Nemaha Central Elementary and Middle School had a special guest, Kent Schnakenberg, on Wednesday, April 27. Kent travels all over the United States and parts of Canada to help raise awareness for a juvenile disease, Type-1 Diabetes.
The assembly started off with a video including pictures of what Kent Schnakenberg does to help raise awareness. Once the video was done, Kent called three students with Type-1 Diabetes to come down and talk about living with the disease and explain more about their disease. The three students were eighth-grader, Beth Berkley, seventh-grader, Haley Wood, and fourth-grader, Levi Holthaus. He also called down Mrs. Heidi Holthaus, Levi’s mom, to explain how Kent’s events have saved her son’s life.
When the speakers were done, Kent called on an audience member to say a phrase he came up with to win a lunch bag, water bottle, and a granola bar. After a few tries, the volunteer almost got the phrase correct, and Kent gave him the prizes.
Avery Lueger said, “After the assembly, I tried to say Kent’s phrase and I kept messing up. It was fun though.”
Later in the assembly, Kent talked to the audience about some of the basic rules for bike safety. He talked about why wearing a helmet is important. He also gave examples of bright clothing to wear when riding bikes for safety reasons.
Kent ended the assembly by telling stories about some of the adventures his bear, Buddy, and he have been on. He talked about all sorts of great visits he’s had with other schools across the country. Kent stated that he was glad that Buddy never needed a bathroom break, he never wanted anything to eat, and he always kept him company on his long journeys.
Brecken Kramer stated, “I love riding my bike and I think that it’s pretty awesome that he always wears bright colors while riding. Some of the stories he told would have been amazing to see.”
Kent Schnakenberg has been spreading awareness for Type-1 Diabetes for years. His message has helped save the lives of many people. Kent’s desire to spread awareness has been a great one. Speaking for the students and staff at Nemaha Central Elementary and Middle School, we are all very lucky to be able to help support Kent’s message in spreading Type-1 Diabetes awareness.
Click the link below for more photos.