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Golden Belt Community Foundation accepting Magical Mini Grant applications
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Win the $250 Mini Grant Contest. Golden Belt Community Foundation is getting a makeover and its administrators want to see the magic that area residents can add to the community. One grant may be awarded in each of the four counties the foundation serves (Barton, Pawnee, Rush, and Stafford), said foundation Executive Director Christy Tustin. 

To enter, contestants must upload a video explaining why their community project should receive the funding and how it would add magic to their community, making it a better place.  

Record a short and simple video that is at least one minute long, but no longer than five minutes. The ideal project would involve enhancements that are visible in the community. 

To find more information about the application/submission along with other details, check out Golden Belt Community Foundation’s website (goldenbeltcf.org) or Facebook page (facebook.com/GoldenBeltCF).

“The foundation is excited to see what magic can be added to your community,” Tustin said.  

The Magical Mini Grant contest will be accepting video submissions through Oct. 19. GBCF will announce grant winners for each county on Oct. 26.

For questions, call 620-792-3000 or email gbcf@goldenbeltcf.org.   

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.