KINDNESS MATTERS — NRHEG Elementary students chosen as winners for the third quarter were Spencer Christensen, Olivia Smith and Elizabeth Karl. For their efforts and actions, they were rewarded by having lunch with Elementary Coordinator Doug Anderson. (Star Eagle photo by Jody Wynnemer)
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
The NRHEG Elementary school students held a pep rally of sorts Wednesday morning, March 28. The 2012 Panther girls’ basketball team was welcomed to a standing ovation by the student body. Mark Domeier, the voice of the Panthers, introduced each player. The basketball team was in attendance to speak about sportsmanship, a part of the yearlong Kindness Matters program at the school.
Several students were chosen to ask questions of the players in a news conference type of format. The topics ranged from how to be good sports to treating your opponents with respect. The players said that in order to be a team, you have to put your teammates ahead of yourself.
Sophomore guard Carlie Wagner told the younger kids of her experiences during the recent state tournament.
“It was cool,” said Wagner. “I had a lot of friends posting on my Facebook wall. There was a lot of support from people who live in other towns.”Head coach John Schultz spoke of the successful season the team had this year.
“I was very proud of our team,” said Schultz. “They never complained to the referees. My sister-in-law is a teacher in Blue Earth. She overheard a group of people commenting on how well-mannered and what good sports our girls were. The people talking didn’t know she was my relation.”
Each quarter, NRHEG Elementary has focused on a Kindness Matters theme. So far the themes have been “Kind Words or No Words,” “Kind Actions,” and “Manners Matter.” The fourth quarter will be “You Matter.”
Olivia Smith, Spencer Christensen and Elizabeth Karl were selected as the Kindness Matters winners for the third quarter. For their efforts, they will be treated to lunch with Elementary Coordinator Doug Anderson. Also nominated for selection were: Hanna Crabtree, Marlee Dutton, Brody Johnson, William Tutlle, Jason Malakowsky, Max Seltun, Wyatt Groskreutz, Brenlee Knudson, Torri Valle, Isaiah Huisman, Mckenna Schiell, Gadge Svoboda, Paul Heinle, Trey Hackett and Kendall Crosson.
“We are beginning to see that our collaborative effort between all students and staff is making a big impact,” said Barb Handahl, NRHEG Family Service Coordinator. “It is our commitment to providing an educational environment that is respectful, compassionate, safe, and welcoming to everyone who attends or works at NRHEG Elementary.”