Kids & Connections

Painting Penguins

State Debate

e First Christian Church is hosting their annual "Prom Shop" event on Saturday, January 18th from 11am - 3pm. Local girls are welcome to select a gown from over a 100 beautiful prom dresses in various colors and sizes. Once they've found the perfect dress, they are wel - come to take it home at no cost. Refreshments will be served and ladies will be on hand to assist the shoppers. e First Christian Church is located at 123 West 9th Street in Wel -

Fort Hays State Univer -

Newman University has announced that two students from Welling - ton have completed the requirements to earn their degrees at the close of the 2024 Fall semester: Chey - anne Mayo and Alyssa Wilson.

Visible progress is taking shape at the site of Wel - lington's new locker room/ community center, with the exterior freshly painted and shingles now in place on the roof. Inside, crews have begun work on electrical systems, plumbing, and framing. is exciting project is a collaborative eort between the City of Wel - lington and USD 353. e facility is designed with functionality in mind, fea - turing locker rooms at each end of the building and a spacious open area in the center. Additionally, it will include modern bathrooms and a versatile concession stand that can serve both indoor and outdoor events.

e Sumner County Economic Development Commission (SCEDC) has been selected as one of the eleven projects to participate in the inaugural K-State 105 Entrepreneurial Blueprint Initiative. is new initiative, a partnership between Kansas State University and Network Kansas, aims to support entrepreneurship and small business development in communities across Kansas. e K-State 105 Entrepreneurial Blueprint Initiative is part of K-State 105, the university's statewide economic growth initiative that seeks to foster development in all 105 Kansas counties. e initiative focuses on community-based, collaborative projects designed to strengthen local economies and build pathways for small businesses to thrive.

Prior to the holiday break, USD 353 schools celebrat - ed the season with a variety of fun and festive activities. Here's a quick look at the holiday cheer: A big thank you to everyone who contributed to making this holiday season special for students and sta across USD 353!

Members of the Wellington High School Business Professionals of America (BPA) traveled to Wichita last week to participate in the Regional Leadership Conference, an event designed to give students valuable experience ahead of the State Leadership Conference.

Local sophomore Cooper Beasinger, a member of the Wichita Homeschool Robotics team, recently wrapped up his second year competing in the Boosting Engineering, Science, and Technology (BEST) Robotics program.