Heartland Foundation Awards Grant to Albany R-III High School

Heartland Foundation is awarding a $15,000 grant to the Albany R-III High School for improvements to its athletic equipment.

The Harold P. Dugdale Charitable Trust is granting an additional $15,000. The funds will support the “Make a Vet Sweat” partnership between the Albany R-III School District and the Missouri National Guard Armory in Albany, Missouri. The partnership proposes to maximize the aging weight room facility used by the students and veterans by updating the exercise equipment.

Heartland Foundation President, Dr. Julie Gaddie, said she is excited to see the finished facility and the relationship between the Albany High School students and veterans.

“This innovative relationship has the potential to advance the physical and mental wellness of the participants,” Gaddie said.

“Make a Vet Sweat” is a nonprofit organization based in Austin, Texas, that serves veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The Albany R-III project is a unique spin on the organization’s initiative. The Albany “Make a Vet Sweat” program will be an ongoing partnership between Albany High School, the military veterans and the Missouri National Guard Armory.

Albany High School will be the first “Make a Vet Sweat” pilot program for Missouri. Dr. Brian Pekarek, Albany R-III School District Superintendent, said the program will allow students to think more broadly about their impact on the world and helping those in need who serve our country.

“This program has the ability to bridge the gap between the veterans who struggle with PTSD and the Albany High School students,” Pekarek said.

For more information, please contact Heartland Foundation at 816-271-7200.

Heartland Foundation is a think ahead organization focused on building healthy and thriving communities through educational empowerment.

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