Vickie Friedel is honored as the TeamMates mentor of the month for March, 2023. Her employment at West Holt Public Schools makes it convenient to meet with Tyler each week at WHS.
Vickie began serving as a mentor for Tyler 4 years ago and will continue until he graduates this spring. They meet during Tyler’s lunch time on Tuesdays. If either is unable to meet, they can reschedule for later in the week, or occasionally miss a week.
Their time together is spent doing many things they enjoy. They have put together a model car, made a wood sign for his mother, put together a latch hook rug, played cards, and board games. They also enjoyed playing basketball, ping pong, walking on the track, and visiting about Tyler’s future plans. Vickie likes the variety of activities they share and “just being around him”.
They also take advantage of out of school activities that are sponsored by TeamMates. These have included attending the Husker Red-White game in Lincoln, a hockey game in Sioux City, bowling parties, roller skating, end of the year celebrations with games at the park in Atkinson, an ice cream social, and cookie decorating at school for Valentine’s Day.
Vickie has noticed how far Tyler has come since junior high. She enjoys watching him grow and mature into a fine young man. She encourages other adults to make the commitment to become a mentor, stating “it is well worth it”.
If you are an adult who wants to make a difference in a youth’s life and can meet a youth during school hours, contact the Holt County TeamMates Program Coordinator, Amy Shane, at 402-340-3126 or amyshane81@gmail.com.
