photo and article courtesy Katie Clausen
Wausa TeamMates are still riding the waves of January, National Mentor Month, by surfing into spring with the intent of growing the program. Kicking off 2016 with National Mentor Month, Wausa TeamMate mentors and mentees spent time on the court during half time of the Wausa girls’ basketball game Jan 22. There are currently 17 TeamMate matches in the Wausa system. The program is a success that board members, mentors and mentee’s would like to see continue and grow. March Madness, commonly known to basketball enthusiasts as an exciting time in the NCAA, is a model Wausa TeamMates are using as an initiative to gain mentor members. Currently, there are students at Wausa Public Schools that are very interested in participating in the TeamMates program but no mentors are available, and expanding the program by gaining mentors is something the March Madness drive is designed to do. By the end of the month of March, Wausa Teammates would like to meet their goal of gaining at least five new mentors. The TeamMates mentor program is the brain child of retired Nebraska Football coach Tom Osborne. Osborne, along with his wife Nancy, recognized a need for positive relationships between Nebraska youth and adults. Being a mentor is not limited by age, gender, or occupation. Mentors are asked to meet with their mentee, at the Wausa Public School, weekly for approximately one hour. Spending time with a student simply talking, playing board games, crafting, or shooting hoops has shown to increase student’s test scores, allows them to be eligible for scholarships, and overall helps them develop social skills. Anyone interested in joining Wausa TeamMates is encouraged to contact Wausa Public Schools Office, a TeamMates board member, mentor, or visit www.TeamMates.org TeamMates Board Members: Chris Johnson Jane Wilbeck Russ Koehler Scott Kinkaid Katie Clausen Darren Vanness Pastor Ron Youngerman |