Bridgeport preschool wins $500 through Stretch Across Nebraska contest

BRIDGEPORT, Neb. — Little Bridges Preschool in Bridgeport was awarded $500 after Stacey Watts submitted a video of her son, Hayes Watts, leading students in a recess activity as part of the Stretch Across Nebraska contest.

The contest, sponsored by Medica, News Channel Nebraska and 987 The Big Boy, encourages schools and families to share videos highlighting healthy activities. Watts’ submission featured Hayes, a junior and Bridgeport Bulldogs basketball player, lining up preschool students for a race during one of his daily visits to the classroom.

“My son comes to visit the kids every single day,” Stacey Watts said. “He lined them all up and they ran a race against Hayes.”

Hayes did not win the race, a detail he openly admitted to the students.

Watts said the $500 prize will be used to support active play at the preschool.

“We’re planning on buying maybe a basketball hoop,” she said. “I have a lot of little basketball players. Especially following my son and his season, they all want to be like Hayes. So, we’ll try to get a basketball hoop and maybe a couple more bikes or scooters.”

Watts said the visits also provide an opportunity for high school students to serve as role models for younger children.

“All these little kids want to be the big Bulldogs, so it’s good for our high schoolers to come down to visit the kids and show them what’s ahead of them,” she said. “I’ve always told my kids, Aubrey and Hayes, you’re an important role model. You need to act that way. It’s just good to see Hayes bond with the kids and hopefully one day become a teacher.”

Hayes said he values the opportunity to connect with the preschoolers.

“It feels great to know that they look up to me and to have my mom want me to come and be their role model,” he said. “Bring a positive vibe and have fun with me.”

“They always light up when I come into the room,” he added. “It’s a good feeling and I like to have that.”

Community members can submit their own healthy activity videos at thebigboy987.com for a chance to win $500 for their school.