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Omaha Westview High School’s unique arboretum is getting an upgrade thanks to KETV’s Cash in for Schools program, sponsored by Thrasher Foundation Repair.”We are in an urban environment, so it’s common for students to feel disconnected from natural settings,” said Rachael Arens, a curriculum specialist at Omaha Westview High School. “This space allows them to get reconnected with nature and be immersed.”Arens said the arboretum is critical for the school’s sustainability and health pathways. The $2,500 grant will pay for edible plants and shrubs for nutrition and sustainability education, and will also help buy a horizontal trellis that trains trees to grow horizontally for easier access.”We have little signs all over the arboretum, and I love going through and reading them to identify the plants that are here,” said senior Brooklynn Freeman. “I love going through here. I go through here a lot, actually.”Freeman said she was shocked to learn about the grant. “The fact Thrasher Foundation felt we were worthy to receive this is amazing,” Freeman said. “I’m excited for the future of it.” KETV and Thrasher Foundation Repair are already taking applications for the 2026-2027 School Year.The process is simple. To learn more, click here.
Omaha Westview High School’s unique arboretum is getting an upgrade thanks to KETV’s Cash in for Schools program, sponsored by Thrasher Foundation Repair.
“We are in an urban environment, so it’s common for students to feel disconnected from natural settings,” said Rachael Arens, a curriculum specialist at Omaha Westview High School. “This space allows them to get reconnected with nature and be immersed.”
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Arens said the arboretum is critical for the school’s sustainability and health pathways.
The $2,500 grant will pay for edible plants and shrubs for nutrition and sustainability education, and will also help buy a horizontal trellis that trains trees to grow horizontally for easier access.
“We have little signs all over the arboretum, and I love going through and reading them to identify the plants that are here,” said senior Brooklynn Freeman. “I love going through here. I go through here a lot, actually.”
Freeman said she was shocked to learn about the grant.
“The fact Thrasher Foundation felt we were worthy to receive this is amazing,” Freeman said. “I’m excited for the future of it.”
KETV and Thrasher Foundation Repair are already taking applications for the 2026-2027 School Year.
