Barnes of Tecumseh is a Winner in 'School Nutrition Heroes' Contest

“I feel so good,” said Leah Barnes of Tecumseh, whose picture was a winner in the Nebraska School Nutrition Association contest based on the theme “School Nutrition Heroes – Solving Nutrition, One Bite At A Time”.
Barnes drew the winning picture during School Nutrition Week in the 2025-2026 school year under the instruction of Robyn Faris, first grade teacher at Johnson County Central Schools.
It just took Barnes one day of school, to complete her drawing which consisted of a chicken leg, two potatoes, beans in a bowl, a radish, water and milk, cheese and a banana. “They are very healthy for you,” Leah added. “All the foods give you superpowers. The cheese gives you super stick powers, the beans give you growing powers, the potatoes give you super strength, the radish gives you healing powers.
Barnes received notification in May that her picture was a winner. She attended a ceremony in Kearney to receive a plaque, $50 and a hand-drawn picture from author Jarrett J. Krosoczka, who wrote the Lunch Ladies series. Lynsey Graham and Beth Rumery, members of JCC's food service staff, were in attendance to congratulate Leah as well.
“I enjoy drawing pictures of things that are around me the most,” stated Barnes, who will be a second grade student at Johnson County Central Schools for the 2026-2027 school year.
Leah has artwork of a leprechaun and chicks that she drew in first grade that she plans to enter at the Johnson County Fair. She also has a painting of a tree in fall with the leaves falling that she would like to enter.
“I just like to be able to make art,” said Barnes, whether it takes place at Johnson County Central Schools, the Tecumseh Public Library or at home. Some day, Barnes would like to pursue a career in art such as teaching a painting class.