Supporting and empowering our youth is a topic that should never far from the surface for our community.
From grants for youth programs to scholarships to youth organizations, young people are a priority for the McCook Community Foundation Fund. But for many years, there was something missing...making young people feel like they should return to our community and make an impact.
Beginning in 2014, McCook High School graduates received a full-sized mailbox to remind them of home. After three years, the gift switched to reusable mugs and glasses since they were a little easier to take to college than a legal-sized postal box. In an attempt to stay hip and relevant, MCFF gave out portable chargers to the Class of 2020, encouraging them to “Take the Power of McCook with You.”
While the gift may have changed, what remained the same over the years was the message given to the high school graduates: We want you to return to McCook.
When they receive their gift during graduation practice, the high school seniors are encouraged to stay in McCook or eventually return to their hometown. Former MHS grads who have made the conscious decision to return to their hometown share why they chose McCook as their home. Over and over, the speakers literally say: “We want you to return to McCook.”
And that is an important first step. People, especially young people, need to feel like they are wanted. It may seem obvious, but I’d like every parent, employer, community member to ask themselves, “Have I ever asked a young person to move back to McCook? Have I ever told a young person that I want you to move back home?”
That is an important start, but it’s the next step where we need to make improvements. While we may “say” we want young people to move back to McCook, what are we “doing” to encourage young people to move home and make them feel like they are making an impact?
Are we giving them the tools to start a business or become an entrepreneur? Are we encouraging them to get involved in local organizations? Are we giving them responsibilities in the community by letting them serve on boards and committees? Are we giving them authority to make decisions regarding funding sources?
I actually began this column the day after the election, when we had selected new local officials. But I needed a couple weeks to let the “idea breathe.”
I want to give a personal shout-out to Dawson Brunswick, who is the same age as my oldest son. It takes a lot of courage to run for political office in the first place. It takes even more courage to run when one of the “knocks” against you is something you can’t even control - your age.
While no candidate is perfect, one thing that was said over and over was that he lacked experience or that he was too young. But ask yourself, how are our young people supposed to get experience if we don’t give them the opportunity to be involved? If we don’t give them the chance to make decisions? If we don’t invite them to serve on boards and committees?
An oft-repeated mantra of the Nebraska Community Foundation when it comes to welcoming new leaders (young or old) is “Don’t move out, move over.” This means that older people should continue to contribute to the organization with their wisdom and guidance, but they should be willing to give up their seat at the table for a younger - or different - voice.
Don Harpst is a great example of someone who is actively involved in the community. He quietly offers insight and guidance, but then sits back and lets the younger people make the decisions. Of course, there aren’t many people older than Don who are still as active, so everyone is “young” to him.
If we want people to choose to move back to McCook, we must be willing to pay more than lip-service to the idea. We must be willing to entrust them with responsibilities. We must be willing to trust them to make the right decisions. We must be willing to move over and let them make an impact on our future.
Jeremy Shaw named April 2025 McCook Volunteer of the Month
While the Bison Alumni Newsletter will still be available digitally, a new printed service is available.
During a recent performance at the Fox Theater by the Lied's Arts Across Nebraska, there was one group who was not thanked: those who showed up for the event, which is a big deal.
Mark Friehe named March McCook Volunteer of the Month.
Although the Bodensteiners no longer live in Southwest Nebraska, they are still connected and wanted to see if prosper and thrive.
From long-term projects to weekly events, you cannot say "there is nothing to do" or "nothing is happening."
With the goal of reaching 200 subscriptions, the Bison Alumni Newsletter is launching a subscription service.
Long-time volunteer Don Harpst was recognized as the first McCook Volunteer of the Month in March 2025.
McCook's youth survey shows that young people now value safety in their community, something McCook provides.
Building Connections in McCook Matters June in McCook will be abuzz with fun events including a Youth Summit, hosted by McCook Community Foundation Fund. Our young people in Youth Change Reaction will host the first Nebraska Community Foundation gathering for youth, which will bring youth from across Nebraska to McCook. While still in the planning stages, our students identified that McCook is great because of connections . Our young people easily recognize how critical this factor is to people attraction, to people retention, and to improve their futures. What I miss most about my high school classroom is connections with students and colleagues. In education, I taught first, second, and sometimes third generations in families. My husband, Greg, and I are not McCook natives, but I eventually knew who was related to whom and usually where the parent(s) were employed. Going to the grocery store meant greetings from students and sometimes their family members. I officially retired from my high school classroom nine years ago in May. When you retire, the most-asked question becomes “What do you do with your time?” I try to maintain those connections and make new ones by belonging. For the past seven years, Sharon Bohling and I have volunteered to help plan and organize Bison Days for our high school students, which took place February 10 and 11. It would not happen without the financial support of McCook Community Foundation Fund, plus the McCook High School, local businesses, and the talented people of Southwest Nebraska who say “yes” when one of us reaches out to ask for the donation of time and talent. I would venture that they allow us to be on the Bison Days’ committee because we both have connections within our community—it’s certainly not our computer savvy. Connections can also solve a problem. Recently, I signed up to help a local family in crisis. My morning plan revolved around delivering my donation at a designated drop-off place. That didn’t work out. Fortunately, I still work with youth in various capacities, so I know that Keri Wilkinson works for Camy Bradley. Keri was an organizer for the family fundraiser, so I walked in Camy’s office hoping to find Keri. She was not there, so Camy and I visited briefly. She knew someone (who I did not know) who could possibly give me further direction. Only in a town with connections are you able to interrupt someone’s business, have her reach out for you using her connections , and offer to keep the donations for me until Keri’s return. Another great example of connecting can be found over coffee. Dee Friehe and I are longtime teacher friends. During a chance meeting at the grocery store a few weeks ago, she shared how she was there following a funeral service and was gathering supplies to deliver supper to the grieving family that night. She also updated me on her group of adults who meet for coffee on Thursdays at Ember’s, which varies from 8-28 depending on the day. She recognized the need for adults moving to McCook or folks just wanting to get out to make connections . Dee’s husband, Mark, also hosts his own group of men who are new(er) to McCook. She regaled me with stories of their Christmas party and other special gatherings. Wanting to call McCook your home is solidified by building connections . Ronda Graff has written about McCook Connects which matches a McCook person with someone new to the community of similar interests. I earned my McCook Connects’ T-shirt welcoming a young family with children. We have since spent many hot summer days sitting on bleachers together cheering on our 4-H horse kids while they show their horses. Warning: I connected them with a “free” new-to-them horse. Be careful connecting with me or you’ll probably own a horse. You do not have to be retired to connect in this community. Volunteering is a surefire way to meet people. McCook has many civic groups looking for new faces. Attend a church here; we have many welcoming congregations. Go to ball games or school concerts, attend concerts in the park, learn a new skill through the college, show up at a Third Thursday event or invite the neighbors for a BBQ. Take your youngsters to story hour or Move and Groove at the library. Go watch an event at the Kiplinger Arena. You can even take it a step further: Make a friend or call a friend and invite him/her to go with you. It is human connection that keeps us healthy and happy. If McCook Community Foundation Fund can help you connect in some meaningful way, please reach out for advice or support. *** While Pam Wolford may be retired, she is just as busy serving on the McCook Community Foundation Fund committee and started a new Learn and Return Scholarship with MCFF, while stepping up to grandparent whenever the call comes in.
