January is National Mentor Appreciation Month.
During this month we take the time to remember and thank those of our community who give of themselves to our youth. Time is one of the most meaningful gifts we can offer, and mentoring is one of the most powerful ways to give it.
When an adult mentor chooses to spend time each week with a young person, they’re giving more than conversation. They’re giving consistency, care, and belief that the lives of their mentee has value and importance. The simple gift of time can truly change a life, for both mentor and mentee.
“Little Waves, Lifelong Ripples” is a TeamMates phrase that reminds us that even the smallest acts of kindness, encouragement, and consistency in mentoring can create a lasting impact. Every meeting, conversation, or shared laugh might feel like a small wave in the moment, but those moments add up, shaping a young person’s confidence, goals, and sense of belonging for years to come. It’s a reminder that mentorship doesn’t just change one day, it can change a lifetime.
In our community, we have a group of mentors that are making little waves that can lead to lifelong ripples of hope. TeamMates of Plainview wants to recognize those who are mentoring during the 2025-2026 school year.
Joan Alexander
Melissa Hoffart
Bob Smith
Greg Beckman
Brian Ickler
Lou Steinkraus
Dean Choat
Lyle Lingenfelter
Jeremy Tarr
Phyllis Cleveland
Nick Lingenfelter
Melissa Tarr
Annie Doerr
Nancy Naprstek
Barb Tassemeyer
Diane Elwood
Lois North
John Torrey
Julie Forbes
Jamie Norris
Kevin Weber
Paige Goetzinger
Lois Norris
Dottie Westrom
Kathleen Johansen
Tim Rasmussen
Kim Wolken
Jan Krause
Carter Scott
Randy Wolken
This National Mentoring Month, you can be that positive support a student is looking for. We are in great need for more caring adults to help with the TeamMates program. There are various ways to explore the opportunity to be a mentor and begin to create those “little waves” that will make “lifelong ripples” in the lives of our greatest asset, our youth. The Plainview TeamMates chapter provides help and support to those who are interested in mentoring. Going online to TeamMates.org or contacting Plainview Public School are ways to get started.