Bison Days Brings Community Together

Beyond the syllabus, books, tests and homework assignments, you will find hobbies, interests and skills that do not always have a place, or a time, in the classroom.

But for two days each February, students at McCook High School venture past curriculum and into a world of newfound talents and interests, learning skills like cooking and crafts and discovering a new array of pastimes and hobbies. A potential career or job opportunity may even arise out of the sessions.

Since 2018, McCook Bison Days has helped build relationships between students, community volunteers and the MHS staff, while providing skill-building activities along with plenty of laughs.

Students and community volunteers are able to view one another in a different light, as they are teaching and learning about a topic that both view as interesting. For two days, community members and teachers conduct classes such as sewing, fencing or self-defense, passing along skills and, in most cases, interest to McCook students.

Our community willingly gives of their time and talents to teach a course for half a day or in some cases, all day. And we love having them be part of such a pivotal project at MHS.

I am writing to express McCook Public Schools heartfelt gratitude for everyone’s incredible gifts of time, talent, and generosity through McCook Bison Days. These contributions have made a significant impact on our school mission of equipping all students to succeed, and we could not have achieved our goals without the community’s support.

The number of volunteer hours have been an inspiration to us all. In addition, the willingness of so many to share their expertise and experience with MHS students has been invaluable.

The donation of time and energy has helped us to build a stronger and more connected community, and we are deeply grateful for the community’s commitment to not only McCook Public Schools, but also to McCook as a whole.

To all our presenters: From your artistic creations to your technological innovations, your abilities have enriched our students lives and helped them to see the possibility of achieving great things. Your creativity and innovation have inspired the students to become involved in new and exciting endeavors.

To the McCook community: Your generosity has been a blessing to us all. Your willingness to give of your resources and support in our efforts has been a source of strength and encouragement. Additionally, teaching a Bison Days’ class is not cheap. Yet, so many of you refuse to be reimbursed for all that you give to operate your class.

Therefore, the MHS staff and students want to say thank you to our community. Your gifts of time, talent, and generosity have made a significant difference in the McCook school community, and we are so grateful for your contributions.

We hope that the community will continue to be a part of our shared mission and that we can continue to work together to create a better community for all.

***

Still to referred to as “Coach,” Jeff Gross is the business manager for McCook Public Schools. He is also as a committee member of the McCook Community Foundation Fund, a proud financial supporter of McCook Bison Days since it began in 2018.

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Jan. 2026 Volunteer of the Month Devoted to Church and Community

By Ronda Graff • January 22, 2026

To kick off the new year, Jo Beebe has been selected as the January 2026 McCook Volunteer of the month. While many people might know Jo for her years at the Sports Shoppe, she can be found giving hours of her time to the community, especially at St. Patrick Church. Whether during the weekly Mass or for a funeral or wedding, Jo shares her beautiful voice from the choir loft, as well as leading the choir members. Jo, along with her husband Harold, also has served as the St. Pat’s GALA host couple in the past and continues to help with set-up and cleanup of the annual event. Jo is also active with the Fall Festival, the Rosary Rally and the Wild Game Feed in Curtis every year. She attends every the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults class and helps students prepare for confirmation. And since retiring from the Sports Shoppe, she is active in the Altar Society, and volunteers at the Bargain Bazaar thrift store. According to her nomination, “The way Jo gives of her time and talents to our parish and community is a reflection of her faith,” and the community and the church are better because of her generosity. The McCook Philanthropy Council selects the monthly recipient for the McCook Volunteer of the Month award as part of the McCook Community Foundation Fund’s McCook Volunteer program. If there is a volunteer in the community who should be recognized, please contact the McCook Chamber of Commerce at 308.340.3200 or visit McCook Volunteers on the MCFF website, mccookfoundation.org to complete a nomination form. The only requirement is that the nominee must be a resident of McCook or Red Willow County. Please have information about the nominee along with where and how they volunteer in the community.