Kerigan Karr grew up in Campbell and attended high school at Silver Lake Public Schools. Karr just graduated from Southeast Community College with her Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education. This fall she is studying at the University of Nebraska-Kearney to get her bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education Inclusive. Her parents are Brian and Tori Karr, and she has two younger brothers, Braden and Hayden. She enjoys working with younger children.
What is your favorite thing about Red Cloud?
I loved being able to step into a different community this summer because Red Cloud is such a welcoming community. Also seeing how all the businesses support different businesses in Red Cloud.
You were part of the Nebraska Community Foundation's "Hometown Intern" program with the Red Cloud Community Fund at The Valley Child Development Center. What drew you to the position?
At first, I was just applying to the The Valley Child Development Center for a summer job. I think it was a week after I started when [RCCF member] Ashley Armstrong reached out to me and asked if I wanted to do the internship. She told me what I was going to be doing during the internship, and that alone drew me to the position!
What is a “Hometown Intern?”
A Hometown Intern is an undergraduate student who comes back to their hometown area for the summer. When there, they help with asset mapping and help plan for the town's future.
I loved being able to step into a different community this summer because Red Cloud is such a welcoming community.
What are your favorite places in and around Red Cloud?
My favorite places were The Valley Child Development Center and the Corner Nook. I even got to tour the Webster County Museum when we were hanging up flyers for one of the camps the Valley Child Development Center was putting on.
Can you tell our audience a bit about what you did at TVCDC this summer?
This summer I did a little bit of everything! I spent half of the days in the classrooms, and then I spent the other half learning the behind-the-scenes of how the child care center is run. One of the projects I did this summer was help with their Business Partnership program
What has been your favorite Hometown Intern experience so far this summer?
My favorite experience from the Hometown Internship this summer was going to Ord for Retreat before starting the internship. At first, I was very hesitant about going, but I am glad I went.
Do you have a favorite TV show?
Currently, my favorite TV show is The Maid, which I just finished with my roommate!
If you could have a superpower what would it be and why?
If I could have one superpower it would be flying, so I don’t have to walk a mile and a half just to get to one of my classes.
Right now I am most proud of getting my associate's degree while playing college basketball.
Do you have any hobbies or interests you’d like to share?
I love spending time with my family and friends. I also love spending my time at the lake during the summer.
What do you think Red Cloud leaders could do to make it a more attractive place for recent college grads and younger folks to move to?
I would say having more internships! This summer really helped me decide if I really wanted to keep the major that I am doing now.
What are you most proud of?
Right now I am most proud of getting my associate's degree while playing college basketball.
Do you have a mantra or mission statement you live by?
Live life to the fullest!
Your internship was part of a program administered by the Nebraska Community Foundation. Were there any projects in other communities that stood out to you as particularly interesting? Were there any we should attempt here?
I have a friend from Deshler, NE who also did the internship this summer. For her project, she did "art in the park", which had many different activities. She had a food truck, rock painting, chalk, bubbles, and yard games. I think this would be a fun activity to do because it is for all ages!
Who is your favorite recording artist?
My favorite recording artist is Thomas Rhett.
Do you have a favorite author? How about a favorite book?
I’m honestly not a big reader, but the book I am reading now is “Like a River” by Granger Smith.
What is your dream vacation?
My dream vacation is spending a week in Hawaii.
Who has been the biggest influence in your life? Explain why.
My parents and my grandparents have been huge influences! They showed me that if you work hard everything will pay off in the end.
Other than Red Cloud or Campbell, what’s your favorite place to visit in Nebraska?
My favorite place is Halsey, Nebraska.
Do you know what you want to do after you graduate from college?
After I graduate high school, I want to teach preschool in a small town close to my hometown!