Project Proposal
Funds from the CHS Foundation will allow AP and IB juniors to visit the National Willa Cather Center where they will engage directly with the landscapes and legacy that shaped Cather’s voice. Immersing themselves in the historical walking tour of Red Cloud and visiting Pavelka’s farmstead from My Antonia will enrich students’ understanding of how place and memory inform narrative craft.
Amount Funded: $4,205
“Central takes pride in its storied literary tradition, and reading Willa Cather is a meaningful part of that legacy. In many ways, encountering My Antonia is a rite of passage for juniors. Cather’s text prompts students to ask: What does it mean to be a Nebraskan? For Cather, Nebraska was the “happiness and the curse” of her life. Cather’s work also invites students to explore the rhetoric of memory and immigration. I am so thankful to the Central High Foundation for making this field trip possible!”
Kelsey Porter, CHS English Teacher
92 Students Impacted
Commitment to Closing the Opportunity Gap
The trip to Red Cloud provided CHS English scholars with equitable access to cultural, historical, and literary enrichment by visiting the National Willa Cather Center, which houses the largest collection of nationally designated historic sites dedicated to a single American author. The experience deepened students’ understanding of the rhetorical situation surrounding Cather’s works, enhancing their ability to engage with complex texts, and write with insight and specificity. For many students, this trip helped build critical background knowledge that supports success on AP/IB level classes and narrows the achievement gap.
Translation to College and Career Readiness
This experience provided students with a glimpse into diverse professions, including archival work, museum curation, and historical preservation. Highlights included learning about the restoration of Willa Cather’s wallpaper in her attic bedroom in Red Cloud which demonstrates the craftsmanship and technical expertise required in preserving cultural artifacts. This exposure broadened students’ understanding of career pathways in the humanities and reinforced the value of critical thinking, attention to detail, and cultural stewardship.
“I have never truly been this excited to travel deeper into Nebraska; the experience did not disappoint. Willa Cather has been a favorite author of mine since I was introduced to her during my freshman year, so thank you CHSF for such a thoughtful and immersive opportunity.”
Scout Dollison, Class of 2026