Lincoln seniors in the TeamMates Mentoring Program will be honored Friday morning at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. The annual Graduation Celebration recognizes 100 graduating mentees for their academic success and personal growth through the Lincoln TeamMates program.
Program coordinator Jim Bennett says the event highlights more than just diplomas. “It’s a celebration of those seniors and their accomplishments in school, and really celebrating the match and special relationships that have been built over all these years,” Bennett said.
Mentors and family members will attend the ceremony, where 34 scholarships will also be awarded. Opening remarks will be delivered by TeamMates co-founder Dr. Tom Osborne, while Lincoln Public Schools Superintendent Dr. John Skretta will provide closing comments.
The TeamMates Mentoring Program began in 1991, when Osborne and his wife, Nancy, launched the initiative with just 22 students. Nearly all of those original participants graduated high school, and most went on to higher education.
Today, the program has expanded significantly. In Lincoln alone, about 1,400 students across more than 70 schools are matched with volunteer mentors who meet with them weekly, offering guidance and support.
Friday’s ceremony runs from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Willa S. Cather Dining Complex on the UNL campus.