Central College will welcome six Pella area students as the 2024 Kid Captains at Central’s football game today against Luther College.

The initiative provides students with opportunities to develop essential skills, foster meaningful connections, and make a lasting impact on the broader community. Kid Captains were nominated by their peers using a rubric of characteristics such as having a positive attitude, making positive contributions, considering the needs and wants of others, showing respect and accepting and tolerating the views and beliefs of others – all of which makes them a great teammate.

Central College Kid Captains for 2024 are:

• From Jefferson Intermediate School: Abram Van Wyk, son of Zach and Kay Van Wyk; and Cora Van Roekel, daughter of Mark and Angela Vander Leest Van Roekel, a 2005 Central graduate.
• From Pella Christian Grade School: Dryson Van Maanen, son of Rachel and Matt Van Maanen, a 2009 Central graduate; and Lydia N., daughter of Luke and Jeanette.
• From Pella Middle School: Sibley Carlstone, daughter of Spencer and Amanda Carlstone; and Finley Allen, son of Chris and Anna Allen.

In addition to Kid Captain Day, Central will launch Grandparent Day, with all children 12 and under attending the game receiving free admission and the Grandparent Special, a bag of popcorn and M&M’s. The Grandparent Special honors the late Dan Marburger, former Perry High School principal and 1989 Central graduate, who enjoyed this game-day tradition with his grandkids.

Kickoff between the Dutch and Norse today at Ron and Joyce Schipper Stadium is slated for 1 pm, and those unable to attend can hear the game live on 92.1 KRLS.