Students celebrate Nebraska's birthday

Dressed in their pioneer clothing with their teacher are students in Danitra Lenard's fourth grade class.

The state of Nebraska turned 141 on March 1. In 1867, Nebraska became the 37th state of the United States.

The fourth grade students at South School had two birthday parties celebrating Nebraska's statehood. On Thursday, February 28, they went to Nebraska City for a Statehood Birthday Party with Secretary of State John Gale (Cactus Jack). The celebration was hosted by the Secretary of State's office, along with the NEBRASKAland Foundation and the Nebraska Humanities Council.

The students attending Cactus Jack's party enjoyed interactive fun and musical entertainment. They also had a chance to showcase their Nebraska history knowledge.

During their birthday celebration, fourth grade students learned square dances in the South School gym.

On Friday, February 29, the fourth grade students celebrated Nebraska's birthday at South School. They dressed in pioneer clothing and had numerous activities to help them experience what life was like in Nebraska in the mid 1800's. The students relived Nebraska history by making paper covered wagons, learning square dances, sewing mini quilts, and playing string games.

Students made wagons in their classes to help them learn about pioneer life in the early days of statehood.

Creating mini-quilts by piecing fabric and sewing the pieces together are students in Mrs. Lenard's class.

Kris Ogle, fourth grade teacher, shows her students how to play string games during their Nebraska birthday celebration.