Student Achievement

In Their Own Words

The Student Achievement Award is for mentees who make an effort to achieve their full potential as evidenced by one or more of the following: improved attendance, improved grades, decreased discipline referrals, or other notable growth. These students have been with their current mentors for 3 or more years. Here are excerpts from the mentors' nominations of their TeamMates:

Khuloud & Cynthia Wehland-Falk:
Cynthia says, "I have watched Khuloud grow from a rather shy girl into a confident, studious, member of the Lincoln High School community. She deserves to be recognized for her determination and academic accomplishments."

Katelynne & Jenni Metzler:
Jenni says, "Katelynne has made incredible improvements since we have been meeting. She has improved her attendance and has been extremely close to making honor roll at her last two schools. She continues to impress me!"

Josiah & Tom Osborne:
Tom reports that "Josiah is exceptionally courteous, a good student, and has dealt positively with a difficult environment."

Scott & David Shiffermiller:
David says, "Scott has shown a dramatic improvement in his attendance and is already planning and has an optimistic attitude towards the future."

Santana & Marilyn Anderson:
Marilyn & Santana have been meeting for the last 6 years. Santana is a student at Southeast High School and Marilyn says "she is continuously working on her desire to succeed."

Eliza & Becky Bruggeman:
Becky describes Eliza as "one of a kind. She is an all-around great person, student, and volleyball player. She also serves as a role model for other girls."

Sam & Murph Brown:
Murph reports "I have seen Sam grow from a quiet 6th grader into a young man. I am proud to call him my TeamMate and friend. Sam does his very best in whatever he does."

Le'Nya & Kris Costello:
Kris says, "Le'Nya is incredibly responsible, getting herself up early each morning to catch the bus to school. Her attendance has improved dramatically and I am so proud of Le'Nya!"

Grace & Lauren Wegman:
Lauren and Grace have been meeting for 6 years and Lauren says, "Grace has grown from a shy young girl into a confident young woman. She is eager to go to college, has an outstanding ACT score, and is on her way to graduating with a 4.0 average."

Shawna & Janice Stege:
Janice has observed Shawna's "growth in the areas of self-esteem and confidence in herself. She is much more outgoing and is very dedicated to music performance, including singing solos and playing the violin."

Chantel & Janet Vollman:
Chantel & Janet have been meeting for 8 years, and over those years have gone through a tremendous amount together. Janet says "I am so proud of Chantel for overcoming so much in her life and I can't wait to see her graduate and go on to college."

Whitney & Shelley Pesek:
Shelley says, "Whitney has come very far since a few years ago and I am so proud. Whitney has gone from several absences and failing grades to only 4 absences and being named on the Honor Roll with a 4.0 average this year!"

Cody & Lt. Colonial Bob Vrana:
Bob says, "Cody has made significant improvements in his attendance, which in turn has helped his grades improve as well. He has also become much more involved in extracurricular activities and I feel privileged to be associated with this fine young man."

Ian & Luke Mitchell:
Luke reports that "Ian has improved his attendance to almost 100 percent and his school counselor has noticed that he carries himself with more confidence and is much more engaging with adults."

Kenny & Scott Wieskamp:
Scott writes that "there are 3 things Kenny accomplished that make me proud. He is making better decisions, his attendance and work ethic have greatly improved, and his grades have dramatically improved as well. Kenny is a role model for others."

Sam & Scott Stromberg:
After meeting for 8 years, Scott says "Sam has matured into an outstanding young man. He is a hard worker and very responsible, holding down a part-time job as a bank teller while finishing up high school. I could not be more proud of him."

Ronnie & John McGovern:
John reports "Ronnie continues to improve his grades and when he comes up against a tough subject, he strives to work towards understanding rather than giving up. Ronnie is a pleasure to be around and a great friend!"

Nate & Doug Emery:
Doug says "Nate's grades have improved and he has a realistic plan for his future education. He is on track to graduate and his relationships have greatly improved."

Erin & Marilyn Borchardt:
Marilyn reports that "Erin has met some tough obstacles in her past, but she met them head on with a positive attitude, commitment, and determination. Erin has had many personal achievements, including having her artwork published and being named to the Honor Roll with a 4.0 average."