Norris TeamMates

07/27/2026

Norris School District #160 Firth, NE (Southeast NE Region)

Selected as Southeast Nebraska Chapter of the year.

Write up by Amy Rikli, Southeast Nebraska Regional Coordinator.

1. Chapter Growth: This chapter has grown its matches consistently over the past several years, going from 67 matches just 2 years ago, to an incredible 92 matches at the end of the 25-26 school year. Even more impressive is the fact that these matches met for an average of 23 times throughout the school year, building strong connections and growing hope and enthusiasm within their chapter.

2. Chapter Leadership: The coordinator “dream team” of Lenny VerMaas and MaryAnn Franken makes the process of matching, training and maintaining matches look easy! Lenny has a contagious enthusiasm about TeamMates, and he makes sure every mentor feels informed and equipped for success as a TeamMate. MaryAnn is truly gifted at finding students who could benefit from the care and attention a mentor can provide. Together, they provide a strong foundation and guidance for their mentors and mentees that is a huge reason their chapter has such robust growth and support.

3. Board Engagement: Their board is highly involved, collaboratively working to advance chapter work and community engagement. They worked to create a community awareness event with their “trick or treat” night, distributing books to students where each book had a TeamMates label to spread brand awareness. Board members actively recruit others to “join the team, be a mentor,” whether it’s at school, church, coffee shops or anywhere else in the community. Each member is an enthusiastic ambassador for TeamMates, and this shows through the positive reputation the chapter has within the community and school administration.

4. Communication and Mentor Appreciation: Lenny’s monthly newsletters share ideas and updates with mentors, and coordinators take great care in making every mentor, whether it’s their first week or their twentieth year, feel appreciated, informed, and important. Milestones are celebrated and new matches are welcomed. Everyone feels like they’re making a difference, because they are! And that’s thanks in no small part to the amazing board and coordinator leaders of the Southeast Chapter of the Year, Norris TeamMates!

Pictured:
Ron Drury--mentor and board member since 2007, Charlotte Brotherson--board member since 2010, Lenny VerMaas--board member and site coordinator since 2007, Julie Schmidt--new mentor and board member.

Consider mentoring. You have a lot to offer a student. Talk, play games, do crafts, put together puzzles, be there to listen and make a difference.

TeamMates Mentoring Program

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05/04/2026

Give to Lincoln Day is now live for donations to aid organizations. Norris TeamMates program is signed up.

Our program benefits from donations to help cover expenses. These include providing seniors a $500 scholarship for their continuing education. We also have activities to pay for: such as pumpkin painting and our end of the year celebration.

Please consider this assisting this wonderful program.
https://givetolincoln.com/nonprofits/norris-teammates

Norris School District #160

Norris TeamMates' vision is to help students reach their potential through mentoring by matching them with a caring and trusting adult who listens to their mentee to create a culture of hope and inspires them to do their best.

04/09/2026

There were many mentors, and interested people, who attended our yearly mentor appreciation luncheon at the end of March. It is a great time to get together, thank mentors, listen to successes and struggles and help each.

Norris is supportive and encourages the TeamMates program. There are many staff members and administrators who mentor. If you see someone you know in the pictures, reach out to them about their experience.

Thank you mentors.

If you are interested in becoming a mentor, contact MaryAnn at [email protected] or go to the website teammates.org

02/10/2026

Norris TeamMates began in 2007. We are currently at 89 matches, with more students waiting. A child needs you to share your time and lend an ear. The time you share with them is more important to them than you realize.

With more matches also comes the need for donations. Every senior can apply for a $500 scholarship to apply to their continuing education, whatever that may be. This year we have 7 seniors. We also sponsor pumpkin painting and our end of the year celebration. Donations are tax deductible.