Thursday, April 28th was a signature day for the Lincoln TeamMates graduating seniors. The graduating seniors were recognized for their academic achievement and 18 of the TeamMates seniors were awarded scholarships to help them continue with their dream of post secondary education. This event was also attended by high-school aged students participating in the TeamMates program.
Celebrating the work of TeamMates, their families and mentors
This Spring Celebration event culminates the many years of hard work for the TeamMates seniors, their families and mentors. Many of the TeamMates mentors have been with these graduating seniors through high school and it is very rewarding for them, along with the students and their families, to see their TeamMate student graduate.
Dr. Nancy Biggs, LPS Superintendent for HR, conducted the program and introduced all of the graduating seniors and their mentors. Biggs congratulated each of the students on their hard work in reaching the huge accomplishment of high school graduation. She thanked the mentors for their commitment to meet with their students each week during the school year and for their contribution to their students’ success.
Keynote by Police Chief Tom Casady
The keynote address was presented by Police Chief Tom Casady. His message centered on overcoming personal adversity. He stressed to the students that they should surround themselves with positive people. A video message from Lincoln Fire and Rescue Chief, Niles Ford, was also presented. Chief Ford pointed out that perseverance is a key in achieving success. The honored seniors were also addressed by program co-founder Nancy Osborne and UNL Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Dr. Juan Franco. Both offered remarks to inspire the seniors to work hard and make their dreams of higher education come true. Dr. Steve Joel, Superintendent of Lincoln Public Schools also congratulated the graduates and gave inspirational messages along with closing remarks.
An important part of the program featured the awarding of 18 TeamMates scholarships from local donors in the Lincoln community. Without the scholarship assistance, some of the students would not be able to continue with their plan for post-secondary education.*
$500 Future Leadership Scholarship
Leadership Resources was proud to sponsor the Future Leaders Scholarship for $500. The recipient of this scholarship was Arazeli M. attending Bryan Community. Arazeli plans on attending SCC and focusing on a career in teaching.
Following the program, all TeamMates students and mentors were invited to participate in an informational session provided by the UNL Admissions Staff, followed by a campus tour and lunch in Selleck Hall. Lunch was provided for all students and mentors courtesy of TeamMates and UNL.
About TeamMates
The TeamMates mission is to positively impact the world by inspiring youth to reach their full potential through mentoring. Since the program began in 1991, it has grown with the support of Dr. Tom and Nancy Osborne to serve more than 4,000 students in 114 communities across Nebraska, Iowa and California. For more information, visit the Lincoln TeamMates website.
*For a complete list of the graduates, their TeamMates Mentors and the scholarship donors and recipients, please visit the TeamMates website.
