Humann Elementary School leaders like Collins, Gemma and Emilynn turned the first day of school into a happy occasion for kindergarten students.
Nearly two dozen Student Council members welcomed the newest Huskies with helpful smiles during a morning of good memories. They greeted kindergarteners outside the building, guided them to their classrooms and assisted teachers with multiple tasks. They also taught them the school song during an assembly for the Class of 2039.
Collins said she was excited when she learned about the opportunity to help kindergarteners. The fifth grader immediately said yes when Humann Principal Laura Heller asked Student Council members if they would like to volunteer their time.
“I wanted to help them feel like they belonged here, and I wanted to help them feel that they would be welcomed and loved in this space,” Collins said.
Fellow fifth graders Gemma and Emilynn held open two of the school’s front doors for the youngest Huskies to walk through. They smiled as everyone took their first official steps into the school building.
“I liked seeing all the kindergarteners,” Emilynn said. “I thought they would be more nervous because it was their first day, but they weren’t.”
“I honestly really like helping,” Gemma said. “That’s just really my thing.”
Heller said it was heartwarming to watch fourth and fifth graders in action throughout the day. She said it was another chance for Student Council leaders to showcase their caring mindsets. They also pour energy into community projects, assist with school assemblies and serve as role models for younger students throughout the year.
“I am so impressed,” Heller said. “They just naturally go and help. That’s something that I love.”
Humann’s Student Council team was part of a Lincoln Public Schools initiative to help kindergarteners feel more comfortable and secure on their first day. They were the only grade to have classes in their elementary buildings on Aug. 12. First through fifth grade teachers provided extra assistance to ensure everyone had a positive experience.
“This day is such a great opportunity for the kindergarteners to be here,” Heller said. “They’re not overwhelmed with all of the big bodies at Humann, and they just get to have a day where the staff just love on them and celebrate them.”
Heller came up with the idea to invite Student Council members because she felt they could make valuable contributions to the cause. She e-mailed each person this summer to see if they would be interested in working with kindergarten classes. The quick replies that appeared in her inbox filled her with gratitude.
“We have 24 members in Student Council, so I was hoping that if we would get ten, that would be really cool,” Heller said. “But in like, maybe five minutes, I already had ten responses.”
Incoming fourth and fifth graders submit applications for Humann’s Student Council each spring. They have to fill out a form, secure parental permission and obtain a teacher’s recommendation for a selection committee. Heller said more than 75 Huskies asked to be part of the 2026-27 group.
Gemma is beginning her second year on Student Council. She said she was proud of kindergarteners for their responsible behavior in classrooms and hallways.
“We helped them find their spots and know the expectations, but honestly, they did great all day,” Gemma said.
Collins and Emilynn said it was important to spend time making friends at Humann. They said Student Council was a good outlet to practice important community engagement skills. The activity also gives them firsthand knowledge about the benefits of showing compassion and empathy to other people.
“I enjoy that I get to help people,” Collins said. “I enjoy that they learn from what I’ve been taught.”
“I like helping people and making them feel better,” Emilynn said.
Heller said she believes this year’s Student Council group will continue the Humann tradition of strong community service. The group chooses an outreach project each semester to work on. Last year’s lineup of activities included assembling 123 kindness kits of hygiene and nutrition supplies for the People’s City Mission.
“It’s just very natural for them, and it’s awesome,” Heller said. “We just love our Student Council.”
Collins said she was glad that she chose to welcome kindergarteners to their new elementary home. She said moments like that are why she wants to continue giving friendly actions to every Husky she meets this year.
“I hope that I’m remembered for my kindness, my helpfulness and my honesty,” Collins said.
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