The Callaway teammates program was recently honored as chapter of the year for Nebraska’s North Central Region. The program was recognized for its chapter growth, school and community support, and engagement of chapter leadership.
The Callaway teammates program began during the 2017-2018 school year and continues to grow. Karen Weverka took over as program coordinator during the 2019-2020 school year. The program has been a success due to a joint effort between the school and community. Weverka thanked Suzanne Wendorff who has been a very helpful board member in assisting with events at the school and creating opportunities for mentors and students to come together and praised the community for the way they have supported the program.
“Oh, our community supports it so well. We have fifty mentors. Last year I had fifty students, third through twelve and they all had a mentor,” said Weverka. “They do a great job coming in and doing what they need to do to just be there for students.”
Weverka said the program has been beneficial for students including the reward of scholarship possibilities.
“They get an extra adult in their life that listens and is supportive and if they stay in the program, they have to be in the program three years and then they are able as seniors to apply for scholarships. This year we had Kaygan Witthuhn receive a ten thousand dollar scholarship through Teammates,” said Weverka.
The program began by offering mentoring opportunities to grades seven through twelve but has not expanded into the elementary grades offering the program to third graders all the way through their senior year of high school. As the program continues to grow, Weverka said there is always a need for more mentors especially males. Those interested in becoming a mentor are encouraged to reach out to the Teammates program through Callaway schools.
