When people connect and participate, everyone benefits
Nov. 24, 2025 (Racine, WI) — Across the country, communities are rediscovering a powerful truth: When people come together to participate, volunteer, and lead, everyone benefits. Volunteerism isn’t just good for the community, it’s good for individual health, happiness, and connection.
By Lauren Sklba
A program aimed at getting Racine Unified students to school safely and on time is hoping to expand but needs more volunteers to do so.
Stuart Wood serves as the Walking School Bus coordinator for United Way of Racine County, while his son Spencer Wood volunteers with the program.
Together, they walk through neighborhoods near Knapp and Julian Thomas elementary schools nearly every weekday morning, picking up students near their homes and escorting them to school.
Recently, student groups from Mitchell and Gifford completed their Youth As Resources-funded capstone projects, each addressing a unique community need.
By Ryan Patterson
Passion Purnel didn’t know what to expect when she began spending time in the studio a few months ago.
However, the RALMUSIC Recording Studio, which opened in January, has provided a creative outlet for her and peers.
Purnel, a high school sophomore in 2024-25, writes lyrics, sings and raps in the studio at Racine Alternative Learning, 2333 Northwestern Ave.
“We go up there and we just let our minds run wild,” Purnel said. “No matter what I’m feeling, I’m able to put it into my music and go into the booth. It helps so much.”
By Ryan Patterson
Students at Mitchell K-8 School watched a documentary about gun violence in Racine earlier this school year.
They were sad that so many innocent people have died as a result of gun violence.
“Violence has a ripple effect, and it does impact our young people,” Nakeyda Haymer said.
Students are raising awareness about the topic and trying to address its impacts.
By Ryan Patterson
RACINE — Fifth grade student teams presented information and raced battery-powered cars on an obstacle course during a “Hoop Dreams and Clean Machines: The Science Fair Race” event at Knapp Elementary, 2701 17th St., the afternoon of March 24.
The same thing happened that morning at Julian Thomas Elementary.
The events are a partnership between the Racine Unified School District, United Way of Racine County, Modine and the Milwaukee Bucks.
Winners of Modine- and Milwaukee Bucks-sponsored effort were awarded prizes at assemblies featuring Bucks mascot Bango and trampoline dunking team Rim Rockers
March 27, 2025 (Racine, WI) — Julian Thomas Elementary and Knapp Elementary fifth-graders participated in the almost two-month-long science fair that culminated in an award assembly Thursday, where winners were announced and prizes were awarded with the help of Milwaukee Bucks mascot Bango, and included a performance by the trampoline dunking Rim Rockers.
By Jenna Wells, CBS58 News Milwaukee
RACINE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A special STEM project at a Racine elementary school comes with a big prize, thanks to United Way and the Milwaukee Bucks.
Fifth grade students at Knapp Elementary School in Racine had a special type of science fair, showcasing their very own electric cars.
"We had to get batteries and a motor and connect the wires so it could turn on. We had a switch," said student Jonah Soto.
For many of the students, it was a lesson in perseverance.
