North Andrew Librarian named finalist for new classroom furniture

By: Darren Doyle

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- The North Andrew School District is seeking votes in a giveaway of $50,000 worth of new furniture for its library. 

Erica Wheeler, the district's librarian, entered a KI Furniture company competition after receiving an email. She said she's always finding competitions or opportunities to help the Cardinals.

Wheeler's design for North Andrew's library is now one of 12 designs making it to the competition's final round, a feat that would mean a lot to the community.

"In a small place like North Andrew, those funds can make a huge impact for us. It would make our kids feel like a million bucks," Wheeler said.

Wheeler said North Andrew's school has remained in good condition since being built in the 1990s.

The new furniture would assist not only her but also other staff members in teaching students from Kindergarten through 12th grade. 

However, this wouldn't be about furniture for Wheeler; it's about a whole lot more.

"(North Andrew) is a small place, but I've always firmly believed that I want our students to know that big things can happen no matter where you're from," Wheeler said. "I think that it would be a cool thing for them to remember, 'When I was in school, our school won $50,000,' and hope for their own futures, that big things can happen no matter where you're at." 

Public voting for this giveaway ends on Sunday, Nov. 16. Voting for this competition can be done by visiting www.ki.com/classroom-furniture-giveaway/fourth/.