As I think back over the first two months of 2025, I have witnessed so many moments of people helping others. This has brought to mind the words of Martin Luther King Jr., whose enduring legacy is honored each January as a federal holiday and National Day of Service: “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?”

Our USD 327 teachers, staff, board members and volunteers truly embrace this role. They embrace humility with a focus on what they can do for others. And they know that the work they do on any given day is a bit like planting seeds that may take months or years to bloom. That reality only inspires them to invest more in our students and schools.

Take, for instance, our most recent event held at Ellsworth Jr./Sr. High School, where the Bearcats hosted Regional Scholars Bowl, welcoming teams from across the region.

This event was a great success, thanks to the many teachers, students and community volunteers who filled the halls and classrooms of EJSHS.

Serving as judges, moderators, scorekeepers and timers, they came together to support the student teams competing and make the event a memorable one.

Even more exciting, the Bearcats came away with a victory, marking their third consecutive year as Regional Scholars Bowl champions!

In late January, I had the chance to recognize the retirement of Dina Rankin, who served our school district for 22 years as USD 327 business manager. Throughout her career, Dina was the steady hand that kept our district’s business in check through six superintendents and dozens of school board members. Wow!

Thanks to everyone who stopped by for her reception or congratulated Dina at other times. I wish her all the best in retirement.

And as the Kansas Legislature is back in session, there are new opportunities to serve others.

We can help the people elected to represent us in Topeka understand the accomplishments and challenges in USD 327. We can also communicate just how important public school funding is to our ongoing success. I’d especially like to thank Rep.

Troy Waymaster for his ongoing support of public schools and his advocacy to help get our schools the resources they need to thrive. When legislators and constituents come together as Kansans, our students, families and communities always come out ahead.

Earlier this month, I was thrilled to ask the board for approval to establish an endowment fund for USD 327. This fund will support district goals for years and decades to come, ensuring we remain rooted in tradition, growing for the future. The account is set up through the Smoky Hills Community Foundation in collaboration with the Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation, providing donors with a simple and impactful way to contribute to the longterm success of our students, schools and communities. This legacy and future fund honors our rich history while investing in opportunities that will shape the future.

I hope you’ll help spread the word about this exciting initiative, which already has $23,000 in contributions thanks to the tremendous generosity of a few local donors. If you or someone you know is looking for a meaningful way to give back — and potentially benefit from tax advantages — I would love to visit with you about the endowment and the lasting impact we can make together for generations to come.

Finally, I want to thank all the people who sacrifice to keep others warm and safe in the unpredictability of Kansas winter weather. Thank you to the road crews, maintenance workers and first responders for keeping our community and schools safe. Thank you also for the patience, flexibility and preparedness of our students’ parents and caregivers when schedules change or when students need to be equipped with winter gear to enjoy time outdoors at home or during recess at school.

When I reflect on Dr.

King’s quote about service, I can’t help but be inspired by what is happening all around us, every day. Thank you for the role you play, whether large or small. Let’s remember together that right now is always the right time to do something for others.

Deena Hilbig is the superintendent of Ellsworth-Kanopolis-Geneseo USD 327. She can be reached at (785) 472-5561.