[January 13, 2021]      

Christmas is the season of spreading happiness and connecting hearts, and the Land of Lincoln Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities class braved the cold weather to bring joy to the Rohlfs family of Emden. Nate Rohlfs is a lifelong resident of Emden and just endured an 87-day battle with COVID-19.

CEO facilitator Britta Langley lives 500 feet from the Rohlfs. She jumped at the idea of helping them decorate for the holidays.

Using 20 boxes of string lights, nine students dressed up the exterior of the Rohlfs home. They worked on the front porch and bushes. The finishing touch was placing a handmade wreath on the front door.

“We are all one community and support each other when people are in need,” Langley said. “I decided to put the group together because I want my students to understand the importance of giving back.”

Nate’s wife, Cari, was grateful for the CEO team’s act of kindness. She spent most of the past three months at Nate’s side.

“It meant so much to [my family],” Cari said. “It has been a very tough few months for us, so seeing the [CEO students] show their support was very heartwarming. I cried like a baby watching from our window.”

Britta also planned to surprise Nate’s son, Evan. Evan is a CEO alumnus attending Southern Illinois-Edwardsville. Seven of his former classmates lent a helping hand.

“I was very excited and also very thankful to see that my CEO class continues to think of its members to this day,” Evan said. Evan smiled ear to ear as he hung up lights.

Alumna Lily Escobedo was grateful for the opportunity to help. Escobedo and Evan Rohlfs both graduated from Hartsburg-Emden high school this past summer.

“The CEO program taught me about the value of effort, involvement, and friendship,” Escobedo said. “It felt good to put those values to use and help out the Rohlfs family.”

The Rohlfs family sends their thanks and appreciation to current CEO students Alena and Hattie, and former CEO students Lily, Austin, Brody, Lexi, Autumn, Cavit, and Molly.

Article written by: Emily Craig, Hartsburg Emden alumni and current Journalism student at Webster University.

Pictures by Britta Langley

Hartsburg-Emden graduate Evan Rohlfs greets the CEO group in front of his house. The team included 7 of his former classmates.

 

Olympia High School graduate Cavit Schempp hung lights on bushes in front of the Rohlfs home.

 

Hartsburg-Emden senior Hattie Langley holding boxes of Christmas lights waiting to be hung.

 

Lincoln Community High School graduate Austin Garriott attaches lights to the Rohlfs' front porch.

 

CEO members used 20 boxes of string lights to illuminate the front porch and bushes.