LPS seniors share success stories from time with Lincoln TeamMates

May 5, 2026

More than 100 Lincoln TeamMates will mark their graduation this school year, and they will have a medal to prove it when they walk down the aisle to receive their diplomas. Thirty-four of them will also have a financial boost from one or more TeamMates scholarships.

“When I started at TeamMates, I had no idea how much it would mean to place those medals around students’ necks,” Lincoln TeamMates Coordinator Jim Bennett said. “The looks of pride and surprise on mentees’ faces – and their mentors too – is something I look forward to every year.”

That pride, surprise and joy was on full display at the 2026 Lincoln TeamMates Graduation Celebration. Graduates rose to receive their medals before a crowd of 235 made up of students, mentors, families, donors and other TeamMates stakeholders. The morning event was held April 24 in the Red Cloud Room of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Willa Cather Dining Complex.

The celebration featured three student speakers. They were chosen based on their TeamMates experiences and the recommendation of their mentor.

“I wish we could hear every single student tell their story,” Bennett said.

Excerpts from the speeches of the students chosen give just a hint of their stories.

Kabeh is someone who “believes deeply in what is right and isn’t afraid to speak up,” said her mentor Madina. Kabeh shared what a mentor is.

“When I got a mentor in third grade, I had no idea that decision was going to change my life,” Kabeh said. “A mentor is not just someone you meet with. It’s someone who sees you, understands you, and supports you, even when things get hard.”

Ryn is “resilient, hilarious and deeply compassionate,” said his mentor Olivia. Ryn talked about the edge having a TeamMate has given him.

“We live in a weird, complicated and scary world, but I think I’m at an advantage because of my TeamMate,” Ryn said. “I’ve gotten to see how she’s made it through challenges that I’m going to face. I've learned to put care into my life, whether that’s care for myself, or people around me.”

Hannah gets credit for “making me a better counselor and mentor,” said her mentor Eileen. Hannah valued most the chance to be heard.

“I never had to pretend things were okay when they weren’t, and instead of trying to fix it or brush it off, she listened,” Hannah said. “She made it feel okay to not be okay. That’s my TeamMate – someone who stays when things are difficult. Someone who reminds you who you are when you forget.”

---