Agriculture students at
Southeast Community College’s Beatrice Campus are learning about giving back to
the community as part of a leadership class. In class, students must come up
with an idea for a leadership project, vote on it and complete it.
“The class did research on
non-profits in the area and then voted during one of our class meetings,” said
Amanda Fairley, Ag instructor. “The students decided to work the Traubel’s
Popcorn stand in Beatrice where it’s all volunteer, and 70 percent of the
proceeds are donated to a non-profit of their choice.”
The students worked the
popcorn stand in shifts starting in October. When business did not go as
planned because of weather, they needed to figure out what to do differently in order to raise
more money. The students analyzed what else they
could do. In addition to the popcorn stand, they decided to take orders from
local businesses and SCC employees.
This proved to be much more
successful as the students had more than 30 orders to fill and deliver. Local
businesses that contributed included Pinnacle Bank, Twin Rivers, First State
Bank, Carriage Motors, and Orscheln Farm & Home.
“I’ve definitely gained
leadership skills during these projects,” said Bridget Beisel, Ag student. “I’ve
learned not to be scared to try something new even though you’re not sure it’ll
work out.”
Students raised nearly $200,
which the popcorn stand rounded up so they could present a $100 check to each non-profit
agency. They selected the Gage County Special Olympics and the Gage County 4-H.
“This leadership project has
impacted my life by making me step out of my comfort zone and volunteer my time
more,” added Madison Yelken, Ag student. “I believe giving back to your
community is extremely important.”
The students presented the
checks to the non-profit agencies on Monday, Dec. 9.