Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
BEATRICE, Neb. (AP) — School officials and Beatrice city leaders gathered this week to help encourage hundreds of young students to better their communities this school year through academic achievement.
The city of Beatrice's new branding slogan "Stake Your Claim" is intended to encourage residents to do their best for the betterment of the community.
Fifth grade student Makenna Blum told the Beatrice Daily Sun (http://bit.ly/1PSH5zU ) on Tuesday that staking her claim means "standing up for what you believe in." Her friend, Macy Gronewold, added that it means establishing a path for yourself.
"We have to look at this as a generational concept," Beatrice Mayor Stan Wirth said. "This isn't something that is going to happen overnight, but we start with the youth that are young and embrace the prospects of our future."
Students from the city's four elementary schools joined officials on Tuesday at the Homestead National Monument of America to kick off the academic year. They waved small, white flags with the city's new logo and sang and danced to music performed by a live band, while cheerleaders helped encourage the crowed.
Students also sang Happy Birthday to celebrate the 99th anniversary of the National Park Service.
"I think this was a great way to start the school year and to see the 'stake your claim' come to life," Superintendent Pat Nauroth said.
Students headed back to their classrooms after the event to learn other ways they could stake their claim.
"I'm excited for the community," said second grade teacher Jenna Larsen. "It's fun for all of us to see Beatrice doing things to promote the 'stake your claim' attitude for everyone."
___
Information from: Beatrice Sun, http://www.beatricedailysun.com
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
