COLUMBUS, Neb. — Students at a Columbus elementary school are going home with a brand new accessory this weekend.
Emerson Elementary was News Channel Nebraska’s Small Towns Matter winner.
Each student received a new helmet courtesy of Medica and the Aksarben Foundation, whose leaders say the experience is just as rewarding for them as it is the kids.
“Just the little kids shaking my hand and thanking me or giving me a high five,” President of the Aksarben Foundation Sandra Reding said. “One little kid made this expression, she couldn’t believe it, I have goosebumps.”
“We believe strongly in giving back to the community,” Vice President and Market Leader for Medica Pat Bourne said. “Giving bicycle helmets for the safety of the kids in rural Nebraska or greater Nebraska just seems to make a lot of sense and fits our mission.”
The safety of the kids is at the center of the gifts. Wearing a helmet helps minimize injuries. Columbus Police Chief Strecker says that’s the most important thing.
“You have that first line defense of if you hit something hard with your head then that helmet is going to keep that from being as impactful as it could be. If you don’t have that helmet on, your head is the first thing that’s going to hit,” Strecker said.
And the helmets aren’t the only thing that Emerson Elementary received on Friday. The school also received a $2,500 donation.
The school was nominated by one of its own, Health Aide Lynn Liermann.
Superintendent Dr. Chip Kay wasn’t surprised to learn that Lynn nominated Emerson.
“I think it tells you a lot about Emerson Elementary and a lot about Columbus Public Schools,” Kay said. “We have people who care, that care about our kids, they’re proud of the schools they work at. They’re proud of the district and they recognize that these are neat opportunities.”
NCN and its partners plan to launch the Small Towns Matter program again in the spring.
Read the original story here: https://plattevalley.newschannelnebraska.com/story/53300707/columbus-school-wins-small-towns-matter-promotion-gets-brand-new-helmets?fbclid=IwY2xjawOhfOlleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFEb1FOc2lxaVY4SE9hTUxqc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHoPa0KUl8kmQf3a7M1PJy_bKs9Kg3oPNIbLHaXoy1-OL_OnSfpTWcQeCVsSb_aem_3fLFHGw6-T5JNUWH14eXYA
