Submitted Photo Katelynn Albers is Companions for Children’s Mentor of the Year.

Companions for Children’s Youth mentoring program has named Katelynn Albers as Mentor of the Year.

Originally from Hazen, Albers said she was matched to her mentee two years prior and will continue to nurture that relationship as community-based mentor well after her mentee ages out at 18.

“I believe in Companions for Children so much and to be a part of such a great organization. It has always been a passion of mine to serve in my community in some capacity,” said Albers.

Albers was involved in Hazen High School’s Future Business Leaders of America as well as the 4-H program.

A graduate of Minot State University and current associate professor of accounting at MSU, Albers spends beyond four hours a month with mentee, Phoenix.

Albers said through Companions for Children many options are available in volunteering to spend time mentoring. One option is Pen Pals — writing to children that are a match. Another option is Lunch Pals.

Albers said she applied online to become a community-based mentor after being approved. Albers and mentee, Phoenix, went through a getting to know each other phase and spent the required two hours a session, two times a month together, doing activities like baking, going to eat, working together on art projects, playing Laser tag and playing with Albers’ two dogs and two cats.

“Phoenix loves to play with my animals,” Albers said.

In addition to her role as mentor, Albers helps out with various fundraising throughout the year as well as helping to get the word out on social media.

Kat Howard, program manager for Companions for Children, said, “Katelyn Albers, checked all our boxes in being a true advocate for Companions for Children in doing things like going above and beyond and dedicating their own personal time in making a huge impact in our mentees’ lives. It is always a hard choice out of about 25 amazing candidates that help to broaden activities that are offered to the mentees in their lives.”