Youth Driven Project Inspires Across Generations

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to observe a teenager, who gave me an education I will never forget. In fact, this revelation encourages me to share this positive experience with others, both to learn from and to be hopeful for the future.

Before continuing, I need to go back a few weeks before the encounter I want to reflect upon.

The Youth Change Reaction (YCR) is the youth leadership group for the McCook Community Foundation Fund. Founded more than a decade ago, YCR’s members include students in all four grades at McCook High School. This forward-thinking measure encourages one to be involved through special activities at the school and in our community.

This spring, the YCR members asked to make a presentation to MCFF’s Advisory Committee. These young people had spent several months developing a plan for a drive-in-movie theater at the Red Willow County Fairgrounds.

Everyone in that room took note of the thoroughness of their study, which resulted in supporting their efforts with a challenge grant. If the youth raised $40,000 from the community, MCFF would grant $20,000 toward the drive-in movie project.

Additionally, there would be a training session on how to ask the community for support through fundraising. Understanding that these were young people taking on a daunting task, each YCR member was paired with a MCFF member to reach out to area donors.

The result of this joining of forces has left me wanting to share a very special experience that happened the day of the first “ask” by my YCR partner and myself.

My partner, Josiah Wilkinson, is 15 years old and a person who takes the time to study a situation for further possibilities. We met at Sehnert's half an hour before going to our appointment that Josiah had arranged. We reviewed some basics and confirmed our own commitment to the project with our own financial gifts.

Arriving at our destination a few minutes before 2 P.M., I parked the car. Before opening the door, I offered a short prayer for guidance as we embarked on this ambitious project to build something which could benefit McCook and Southwest Nebraska for generations to come.

We were cordially greeted by our prospective donor and ushered into the conference room.

The conversation was initiated by Josiah. I observed the miracle of confidence with each point of delivery. It was evident to me that similar thoughts were going through the person being asked. Twenty minutes later, we were back in the car and before the key was turned I heard, “Let’s pray.”

The day became a wonderful memory for me as I observed the younger generation moving forward with energy and enthusiasm in the interest of their community. Even at my older age, I leap for joy for those who will carry forward with their dreams.

My young team member, Josiah, is a representative of the other 11 YCR students. My thanks to each of them as they go forward with their MCFF partner and inspire the community to consider the drive-in movie project as their way to make McCook an even better place to call home.

***

A former member of MCFF, Don Harpst continues to attend every meeting and plays a vital role on the Advisory Committee, bringing years of wisdom and guidance.

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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.