KEARNEY, Neb. — The veterans at the Central Nebraska Veterans Home in Kearney are in the Christmas spirit thanks in part to the students at Glenwood Elementary.

The first and second graders performed songs for the veterans and also gave out a special gift. The whole field trip was made possible thanks to a veteran who simply decided to take a photo while walking her cat.

Barbara Rios submitted her winning photo in News Channel Nebraska’s Stretch Across Nebraska contest in October. Fast forward to December… and her contest winnings have taken a new form.

Rios directed a $500 donation to Glenwood Elementary.

“A couple of years ago I worked in the library with principal Tracy Schall, (who is a) wonderful principal," Rios said. "I just think the school would benefit from that donation.”

When thinking of how to use the money, Schall remembered that Rios is a veteran.

“We decided to pay it forward and honor veterans in our community in her name," Schall said.

Paying it forward took the shape of all first and second graders serenading the veterans with Christmas carols and handing out handmade ornaments.

One person’s nod to a local school, turned into a delight for students and veterans alike.

“The kids did a wonderful job," Schall said. "It was so fun to watch them sing and perform and then to watch the veterans’ reaction was really heartwarming.”

Glenwood students from different grades will be back in January to do a different activity with veterans.

Anyone can win Stretch Across Nebraska and benefit a school of their choice. All you need to do is take a photo or video of a healthy activity. Head to newschannelnebraska.com and click on Stretch Across Nebraska under the Promos tab. NCN selects one winner a week and they get $500 for a school of their choice thanks to Medica.