Heartland Beat Student of the Month – March 2014

This month’s Heartland Beat Student of the Month, junior Tierney Casper, learned how one small idea can make a difference. She read in the newspaper about the gravestone destruction that occurred at the Farmer’s Valley Cemetery last August, and that sparked an idea. “I thought maybe our local National Honor Society could raise some money to help the cemetery repair the broken stones,” said Casper. Little did she know that her idea would grow into something much bigger.

She talked to both her mom and NHS sponsor and English teacher Nora Ohrt about her idea, and they both agreed it would be a worthwhile fundraising project. But then she shared her idea with her grandfather, Larry Cox, who happens to be on the Henderson State Bank Board of Directors, and that is when her idea turned into more than conducting a few cake raffles.

He came back to her with the offer from Henderson State Bank of matching funds of up to $10,000 towards the Farmer’s Valley Cemetery restoration project. “Tierney’s idea has led our group in this year-long fundraising project,” said Nora Ohrt. To date, $8,854 has been raised by the NHS according to Ohrt. “She really inspired and definitely fueled the Paul Siebert fundraiser concert,” said Ohrt. That event raised about $2,000, and Casper continues to brainstorm more ideas in order to reach their $10,000 goal before school is out.

Besides her heavy involvement in NHS this year, Casper keeps busy participating in Band, Chorus, Chamber Singers, Jazz Band, FBLA, Art Club, Volleyball, and Track. She also held a part in the all-school play, “The Yearbook”. Highlights of her year include being chosen to participate in All-State Chorus and singing the national anthem before the Class C Volleyball finals last November. She just found out she has been selected to sing the anthem for the kickoff of the FBLA statewide meeting in Omaha next month as well.

Swimming competitively is another activity that Casper excels at. During the summer, she trains with the York Dolphins swim team and competes in the 100 Butterfly, 100 Freestyle, and several other individual and relay events. “Tierney is a passionate student leader who is willing to work hard to accomplish the goals set before her,” said Ohrt. Congratulations for being chosen as this month’s Heartland Beat Student of the Month!

Written by Shannon Siebert