Karie Buchli chosen as the first Stretch Across Nebraska winner

FAIRBURY, Neb --  Medica and News Channel Nebraska are encouraging good health and well-being across the state with Stretch Across Nebraska.  The program is set up for people of all ages to send in a video or photo of their healthy activity and they could win a donation made, in their name, of $500 to the school of their choice.  

Karie Buchli of Alexandria was the first Stretch Across Nebraska winner.     

Buchli says that staying active is very important to her. 

“I’ve had a kidney transplant, and I’m three years out, and it’s very important to keep myself active, in order to keep my organ healthy." 

When Buchli saw the contest, she thought it was a really neat idea to promote physical fitness, and shared a photo right away of her family participating in the Rally For Life 2023 in Omaha, which brings awareness to organ recipients and donors.

Buchli says it’s important for everyone to maintain an active lifestyle. 

“It’s vital that people stay active.  The more movement you can get with your body, the longer you’ll be here, and it’s easier to live your life when you’re healthy and more active.  Especially as you get older, joints start to stiffen, muscles start to weaken, so it’s imperative that people stay active and keep moving.”

The school Buchli chose for the $500 donation was Fairbury Public Schools, to use for the music department.   

Superintendent of Fairbury Public Schools, Sean Malloy, thanked Buchli for her donation. 

“On behalf of Fairbury Public Schools, Mr. Ryan Dusso and Mrs. Deb Pohlmann, I'd like to thank Karie Buchli for donating $500 to the FHS Music Department.  The donation will be used to provide meaningful learning experiences and needed supplies for students in band and/or vocal classes.”  

Malloy went on to talk about Stretch across Nebraska.  

“I'm thrilled that News Channel Nebraska and Medica are promoting good health and well-being.  Fairbury Public Schools promotes staying active in a number of ways.  We have a number of students that participate in extracurriculars.  There are numerous course offerings that focus on physical well-being.  Courses include: Physical Education, Weight Training, Health, and Lifetime Activities.  The week of October 1st-7th is FHS Mental Health Awareness Week.  We'll have activities for students throughout the week, which includes a motivational speech from Demoine Adams.”

NCN and Medica will name one winner each week through the end of May 2024. More info can be found by visiting this link.