The Wayne Community Schools Foundation Board of Directors pledged $50,000 to assist the school district in the purchase of playground equipment for the new Early Learning Center. In addition, the Foundation’s will donate designated donations from the Annual Alumni and Friends 2024 Campaign. As of May 15, 2025 the total amount for this project will be $140,000. The playground equipment will be built in early June of 2025. Once project is completed the Foundation will update this information.
The Wayne Community Schools Foundation Board of Directors pledged $50,000 to assist the school district in the purchase of playground equipment for the new Early Learning Center. In addition, the Foundation’s will donate designated donations from the Annual Alumni and Friends 2024 Campaign. As of May 15, 2025 the total amount for this project will be $140,000. The playground equipment will be built in early June of 2025. Once project is completed the Foundation will update this information.
Bob and Debbie Ensz (Debbie passed away in March 2024) were recognized as “Friends of the Wayne Community Schools Foundation” at the Class of 2025 Commencement. Debbie was the first President of the Board of Directors and Bob served as Secretary of the board. They were instrumental in establishing the Foundation in May of 1988. They have continued to support the Foundation and the students of the district by endowing the Edith Huse Wightman Scholarship (Debbie’s mother) and the Debbie Ensz Memorial Endowed Scholarship. Bob has volunteered as a teacher/coach of the Mock Trial Team for the past 40 years. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of our students.
On behalf of the Haystack and Plum Creek Wind projects, Orsted provided a $10,000 donation to the Wayne Community Schools Foundation to build a new outdoor playground to accompany a new Kindergarten through 2nd-grade school building. Standing at the site of the future new playground, Orsted Plant Manager Jason Gilliam presents a check to Rusty Parker, Director of the Wayne Community Schools Foundation. As part of its commitment to being a good neighbor, Orsted joins local families in contributing to schools, first responders, and charitable organizations near its project sites to help support local communities.
Elkhorn Valley Bank & Trust have been Matching Donors to the Wayne Publics Schools Staff Campaign for several years. Matching donors donation fund the IDEA PROJECT Teacher Grants. Every March teachers complete an application process and the WCSF Board selects 3 to 5 proposals to receive a $1500.00 grants. Since the inception (2013) of the IDEA POJECT the Foundation has awarded approximately $36,000 in grants. Grants are used to purchase tangible items in teacher class rooms to benefit students. Additional matching donors will be highlighted in the future. Thank you Elkhorn Valley Bank & Trust!
Sherry Murray and Family are recognized as a “FRIEND OF WAYNE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS FOUNDATION”. Sherry Murray and her family have sponsored the Kevin J Murray Memorial Fishing Tournament for 20 years. Proceeds from this event are donated to the WCSF. This year $17,000.00 will be donated to the Foundation which makes the total amount donated $212,000.00. These donations have provided 54 scholarships and awards in memory of Kevin J Murray. They have also donated to many other projects at WHS such as weight equipment, rubber floor matting, playground equipment, Kern Track Lighting Project and to the Industrial Technology department.
Lynn & Shelly Junck with Wayne Community Schools Foundation Director Rusty Parker. Lynn Junck Seeds and WCSF were selected by Bayer Ag to receive a $5000 Channeling Good donation for the new Early Learning Center Playground Equipment Project. Lynn and Shelly also donated $2,089.00 from the Free Will Hamburger Tailgate that Junck Farms and Seeds sponsored at a recent WHS Football game.
PHOTOS OF 1964, 1974, 1984, 1994,1999, 2004 AND 2019.
Wayne Community Schools Foundation recognized three of our legacy leaders at the Class of 2024 graduation. The Foundation was created in May of 1988. There have been many people who have provided leadership, contributions and vision to develop the Wayne Community Schools Foundation. Jean Blomenkamp, Laura Gamble, Dennis Kern and Tracy Pierson have been leaders and contributors for many years. Jean served as President or board member from 1995 to 2016 and Laura severed as President or board member from 1997 to 2018. Dennis Kern is a 1958 graduate of Wayne High and has been and continues to be a significant donor to the Foundation. Tracy Pierson was a board member for 18 years and continues to organize the All School Reunion Dance held over Chicken Days. They have made a difference in the lives of many students.
Bryan Daum representing Battle Creek Farmers Pride with Toni Rasmussen and members of Wayne High School FFA – Ag Program. Battle Creek Farmers Pride recently donated $800.
