Three Brave TeamMates Graduates

The TeamMates Graduation Celebration held April 24, 2026 on UNL’s campus, was host to 235 guests including students, mentors, families, donors and other Teammates stakeholders. 

Three brave graduates, each chosen based on their TeamMates story and the recommendation of their mentor, rose to tell their sometimes, funny, sometimes poignant stories.

“I wish we could hear every single student tell their story,” says Bennett.

Excerpts from the speeches of the students chosen give just a hint of their TeamMates pride.

Kabeh (left) is someone who “believes deeply in what is right and isn’t afraid to speak up,” said her mentor Madina. Kabeh shared what a mentor is.

“When I got a mentor in third grade, I had no idea that decision was going to change my life. A mentor is not just someone you meet with. It’s someone who sees you, understands you, and supports you, even when things get hard.” 

Ryn (center) is “resilient, hilarious, and deeply compassionate,” said his mentor Olivia. Ryn talked about the edge having a TeamMate has given him.

“We live in a weird, complicated and scary world, but I think I’m at an advantage because of my TeamMate. I’ve gotten to see how she’s made it through challenges that I’m going to face. I’ve learned to put care into my life, whether that’s care for myself, or people around me.”

Hannah (right) gets credit for “making me a better counselor and mentor,” said her mentor Eileen. Hannah valued most the chance to be heard. 

“I never had to pretend things were okay when they weren’t, and instead of trying to fix it or brush it off, she listened. She made it feel okay to not be okay. That’s my TeamMate — someone who stays when things are difficult. Someone who reminds you who you are when you forget.”