Wilson: mentor commitment is vital

    Mary Wilson has been chosen TeamMate of the Month for November.
    She has been a mentor for Hope, a 6th grader at Chase County Schools, for three years.  
    Wilson and Hope enjoy talking together every week, playing games and attending volleyball and other Longhorn events together.  
    She says she relates well to her young mentee, and they have a wonderful bond.  
    Wilson said when she first heard about the local TeamMates program she was busy taking care of family members and wasn’t able to get involved.  
    Her daughter is a TeamMate Board member and a mentor herself, so she had a connection to the group.
    When her personal schedule allowed, she applied to become a mentor.
    She said she loves the program and loves her time with Hope.
    During the year when COVID restricted personal visits, Wilson said she missed Hope  so much.  
    “I am so glad I got involved. I feel like I get as much joy from the interaction with Hope as she does,” Wilson said.
    Wilson is retired from her paying job but volunteers as the secretary/treasurer for the Imperial Country Club.  
    She is married to husband Kirk and has four children and seven grandchildren.
    In her spare time, she loves to play golf.
    She has recently agreed to become a member of the TeamMates Board of Directors and is looking forward to helping the program grow by serving in that capacity, as well.
    Wilson commented that the TeamMates program needs more men as mentors because there are a number of boys who would benefit from a male mentor.
    “It’s really easy and fun, but you must commit to the program. The child is expecting to meet with you so you must show up. Kids look forward to meeting with their mentors,” she said.
    For information on becoming a TeamMates mentor, contact CCS at 308-882-4304.