Culler club puts community first

A group of girls at Culler Middle School are shattering the stereotype that teenagers usually only think about themselves.

Members of the Culler Girls Group meet weekly for 45 minutes and not only discuss issues and topics in their lives, but also think of ways they can help the community. Right now they’re in the middle of collecting donated personal items and cleaning supplies for Nebraska flood victims. They’re also making blankets to donate.

“This is the most community-minded group I have ever led,” said Culler counselor Sherri Robinson, who advises the group along with Chris Schefdore from the Lincoln Public Schools Federal Programs Department. “There’s a lot of stuff going on in their lives but they’re more concerned about others than themselves.”

One of the group members, Nyakhan, said they understand it wouldn’t be right to only think of themselves. “We enjoy helping people.”

Joining Nyakhan in the group are fellow seventh-graders Tiba, Jeimy, Luckadya and Doneelah, and eighth-graders Nancy and Merina.

Robinson formed the group two years ago. Every semester, Culler teachers recommend students they think would benefit and contribute to the group based on their leadership skills.

“This is a group of strong personalities and they have good leadership skills,” Robinson said. “This is a way to channel those leadership skills.”

The Culler Girls Group is still accepting donated personal items and cleaning supplies for flood victims. You can drop them off at the Culler main office.

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