According to middle school Principal Scott Danielson, students who maintained good grades, avoided referrals, and stayed in good standing with teachers had an opportunity recently to learn about sports card collecting.

“The reaction from students was overwhelmingly positive,” said Danielson. “We look forward to continuing it and seeing where it goes.”

More than 40 students took part in the Jan. 30 school reward, learning the basics of sports card collecting from sorting and valuing cards to understanding the hobby.

“The students really enjoyed the experience,” said Bob Butrick, student support services instructor at Southeast Valley Middle School.

Butrick put together the reward for students as he and his son, Hayden, have been collecting sports cards for years. During a recent visit to The Card Collective Hobby Shop in Fort Dodge, owner Lane Leisher said he’d like to donate to the student experience.

Leisher later donated 10,000 sports cards to the middle school students.

“It’s a hobby that can be very rewarding and gets kids off of electronics and helps them share a similar interest with each other,” said Butrick. “It encourages positive interactions.”

According to Butrick, the goal is for more students to participate in the reward, learn about the hobby, and have fun with their peers.