News

Central City Elementary Leadership is in full swing! This year, our third and fourth grade teachers nominated 19 students that are leaders in their classroom on a daily basis. One thing we talk about frequently is that leadership is not only shown by adults in our building; it is a skill that can and should be shown in children. The goal of our group is to promote positive leaders within our building. Elementary age is a formative time when young students, particularly those in third and fourth grades, begin to understand their roles within a community. These students have been part of a school setting for a few years and are ready to take on new challenges in the building. There are many essential components of elementary leadership, including the significance of being active role models, the impact of kindness, and the importance of collaboration and teamwork.

Jean A. Lukesh, state and national award winning author of fiction and nonfiction, spoke to members of P.E.O. Chapter AB on October 11th at the lake home of LaNell Fuelberth. Jean shared many engaging stories of the books she has written about Nebraskans, such as Lucky Ears: The True Story of Ben Kuroki, WWII Hero. Sky Rider: the story of Evelyn Sharp WWII WASP. Wolves in Blue: Stories of the North Brothers and Their Pawnee Scouts. Eagle of Delight: Portrait of the Plains Indian Girl in the White House. and “What A Life!” The Coney Island Story. Jean has also authored numerous children’s books and written for Nebraska Life Magazine. In addition, she wrote a Nebraska history text for fourth-graders. Members of Chapter AB found it to be a very fascinating program. Through membership, the P.E.O. Sisterhood (Philanthropic Educational Organization) has brought together more than half a million women in the United States and Canada who are passionate about helping women advance through education while supporting and motivating them. To learn more about P.E.O., its powerful educational philanthropies and to see stories of women who have benefited from the programs, visit peointernational. org.

On Friday, October 4, 2024, members of the Central City DECA chapter attended the Fall Leadership Conference in Omaha, NE. The group went through a series of workshops that taught them more about DECA and leadership. The group had the opportunity to listen to Coach Kevin Kush, a former football coach at Boys Town in Omaha and now a public speaker. The students also got to meet the State Officer team and listen to the presentations the officer team created. In addition, they were able to do different fun business activities like making their own company off of one word and creating a sales pitch for it. Fyn Fasbender, sophomore, stated “I had a really fun time. I met a lot of really cool people and learned a lot more about DECA competitions, networking, and about seizing the day and opportunities in life.”

In a quiet classroom at Central City High School, the next generation of caregivers is being trained—students who will soon offer comfort and support to the community’s elderly and vulnerable. For the first time, the school is offering a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) course in partnership with Central Community College Columbus. The course allows students to earn dual credit while preparing them for careers in healthcare, a field in critical need of skilled, compassionate workers.

On a warm and windy afternoon this past Sunday, the Central City TeamMates Mentoring Program chapter held its annual One-Mile Walk, bringing together mentees, mentors, and supporters for a meaningful event that celebrated the power of mentorship. The walk served as a visible reminder of the positive ripple effect TeamMates creates in the lives of Central City students, with mentors and mentees walking side-by-side and sharing in the joy of connection.