By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Last month, Jefferson third grader Olivia Neely was announced as a weekly winner in Eagle Media's Make a Difference Contest, presented by OPI & Golden Belt Printing. Olivia used some of her $100 winnings to treat her classmates. Last week, Eagle's Director of Promotions Becca surprised Olivia with another $100 as the September monthly winner. Olivia's teacher, Mrs. Cale, was also presented a $100 check from OPI & Golden Belt Printing.
"Do you guys remember me coming here, probably 2-3 weeks ago?" Becca asked Olivia's classmates. "And Ms. Olivia had won our weekly $100? She got this really cool, big check, and we went and took some pictures, and you guys got an ice cream party out of it? Well, Olivia actually won, again, our monthly prize."
There were five weekly Make a Difference winners in the month of September. Each was entered into the monthly drawing for an additional $100, plus the prize for that student's teacher. In addition to the extra $100, Olivia was treated to a book bag filled with swag from other Make a Difference sponsors, including a free kids' drink from Scooters. Olivia, who makes a difference by helping those around her and saying her prayers, made good use of her first prize money.
"I made an ice cream sandwich with my classmates, and I'm going to spend it on my dance competition," she said.
Mrs. Cale also plans to make good use of her $100. Her students enjoy indoor recess, and with the colder months ahead, she plans to reinvest the money into games for the classroom.
The Make a Difference contest, presented by OPI & Golden Belt Printing, is sponsored in part by Big Ben Custom Engraving, Freedom Claims Management, Great Bend Redi Mix, Francis Financial, Medical Park Pharmacy, R&R Roofing, Allstaff Chartered, Miller Plastics, Rosencrantz Bemis Water Well Service, Great Bend Rec, Jimlo Glass Center, Haz Mat Response, & Scooter's Coffee.