuristic robots out of Bionicles.
The activities change with the days. Sometimes they talk about world issues. "Sometimes we draw on the marker board," Travon said. They went to the movie, "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" and found it "hilarious."
"Sometimes it's a color day and we do that," Jayme says, "we do whatever feels right for the day."
The match started when Travon was in 3rd grade and he's now in 5th grade. The idea for a getting Travon a mentor came from his school counselor, Mrs. McIntyre. "She asked me if I'd like a mentor. I filled out some forms. My mom filled out forms."
Travon was new to the school at the time, said Arnold Elementary School Counselor Barb McIntyre. The match seems to have had a positive impact, plus she said, "I love seeing them together because they both light up when they see each other each week."
Travon has learned that school can be a place where he has some fun and some good times and study.
"I always wanted to do this," said Jayme. "I learn all kinds of things from this guy. He's kind of my mentor." He praised his employer for giving him the time from work to be a mentor.
Jayme works at Acton Marketing. They are scheduled to meet around the lunch hour on Wednesdays. Sometimes his work takes him out of town and he has to switch days. Jayme appreciates Travon's flexibility about the changes. "Travon is pretty understanding" even though some of the changes happen at the last minute. They usually still meet sometime during each week.
When they learned about being TeamMates of the Month, Travon was really excited for the recognition of a great relationship.
"It is good to know that there are kids like Travon," Jayme said. He's watched Travon interact with the other students. "He's good to everybody and is a good person. Good people don't always get recognized for being good."
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"Yes, he seems very impressed by that," Kyle says.
It's because Kyle works at Westgate Bank that he is a TeamMate. "The bank encourages its employees to be involved in the community. Mark Hansen, my boss, suggested TeamMates."
Because Kyle had been interested in TeamMates, he looked into the opportunity. That was more than five years ago. He and Logan have been meeting just about every week for those five years. It's easy to see the respect the two TeamMates have for each other.
They play a variety of games, put together models, and touch on schoolwork. "Mostly we have fun and hang out," Kyle says. "For the little amount of time we spend together, I'm surprised at the impact on him."
Logan, a middle school student, says he looks forward to the day he too can be a mentor. When asked what it takes to be a good mentor, Logan answered: "You need to get along with kids."
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Janice discovered TeamMates in approximately 2004. She was a Book Buddy for Shawna for two years at McPhee Elementary. When Shawna moved into 4th grade, Shawna's teacher recommended she have a mentor. "It was a natural that I became her mentor," Janice said. She has been Shawna's mentor since.
Shawna will be going into 8th grade and will be attending Goodrich Middle School at Dawes.
When she and Janice spend their one hour a week, they sometimes play computer games or complete crafts, Shawna said, such as friendship bracelets or crocheting.
Was the crocheting a skill that Shawna learned from Janice? Actually, she had helped Janice relearn.
Janice comes to school once a week and then she usually sets the time for their next week's visit at that time, so Shawna knows from week to week when they will meet.
Mentoring has helped Shawna overcome shyness. When asked what her favorite part of having a mentor is, Shawna said she likes getting away from class for a while. At first, she needed help her with homework. Now she's getting good grades and getting her schoolwork done, so they get to do crafts.
She doesn't need the scholastic piece, Janice said. She already does an excellent job with her school work. Janice believes she best helps Shawna by being there and listening to what is going on in her life. Janice thinks it's important for Shawna to know that someone is going to be there consistently and that she has someone to listen and be there for her. "She can be who she is around me."
As far as planning activities, Janice knows the activities Shawna likes to do. Sometimes they play games and complete crafts. Sometimes Shawna teaches Janice new crafts. Sometimes they take a walk outside around the grounds of school.
In order to stay in contact over the summer, the two have been emailing each other.
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Larry and Harry have been Teammates since Harry was in the fourth grade and their bond is one of friendship and respect for each other.
"I've watched him develop as a young man," Larry says of Harry. "I've never known anyone with a heart as pure as his."
Every Friday for the past five years, Larry and Harry have met for lunch. Those times have been life-changing for both of them.
"He came along when I had no friends and showed me how to make friends," Harry said. "He has taught me life skills."
Larry, who owns a business and is a United Methodist pastor, struggles to express what he has experienced. "I can't put into words what happens and what it means to watch growth in a young person."
Being a TeamMate is not a new experience for Larry. Tom Osborne recruited Larry early in the program's beginning. In 1992, Tom gave Larry the instruction to kick off TeamMates at the Nebraska State Education Association in Kearney, which he did. And now, Harry is Larry's third mentee.
"TeamMates is a sure way to give back to the community," Larry says. "So often people lament, ‘What can I do as an individual? I'm just one person.' You can coach a young person and make a big difference in their -- and your -- life, that's what."
"It doesn't take a lot to be a mentor," according to Harry. "Just show up and listen."
He would know. Every Friday for an hour Larry shows up and listens, and he and Harry go through life together.
Harry sums it up this way: "Without my TeamMate, I would be nothing like I am today."
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Grace Kluck was a sixth grader when she suffered a concussion, a serious injury that took her out of school for several weeks. As a middle school student, she found it extremely difficult to return to school, her friends and the way life had been before the accident.
And then Lauren and Grace met. Lauren was a freshman in college volunteering at a middle school as part of a field assignment when she met sixth grader Grace, who had become shy and withdrawn after the head trauma and separation from school and friends.
"We clicked from the beginning," Lauren said. Lauren remembered how hard it had been to come back after a long break from friends and social circles. She knew Grace must be going through the same thing. That was the connection and the foundation of a mentoring relationship.
They became TeamMates when Grace was in the seventh grade. As the two spent their one hour a week talking about life issues, Grace grew in confidence and spirit. In high school she won competitions in speech and theater and vocal music.
Grace explains it this way: "Lauren taught me to be confident in who I was and to break out of my shell so that by the time high school rolled around I was a bold confident girl who loved the performing arts."
And now, after six years with Lauren as her TeamMate, Grace is getting ready for college. She graduates this year from North Star and plans to go to University of Nebraska-Lincoln to study broadcasting with a minor in vocal music.
"It's just so amazing," Lauren said as she reflects on Grace when they first met and who she is today. "I'm so proud of her and all she's accomplished!"
- See past TeamMates of the Month
- Student and mentor award recipients
See who was inducted into the Mentors Hall of Fame and who received Student Achievement Awards in 2010. (As a policy, the last name of students is withheld).
