It’s tempting to blame the pandemic for the dizzying rates of mental health concerns among American teens. We are all familiar with the impact Covid is having on our lives, and the disruption it continues to cause in the lives of young people. Kids witnessed vehement disagreements between neighbors, friends, and family over the decisions that had to be made in response to the pandemic, and felt the stress at home as parents faced economic and work changes, all without many of their usual support systems.

The 2022 Thriving Children, Families and Communities Conference was held September 19th and 20th at the Younes Center in Kearney. This was the 6th year of the annual conference sponsored by The Buffett Early Childhood Institute at the University of Nebraska.

The Ainsworth Bulldogs continue to add to their winning streak keeping their winning season going. This past week they participated in the North Central Triangular in Springview where they played against the Stuart Broncos and the North Central Knights.

Ainsworth youth volleyball and football started their season in early September this year. The 3rd-6th volleyball teams have competed in games in Ainsworth and Bassett so far.

Numerous high school and junior high school bands marched through downtown Wayne in the Homecoming Parade and up to Willow Bowl on the Wayne State College campus. Ainsworth Junior-Senior Marching Band was one of the bands participating in this parade on Saturday, October 8th.

The Ainsworth Cross Country teams concluded their season with the Middle School State Cross Country Championships hosted by Papillion La Vista South on Saturday, October 8th. The all-class format was hosted jointly on the campus of Papillion La Vista South High School and the adjacent Walnut Creek Recreation Area.