Getting Pepped at 2018 Recognition Event
The annual TeamMates Recognition Event took place on February 8th, 2018 at Lincoln Station in Lincoln’s Historic Haymarket. The event honored mentors, mentees, and program facilitators’ commitment to mentoring and hard work throughout the year. The UNL Big Red Express Pep Band kicked off the event with “Hail Varsity” to get the over four hundred guests in the spirit of the evening.
Carmen and Tony Messineo Community Involvement Award
This year, TeamMates honored Tim and Amy Clare with the Carmen and Tony Messineo Community Involvement Award for their support of Lincoln TeamMates through advocacy, fundraising assistance, and raising awareness around mentoring. Tim Clare was present to accept the award and took the opportunity to reflect on the importance of mentors in the lives of youth.
Decade of Difference Award
The Decade of Difference Award is presented to mentors upon their 10th anniversary as a TeamMates mentor. This award represents far more than a number; it shows commitment, dedication, selfless giving, and care for the youth they have mentored. This year’s award winners included:
Barb Gaither Kendy Konecky Nathan Lowry Kathleen Nelson Marc Shoemaker
Mentor Hall of Fame
A mentor is nominated to the Hall of Fame by his or her mentee, by school staff, or by a parent, to recognize the mentor’s weekly contribution of time and the way in which they have led positive change in the life of the student they mentor. Mentors must have been meeting with their mentees for at least three years, and they must exemplify outstanding mentor qualities to be eligible for this recognition. This year’s inductees were:
Doug Badje
Diane Carlson
Judy Faubel
Sue Guild
Jon Hanseling
Brent Kalemkiarian
Terry Klopfenstein
Tyler Niday
Genene Nolte
Dee Oltman
Gary Reber
Steven Timmons
Student Achievement Award
The Student Achievement Award is given to mentees who have been nominated by their mentors for their effort to achieve their full potential as evidenced by better attendance, improved grades, or decreased discipline referrals. These students have been meeting with their current mentors for three or more years. This year’s award winners included:
Da’Lana B.
Savannah B.
Tania C.
Trenton M.
Alexis M.
Savanna L.
Mikayla Z.
Facilitator of Excellence Award
The Facilitator Award of Excellence is given to an individual who has consistently done an exceptional job of overseeing the program at their school. This award was introduced in 2015 with Judi Yost from Dawes Middle School as the inaugural winner. The last two years we were pleased to celebrate Megan Kroll, former facilitator at North Star High School, and Judi Wittwer of Zeman Elementary. These recipients are true TeamMates legends and champions of the TeamMates program and of the matches under their guidance. Because 2018 was truly an exceptional year with exceptional facilitators, we decided to do something we’ve never done before, and may not do again, by honoring three facilitators with the Facilitator of the Year Award:
Lisa Kiely – Lincoln High School
Cherri Parent – Saratoga Elementary
Susan Volker – Kooser Elementary
The master of ceremonies, Froggy 98’s morning show co-host, Nelson, kept everyone entertained with his quick wit and enthusiasm throughout the ceremony.
NFL linebacker and former Husker, Will Compton, capped-off the evening with a keynote speech discussing how he has sought to create his own destiny along the path to reaching his full potential. Another former Husker, Kenny Bell, attended in support of the program. Both NFL players stayed after to give autographs and take pictures with students and fans.