The Stolley Park Panther Character Council collected 718 items for the Humane Society, (Grand Island Public Schools, Courtesy)
GRAND ISLAND — When students see an opportunity to help the community, they include animals too.
Katelyn Sodomka is a Senior at Grand Island Senior High. Venture to the Fine Arts wing of GISH, and you’re likely to find her in a rehearsal room or on stage as she’s active in the Marching Band, Orchestra, Show Choir, Choir, and the Fall musical.
While music is certainly a passion for Katelyn, she also has another passion that captures her heart: Animals.
“I have always had an animal in my house, whether that was a dog or a cat.” Katelyn shared, “Right now I have a yellow lab named Maverick, and I have a cat named Misha, and I just love them so much.”
When Katelyn was considering ideas for her GISH National Honor Society project, the Humane Society felt like the perfect fit.
With service, leadership, and character serving as core ideals for National Honor Society, each Senior member of the Grand Island Senior High chapter commits to implementing a community-based project. Each project, conceived and led by students, provides an opportunity for Islander NHS scholars to make a positive impact beyond the walls of their school.
Katelyn’s idea?
A donation drive of supplies for the Central Nebraska Humane Society.
“Going to the Humane Society to pick Misha [her cat], just seeing all the animals there, it was so impacting to see how many animals are there that need help.” Katelyn said. “Even for my third birthday party, I had the party at the Humane Society, because I just always loved animals. And I just thought this donation drive project would really help them.”
As the Humane Society idea came together, Katelyn wanted to make the biggest impact possible — so she reached out to a school that’s close to her heart, Stolley Park Elementary.
Katelyn’s mom, Mrs. Laurie Sodomka, has served as the Stolley Park Elementary Secretary for a number of years. Through the familial connection, Katelyn has connected with Panther students and seen the student Character Council in action. A former Stolley Panther herself, she wanted to bring the idea to her former school.
The Stolley Park Elementary Character Council is a student leadership group designed to promote school spirit, pride, and positive character throughout the building. Members serve as role models by demonstrating the school’s core expectations of being Safe, Respectful, Responsible, and Kind. Third through fifth grade students may apply through a questionnaire expressing their interest and commitment. Members are selected based on leadership, positive behavior, and thoughtful responses. Families of the selected students approve participation for the year-long commitment.
The connection with GISH NHS and the Stolley Park Character Council felt like a perfect fit.
And so, Katelyn and the Panthers went to work.
From November 10th – 14th the Stolley Park Elementary Character Council hosted a schoolwide Humane Society “Wishlist” Donation Drive. The Panther student leaders designed awareness posters to display around the school. The tagline was simple:
“Your donation makes a difference.”
With Katelyn providing creative support and guidance along the way, the donation drive became a friendly classroom competition across Stolley to see which classes and grades could collect the most items.
All week, the front commons of Stolley Park Elementary slowly filled-up with totes after totes packed with donated goods.
- Dog biscuits
- Pet beds
- Animal toys
- Small animal cage lining
- Cat food cans
- Dog food bags
- And so much more
All of it inspired by the Central Nebraska Humane Society’s (CNHS) wishlist.
And then the big day arrived… Delivery day.
Once the donation drive was completed, Katelyn, the Stolley Park Character Council, and proud parents gathered in the Stolley commons to count and organize all the donated goods.
Overall, the Stolley Park Panther Character Council collected 718 items for the Humane Society.
Bursting with excitement over all they accomplished in one short week, Katelyn, the students, and parents caravanned to the CNHS facility to hand deliver the 700+ supplies items. A great way for all-involved to see the positive impact of their efforts.
“This partnership with Katelyn Sodomka was meaningful because it gave students the chance to work with a positive GISH Senior and former Stolley Park Panther.” Tamisha Rose-Osgood, Stolley Park 3rd Grade Teacher & Character Council Sponsor, said. “Katelyn provided authentic learning experiences that helped students build confidence, practice communication skills, and recognize the impact they can make within their school. Her National Honor Society Senior project supporting the Humane Society allowed students to participate in a real service opportunity, see themselves as leaders, and strengthen their sense of belonging and pride in being part of Stolley Park.”
Clipboard in-hand to track counts, Katelyn watched enthusiastic Stolley Park students loading-up carts full of supplies to load in vehicles for delivery. Her pride filled the room through a big smile. It all came together to help make life better for so many animals, and meaningful experiences were gained along the way.
“Just getting to see how much fun the kids are having with this supply drive…” Katelyn paused, “It is just awesome.”
