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Congratulations to Hy-Vee! MSTA Friend of Education Finalist!

By Whitworth, Gayla on April 03, 2023

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Congratulations to our local Hy-Vee! Hy-Vee was nominated by our Putnam County CTA for MSTA's Friend of Education award and was selected as a finalist. Check out what Mrs. Whitworth, PCR-I CTA President wrote in her nomination. 

"It is my pleasure to nominate our local Hy-Vee for consideration as a Friend of Education award recipient. Hy-Vee has been a faithful supporter of our school district for many years.  Their display of committed involvement is shown with all departments of our school including the students, organizations, staff, and athletics.  

Hy-Vee is an employer for countless numbers of present and past high school students at Putnam County. They give students an opportunity to earn a wage while allowing them to still be involved in school activities and sports. They allow the students flexibility in their schedules for such opportunities. Their generosity in hiring high school students gives them beneficial employment opportunities that most businesses don’t.  Through FFA, many of our students have utilized their employment with Hy-Vee for their Agricultural Occupational Experience (AOE) and gained invaluable life experiences.  

Putnam County implements a character-building program.  Hy-Vee has donated money for t-shirts to be given to students and teachers.  They have also provided the funds to purchase awards for elementary students.  

Outstanding student lunch balances have increased in our district in recent years.  Hy-Vee held a tenderloin fundraiser and donated a portion of the funds to the school to help pay down the student’s outstanding lunch balances.  This is also something they want to continue to help with.  This year, the nurse received a $150 dollar gift card to purchase snacks for students who come to school hungry or don’t eat breakfast.  

Our Hy-Vee is one of the first businesses the school reaches out to when they are needing donations. These donations extend from prizes and money for After-Prom, a popcorn machine for the elementary, money to buy books for an elementary read-a-thon, gift cards for teachers and staff, and granola bars for students to eat during MAP testing.  Hy-Vee even donates turkeys to our cooks each year for a turkey bowling contest during lunch at Thanksgiving.

Hy-Vee is a MAJOR contributor and sponsor of our athletic programs. They have sponsored our tailgate parties faithfully throughout the years. For the past several years, they have tirelessly sponsored nearly all of them.  Hy-Vee hosts “meet and eat with the team” nights so the community can get to know the players and coaches.  Hy-Vee has donated many food items for our football team and has never turned anyone away. The last football game of this year was a cold one.  Hy-Vee donated over 60 packages of Hot Hands to the team.  Our athletic department often depends on Hy-Vee’s help throughout the school year.

Our local Hy-Vee’s willingness to help our district is very much appreciated by all!  Their dedication to Putnam County R-1 goes above and beyond.  We are so thankful for them. " 

Congratulations to Hy-Vee! We appreciate all you do for our schools, students, staff, and community!