This post was published on on May 15, 2019, by Rodd Cayton
BULLHEAD CITY — They’ve done it again, only bigger.
Family, Career and Community Leaders of America students from Mohave High School have received a grant from the Lead2Feed Student Leadership Program for the third year in a row. In 2017 and 2018, respectively, the group claimed third and second place. Each meant a $5,000 grant.
This year, the Mohave squad took first place and $10,000 for the WOW! Produce Market with its “Souper Bowl” project; the students collected more than 1,000 cans of soup for the WOW! Mobile Food Pantry.
They also led preschoolers to an understanding of sharing and giving, according to a Lead2Feed press release.
Betty Rae, of the market-related Mojave Desert Nutrition Initiative, said the money will help with its relocation effort.
“We’re very, very excited to partner with them three years running,” Rae said. “The kids have just been awesome. They’re the best volunteers we’ve ever had — so willing to learn, so willing to give back to their community. I just can’t say enough about them.”
The students, from Mohave High School’s early childhood education FCCLA chapter, also volunteered at food pantry events.
“They’re really on the ball,” Rae said. “They’re really learning about providing better nutrition and better food options for the people that we serve.”
MHS was one of five winners of the grand prize.
Michele Leyendecker, the career and technical education teacher for the MHS early childhood education classes, said she was “inspired by the students’ desire to truly teach young children the importance of giving to others.”