North Decatur PTO honors teachers, raises funds for local, global initiatives

Photos provided by Crystal Lawburgh

(GREENSBURG, Ind.) – A unique school event that promotes kindness while honoring teachers took place at North Decatur Elementary on Wednesday. 

The school’s PTO hosted the second annual “Coloring Our World With Kindness” on the school playground. 

It brought students and parents together for activities such as raffles, crafts and a color run and it was all for a good cause. 

“This is an opportunity for the community to come together to really celebrate kindness,” said North Decatur PTO co-president Ang Freed.

Funds raised during the Kindness event went to two different organizations, one locally and one globally. 

The World Helping Squad was created by students Cressa Kohrman and Malarie Schoettmer. Over the last four years, their local initiative has made donations, offered help, and given support to many different organizations.

Proceeds also went to Boas Esperanza Project which is an after school program in Brazil. 

Green Acres was also at the event and students were able to create artwork that promotes kindness. 

3 longtime educators were honored 

Similar to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, North Decatur Elementary is lining the playground sidewalk with ‘Charger Stars’ that recognize educators. 

The initiative began last year when former principal Rob Smith was the first star recipient when he retired. 

Here are the 2026 Charger Star recipients:

• Former science teacher Dave Sell who spent 43 years working for Decatur County Schools

• First grade teacher Jane Burkert who had attended North Decatur Elementary and has taught there for the past 28 years. Burkert is planning to retire at the end of this school year. 

• Longtime school counselor Jackie Blair who has led numerous career exploration programs, has secured grants and created several student programs, and also serves as vice president of Decatur County 4 Kids. 

Freed says the opportunity to recognize teachers while supporting local and global initiatives is part of what makes North Decatur special.

“We actually aren’t even in this school district but we send out kids here because of the kindness shown at North Decatur,” Freed said. 

She added, “This is more than just a one day event as this is actually living into the vision that the culture of this community creates. We plan to make this event bigger and better every year."

North Decatur PTO is comprised of co-presidents Maria Lewis and Ang Freed, while Amber Siebert is vice president and Ann Bedel is treasurer.