Young People Shaping Their Hometowns

McCook and southwest Nebraska are my home. While personal experiences and

belonging are unique to each person, we all contribute to creating meaningful

opportunities and lasting connections for the youth we help, helping them build a lifelong

sense of hometown pride. Three events this summer created opportunities to form

partnerships and build valuable connections.

My role in Summer 2025 was as director for two McCook High School graduates, along

with partner Jeff Gross and Ronda Graff. This program is made possible by the

Nebraska Community Foundation Summer Hometown Intern Program and also

supported by the McCook Community Foundation Fund.

Natalie Roberts (MHS Class of 2023), a past member of MCFF's youth group YCR

(Youth Change Reaction), contributed to fostering engagement with the Bison

Newsletter and enhancing connections with alums. Her social media posts help former

MHS graduates reestablish connections with McCook, including those who have

relocated.

Lucas Gomez-Wilson, MHS Class of 2023, pursued community development by utilizing

video platforms and producing a range of content. He reviewed previous videos and

created new material. He participated in various experiences within the community to

document life in his hometown. His video projects aim to represent aspects of living in

McCook, including community activities, personal stories, and community welcoming

events.

In spring 2025, the Nebraska Community Foundation initiated its inaugural statewide

Youth Summit for youth organizations connected to NCF. The event, held in McCook,

was co-organized by MCFF's youth group, Youth Change Reaction (YCR). YCR is

composed of students from MHS High School and supported by their sponsors: Shelly

Sehnert, Gavin Harsh, and Pam Wolford.

The first Youth Summit was a 24-hour event exploring McCook's many assets. YCR led

activities about creating local experiences that build connections and pride in their

hometown. Former and current members discussed their role in establishing Cars

Under the Stars, the out-door theater at Red Willow County Fair Grounds, which is truly

inspiring. Their journey, filled with challenges like fundraising and equipment

procurement, showcases their determination and resilience. Despite facing a constant

barrage of unpredictable obstacles, they never gave up. This experience not only

boosted their confidence but also instilled a sense of hometown pride.

Past and present YCR members participated in a conversation with Caroline Kleinfox,

Director of U.S. Sustainable Development Goals, based in New York City. Kleinfox was

most interested in the discussion from our youth and their reaction to the sustainable

goals and how they impact our day-to-day living, along with the long-term effects of their

implementation on their own future and our environment.

All of these ventures serve as proof of concept for the significant value that young

people in our hometowns contribute as assets, though their contributions are at times

underestimated. These experiences have broadened my perspective on the benefits of

engaging young people in decision-making processes and partnering with them to

shape the communities we all aspire to call home.

Let's come together to celebrate our youth's achievements and work collaboratively to

build a welcoming community where every young person feels at home.

***

Cindy Huff is the McCook Community Foundation Fund past chairperson and Nebraska

Community Foundation chair-elect, along with grandparenting, gardening and fishing in

her spare time.

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With Little Snow, Still the Season of Lights

By Ronda Graff • January 29, 2026

With little to snow on the ground in McCook, holiday lights help beat the drab and dreary season.

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.