Kearney Public Schools, Courtesy
KEARNEY — Central Elementary’s beloved Oregon Trail reenactment has received national recognition in Scholastic News – Edition 5/6, a magazine for children.
The three-page feature highlights the unique Oregon Trail experience Central Elementary’s fourth graders embark on each spring, blending history, creativity, and hands-on learning.
During the activity, students don pioneer clothing and transform shopping carts into wagons, equipped for a “long journey” across the United States—or, in this case, across Kearney, Nebraska. The trek leads them through the rugged “Rocky Mountain” terrain of Harmon Park, where they experience the trials and tribulations faced by pioneers in the 1800s. Along the way, they enjoy a pioneer-style lunch and encounter historical challenges such as trading posts, river crossings, and wagon-related obstacles.
Troy Saulsbury, a fourth-grade teacher at Central Elementary, expressed his enthusiasm for the program and its educational impact. The
Central Elementary 4th grade team of Troy and Caryn Saulsbury started the activity 15 years ago. “This activity brings history to life for our students,” Saulsbury said. “By stepping into the shoes of the pioneers, the students gain a deeper understanding of the hardships and triumphs of westward expansion. It’s a joy to see the students demonstrate creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving as they navigate the Oregon Trail, Central Elementary style.”
The Oregon Trail experience has become a cherished tradition at Central Elementary, creating lasting memories and fostering a love of history among students. Being featured in Scholastic News highlights the program’s innovative approach to learning and its ability to inspire young minds nationwide.
Principal Teresa Schnoor emphasized the educational significance of the wagon train activity. “This program exemplifies the power of experiential learning,” Schnoor said. “It combines academic rigor with hands-on experiences, making history not just something students read about but something they live and feel. We are proud of this tradition and its lasting impact on our students.”
