The Mankato Family YMCA Brother/Sister Mentoring Program has announced the recipients of the annual Guiding Light Award, honoring the volunteerism of community member mentors and program partners.

This year’s awards will be presented to: Sam Murray, Brother/Sister Community Based Mentor of the Year; Lori Vetsch, School Based Mentor of the Year; Mary Groothuis and Andrew Miller, Pen Pal Mentors of the Year; and Tim Cashman, Community Mentor Program Partner of the Year.

Awards will be presented during an April 14 presentation during an appreciation dinner on at Minnesota State University. For information about attending the dinner, call 507-345-9815.

The mentoring program matches area youth between the ages of 6-18 with adult volunteers. Mentors make nine-month commitments to spend two to three hours a week with their assigned youths.

Established in 2016, the Guiding Light Award is given annually to individuals who represent and model what an exemplary mentor can be. It is also given to a community partner who supports and advances the Brother/Sister Mentoring Program’s mission.

This story was published in the Mankato Free Press on March 20, 2025