NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — North Platte students and the community are gearing up for a week full of school spirit and fundraising with the start of homecoming celebrations and the North Platte Public Schools Foundation’s annual Change Wars campaign.
The annual North Platte High School Bulldog Parade will take place downtown Wednesday at 7 p.m., featuring high school athletes and activity groups, the middle school band, and even preschoolers marching to show their Bulldog pride. The parade will wind down the bricks of downtown before concluding at the Parkade Plaza outside Pizza Ranch, where a community pep rally will kick off immediately after. Attendees can enjoy hot dogs grilled by NebraskaLand Bank, a variety of games, entertainment, and a fireworks show to cap the evening.
“This is a great way for the community to come together and show support for our students,” said Abby Peck of the Booster Club. “It highlights all the amazing things our kids do for the school and the community.” The parade will also feature a student float competition, with prizes awarded to high-performing schools and groups.
The North Platte Public Schools Foundation has also launched its annual Change Wars fundraiser, running from September 10 to 17. The friendly competition challenges students at local elementary and Madison Middle Schools to collect donations for their schools. Donations can be sent with students, dropped off at First Interstate Bank, or made online at nppsf.org. Seventy percent of the funds raised are returned directly to the participating schools, supporting projects such as playground upgrades, literacy programs, or courtyard renovations.
The Change Wars campaign will culminate Sept. 26 during the Bulldogs’ football game against Columbus, with NebraskaLand Bank hosting a cookout benefiting the FCCLA club, which recently returned to national competition.
“Every penny counts, and this campaign gives our schools a fun way to fund projects that directly benefit students,” said Terri Burchell of the North Platte Public Schools Foundation. “It’s exciting to see the community get involved and cheer on our students.”