Mentoring program showing success, needs more help

McCOOK, Nebraska -- The local branch of a mentoring program started by Tom Osborne is showing positive results, according to a program official.

The latest annual metrics indicated that students involved with the McCook TeamMates program had 100 percent fewer absences than they did before they became part of the program, according to Dennis Berry, TeamMates president.

Eighty-three percent of the students had fewer disciplinary referrals.

"Most importantly," berry said, "sixty seven percent of the students improved academic performance.

All of the metrics for McCook were above the state averages, Berry said.

TeamMates serves students grades 4-12. Berry said mentors for children are needed in McCook. For more information, contact him at (308) 345-6940 or director, Darcey Hansen, at (308) 340-2580.