Poplar Bluff, Missouri - Missouri Highlands Health Care recently donated $200 toward the Life Skills program at Poplar Bluff Junior High to be used for supplies to help teach hands on activities in the classroom.

 

Students prepare breakfast for community groups such as firefighters and pastors, and in turn learn about different professions from officials. The class recently began a ‘celebrity chef’ program during which community leaders share their favorite recipe with the students.

 

“This program truly touches my heart,” said Alex Hathcoat, Missouri Highlands marketing director. “I wish all schools had this!”

 

Based in Ellington, Missouri Highlands provides health care to low income families on a sliding scale throughout the region. Located at Black River Medical Center and in Mansion Mall, the nonprofit houses the only dental practice that accepts Medicaid in Butler County, according to Chief Operations Officer Debbie Tarvid, the mother of science teacher Krista Yarbro.

 

Pictured: (From left) Instructor Courtney Rutledge; eighth grader Karson Busse; Principal Candace Warren; Debbie Tarvid of Missouri Highlands; seventh grader Haley James; and Alex Hathcoat of Missouri Highlands.

Article and photo by Tim Krakowiak, Communications/Marketing Director, Poplar Bluff R-I School District