Nestled within the heart of Wyoming, Lingle is a tight-knit community with a population of approximately 400 residents. Despite its small size, Lingle exudes a spirit of resilience and unity, where neighbors unite to support one another through triumphs and challenges.
Lingle-Fort Laramie High School is at the heart of Lingle’s community, serving as a focal point for education, camaraderie, and service. With 100 students enrolled in grades K-12, the school serves as a microcosm of the town’s values, embodying a commitment to compassion and collective well-being.
Against the backdrop of Wyoming’s vast landscapes, the Lingle Fort Laramie Hunger Initiative emerges as a beacon of hope and solidarity. Led by the passionate and driven student council of Lingle-Fort Laramie High School, this grassroots movement is dedicated to eradicating food insecurity and fostering a culture of care.
Over the past two years, the student council, supported by the local community, has raised an impressive $20,000 to combat hunger in their school. Their efforts have not gone unnoticed, as they’ve also received matching grants from the First Lady of Wyoming, amplifying the impact of their contributions.
This recent donation, made possible by Dan and Denise Mulhern and facilitated by Fay Ranches’ Agent Kelsea Vaughan and the Fay Rural Community Foundation, further solidifies the commitment of external supporters to the cause.
Susan Ferrin, Executive Director of the Fay Rural Community Foundation, commended the initiative, stating, “The Lingle Fort Laramie Hunger Initiative exemplifies the power of citizen-driven change to effect positive transformation in our communities. We are proud to support the dedication and compassion of these students in their mission to combat food insecurity.”
Through resourcefulness, such as eliminating lunch debt and the afterschool and backpack programs, the council ensures that every child in Lingle has access to nourishing meals, regardless of their circumstances. Their efforts extend beyond mere sustenance; they are driven by a profound desire to uphold the dignity and equality of all students, striving to alleviate the burden on families.
As the initiative gains momentum, the student council looks toward the future with optimism and purpose. Their goal is not simply to address hunger within Lingle but to extend their reach statewide, spreading their message of kindness and generosity to communities across Wyoming. In doing so, they seek to create a ripple effect of positive change, touching the lives of countless families and leaving behind a legacy of compassion and empathy.
Beyond the tangible impact of their efforts, the student council members have emerged as leaders in their own right, equipped with invaluable life skills forged through their dedication to service. They have learned the power of empathy, collaboration, and resilience, proving that even the smallest acts of kindness can spark transformative change.
Ultimately, the Lingle Fort Laramie Hunger Initiative underscores a simple yet profound truth: no child should ever have to worry about where their next meal will come from. Through their selfless efforts, the student council is not just feeding hungry mouths but nourishing the spirit of their community and laying the foundation for a brighter, more inclusive future.