This fall, Sandhills High School installed a building-wide filtration system to improve water quality and support well-being with assistance from a $5,000 grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska’s (BCBSNE) Healthy Home Team initiative.
Healthy Home Team provides $500 grants to high schools across the state to fund local well-being projects. In 2025, Sandhills was among 97 schools selected to receive funding for initiatives ranging from mental health programming, community gardens, active events and more.
Sandhills recently received an additional $5,000 grant from BCBSNE to further support the installation of a sand separator to improve the school’s water system.
“When you live in the Sandhills, sand is part of everything,” Jamie Isom, superintendent, said. “Having sand in the water that comes into the building impacts the lifetime of the plumbing and the quality of the drinking water.”
Prior to the installation, students and staff relied on a single filtered water fountain for drinking and cooking.
“I don’t want to boil my pasta in sand,” said Melissa Freeman, who retired as the school’s head cook last year. “Before, I’d have to go out to the water fountain, fill my pot with water and take it back in and cook it. Now you can put hot water in there from the kitchen, throw it on the stove and it boils faster.”
The new system has improved access to drinking water throughout the building, supporting the staff and students’ well-being, in addition to reducing wear and tear on the plumbing, saving the school time and funds in repairs.
“It spins the water as it comes into the inlet,” Jody Anderson, the school’s custodian, said. “It keeps the good water up top, and it filters the bad particles and sand to the bottom. Though we did have a problem with sand, our water is some of the best water you will ever get.”
The new system benefits the community as well. In addition to being a place for student learning, Sandhills High School brings people together for sporting events, blood drives and even funerals. Healthy Home Team celebrates that role, recognizing high schools as hubs for stronger, more active communities.
BCBSNE is committed to championing health statewide by supporting locally led initiatives, like Sandhills High School’s.
“Nebraska is in our name and at the center of all we do,” Jeff Russell, president and CEO of BCBSNE, said. “We believe in the teams, towns and traditions that make the Good Life great and are honored to support Sandhills High School with our $5,000 Healthy Home Team grant.”
For more information on the donation, watch the video below:
Learn more about Healthy Home Team and view this year’s grant recipients at NebraskaBlue.com/HealthyHomeTeam.
