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Clara Barton celebrates National Walk at Lunch Day with free lunch
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Clara Barton staff member Amy Schwager gives lunch to participant and fellow staff member Deb Hawkins after she walked her laps at Clara Barton in Great Bend for National Walk at Lunch Day on April 26. - photo by Riley Brungardt

In celebration of National Walk at Lunch Day Clara Barton invited employees and volunteers to walk a few laps and enjoy a free sack lunch during their lunch break. 

Volunteers showed to the front entrance of Clara Barton in Great Bend and were greeted by friendly staff Natalie Bieberle, Amy Schwager, and others. After signing in, walkers were allowed to choose their distance covered on the sidewalk around the building. After walking, a free lunch was waiting at the table for participants to grab and go.

“We always promote the walk because we want to highlight how walking can improve everyone’s health,” Clara Barton Foundation Wellness Chair Karla Chrissman said. “It’s a simple activity that can reduce the risk of chronic diseases.”

Chrissman said that Great Bend had about two dozen walkers and Hoisington had about 100 walkers. All walkers were treated to free ham or turkey sandwiches and a bottle of water. Clara Barton Medical Center in Hoisington also gave all participants the opportunity to enter a door prize giveaway.

This walk has been promoted for Clara Barton in Hoisington for the last six years Chrissman said. This is Great Bend’s second year participating in the walk. Clara Barton will continue to promote the benefit of walking by having a “hit your stride” challenge where the staff will be counting their steps for the entire month of May. 

GBHS students bring home top honors at Job Olympics
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Great Bend High School students and teachers pose for a photo following the annual Job Olympics, held March 26 in Hays. From left: Brandi Suchy, interpreter and coach; Payton Edwards, 10th grade; Jamie Patton, 12th grade; MaKayla Cross, 11th grade; Faith Mead, 10th grade; Rhonda Glenn, special education teacher and coach; and Trish Berger, special education teacher, work Study coordinator and coach.
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MaKayla Cross competes in a grocery packing event at the Job Olympics.

Four students from Great Bend High School put their skills to the test and brought home top honors during the annual Job Olympics, held March 26 in Hays.

Representing GBHS at this day-long event were students MaKayla Cross, Jamie Patton, Payton Edwards and Faith Mead. These outstanding students competed in a variety of hands-on events designed to build employability skills and boost confidence for future career success. Their hard work and preparation paid off with impressive results:

• 1st Place – Small Gas Engines, Rolling Silverware

• 2nd Place – Sorting Recyclables, Kids Meals Packaging

The Job Olympics provides students with opportunities to practice real-world job tasks, connect with employers, and engage in meaningful social experiences. The event aims to build motivation to learn job skills, improve social interactions, foster new friendships, and develop self-confidence. Participants also receive valuable feedback on their personal employability skills.

“The students not only gained practical skills that will serve them throughout their lives, but also built friendships with students from other schools and communities,” shared Trish Berger, Vocational Program Coordinator and Special Education Teacher at GBHS. “It’s inspiring to see their growth and enthusiasm during this event.”

Accompanied by three dedicated coaches, the GBHS team embraced every opportunity the Job Olympics had to offer, demonstrating perseverance and a positive attitude in each competition. Events like these reinforce the importance of community partnerships and showcase the talents and abilities of students with special needs.

For more information about the vocational programs at Great Bend High School, contact Trish Berger at 620-793-1521.

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Payton Edwards competes in the grocery stocking event at the Job Olympics.