Every year Julie Bugner-Smith, United Way of Central Kansas Executive Director, goes to all the schools in Ellinwood, Great Bend, and Larned to talk to the 5th graders about the United Way. Each student is given a poster to draw a picture on depicting their vision of the United Way, incorporating the Campaign Theme for that year. This year the theme was “Community Super Heroes.” This past Friday night at the Panthers game, the Poster Contest winners presented their posters to businesses and leaders in Great Bend.  
Riley Elementary School-Denise Salcido presented to Golden Belt Community Foundation
Holy Family Elementary School-Alia Allen to Kustom Floor, and Alayna Irwin to Brian & Tanya Staats
Jefferson Elementary School-Kennedy Kern to First Kansas Bank, and Allyson Kaiser to The Buckle
Lincoln Elementary School-Sienna Cauley to ElderCare, Elysse Ellis to Club One Fitness, and Savana Unger to Regan & Cole Reif
Park Elementary School-Isaac Torrez to Great Bend Coop, Julian Love to CUNA Mutual Retirement Solutions, and Paco Hernandez to Paula Mauler
Eisenhower Elementary School-Dakota Aumiller to Doonan’s, Daltry Kurth to D & B Motors, and Savana Buhler to Christina Hayes with the City of Great Bend
Central Kansas Christian Academy-Tessa Fry to Great Bend Farm Equipment
“We love going into the schools and talking to the students about what United Way does and seeing how they interpret volunteerism and giving. The students really enjoy the poster presentation and Great Bend High School allowing us to do the presentation at a football game makes it all the more fun for the students. I want to give a special thank you to Sarah Mauler for coordinating the poster event. She takes on this huge project from the judging until the final presentation. It takes a lot off my plate and is a tremendous help during the campaign. Mr. Meter is also great to work with coordinating the event with the High School. United Way Super Heroes are everywhere!”, said Julie Bugner-Smith