Nebraska Golf Fundraiser Raises $15K for Students

When 22 teams teed off at North Platte's annual golf fundraiser on May 29, they weren't just playing for fun. They were investing in the future of local students.

The North Platte Public Schools Foundation celebrated its most successful tournament yet, with 37 sponsors stepping up to support the event. That's the highest number in the tournament's six-year history, showing how a community rallies when education is on the line.

Executive Director Terri Burchell announced the event raised over $15,000 to benefit the Foundation and the North Platte High School Booster Club. Those dollars will fund teacher grants and help students access learning resources they might not otherwise have.

The momentum isn't slowing down. The Foundation's Summer Launch Enrichment Program has already enrolled 86 students across 14 sessions, with elementary classes filling up fast.

One standout offering is "Let's Make a Podcast," a three-day class for middle schoolers taught by high school teacher Phil Willey. Students will study successful podcasts, learn about modern media, and create their own shows.

Other summer classes include Money IRL, which teaches high schoolers personal finance skills, and hands-on STEM projects like building Rube Goldberg machines. The variety ensures there's something for every type of learner.

The Ripple Effect

This fundraiser represents something bigger than one day on the golf course. It shows what happens when a community decides that every student deserves access to enrichment opportunities, whether that's learning to manage money or discovering a passion for media production.

The 37 sponsors didn't just write checks. They sent a message that education matters, that summer learning keeps kids engaged, and that small investments create big opportunities.

Now those funds will help teachers bring innovative ideas into classrooms through REACH Grants and ensure students from all backgrounds can participate in the Prepared2Learn program. Every dollar creates another chance for a student to discover their potential.

Looking ahead, the Foundation's Evening of Excellence on July 17 will honor three distinguished alumni and raise more funds for student scholarships.

When communities invest in education, students win.