'Cougar Culture' impact earns Nebraska school $2,500 in Cash in for Schools program
The money donated by Medical Solutions will go toward the Lyons-Decatur Northeast Cougar Culture program
The money donated by Medical Solutions will go toward the Lyons-Decatur Northeast Cougar Culture program
The money donated by Medical Solutions will go toward the Lyons-Decatur Northeast Cougar Culture program
The Cougar Culture club at Lyons-Decatur Northeast is getting a big boost thanks to a $2,500 donation from Medical Solutions as part of the 7 Can Help Kids Cash in for Schools program.
In its submission, the northeast Nebraska district said it "strives to build a sense of community and belonging for every person that walks through its doors."
The Cougar Culture club was created in 2022 to build relationships between students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grades.
"The word culture is in the name, and cultures in schools are really important because if you have a closer bond and culture in schools, you'll all be more successful in the end," said senior Sierra Heckenlaible.
The money will pay for a variety of activities, including an all-ages trip to a pumpkin patch, bringing in a Native American watercolor artist, and items for their science focus stations.
"It's like a family feeling that you feel safe and comfortable coming to school," said senior Camryn Brehmer. "Even if you're not comfortable talking to a teacher, you can go to an older student, and they can talk to a teacher. That helps, too."
Nearly half the money will be used to pay for the addition of a buddy bench to the playground. Buddy benches are designed to make sure everybody has a buddy and feels included at recess.