TeamMates enjoy ‘sweet’ end-of-year gathering

    As the end of the school year approaches, TeamMates Mentoring of Chase County came together on April 25.
    The theme for the end-of-year event was “Being a TeamMate is Sweet,” which was reflected in the ice cream and other sweet treats served by the organization’s board of directors.
    More than 100 mentors, mentees and their families came together for the end-of-year celebration.
    Attendees were also engaged in TeamMates Trivia and the students proved to be knowledgeable, answering the final question about the number of days left until summer break. Prizes in the form of sweet treats were given to those who answered the most questions correctly.
    Special recognition was given to past program coordinators Trent Herbert and Cathy Hanna, who are leaving Chase County Schools at the end of this school year.
    “My role with TeamMates was part of the school counselor job when I was hired eight years ago,” Hanna explained. “Sheila was hired to take over and rebuild after Covid.”
    Sheila Stromberger is the current TeamMates program director.
    “She recruits and trains mentors and mentees, plans events and has done a great job of rebuilding the program,” Hanna said.
    Last week’s gathering also included a training session and inspirational words from Regional Coordinator Jennifer Hampton.
    Ten mentor-mentee pairs received passes to the Imperial Theater for having met at least 24 times during the school year. Three pairs achieved the higher goal of meeting at least 30 times.
    The TeamMates Mentoring program is a school-based, one-to-one mentoring initiative that has been in place for nine years at Chase County Schools.
    Adult volunteers are matched with a CCS student to provide additional support and encouragement, with weekly meetings between mentors and mentees typically taking place during lunchtime.
    Activities at these meetings can range from simple conversations to playing games, doing crafts or engaging in whatever activities the mentee finds most interesting.
    If you are interested in becoming a TeamMates mentor, contact Stromberger at 308-882-8177 or Chase County Schools at 308-882-4304.