NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — MENTOR Nebraska has named Steven Heinzle as the 2025 Mentor of the Year, honoring his 25 years of dedicated service to youth mentorship through Community Connections in North Platte.
Heinzle began his mentoring journey after learning about Community Connections through the North Platte Jaycees. Over the last two and a half decades, he has mentored nine youth through the program, with many of those relationships extending well beyond the typical one-year commitment.
His mentees credit Heinzle’s consistency and compassion as life-changing. Through heartfelt conversations, engaging activities, and a reliable presence, Heinzle has become a steady source of support for the young people he mentors.
“Steve’s dedication is unmatched,” said Jayna Schaaf, Executive Director of Community Connections. “His 25 years of service show the power of showing up, again and again, for young people. He truly exemplifies what it means to be a Mentor of the Year.”
Heinzle is the second mentor from Community Connections to receive this statewide honor. Jason Merz was recognized with the same award in 2022, and the program has also been spotlighted with Mentoring Coordinator Angela Hipp receiving the Mentoring Practitioner of the Year award from MENTOR Nebraska.
These accolades underscore the ongoing impact of the Community Connections program and its commitment to fostering strong, meaningful mentorships in North Platte.
The 2025 Excellence in Mentoring Awards will be streamed live on Wednesday, April 23, from 12:30 to 1:00 p.m. Viewers are encouraged to tune in to celebrate Heinzle and other exceptional mentors from across the state.