BUCHANAN — Kindergarten students at Ottawa Elementary School laced up their roller skates Tuesday afternoon and set to work practicing the craft in their gym class.   

Jessica Leenhouts, the physical education teacher, said she wanted students to learn a skill that could help them enjoy being active. Knowing many children also participate in birthday parties at roller rinks, Leenhouts wanted to make sure no one feels left out because they do not have the skils to skate.

She earned a $1,000 grant form Shape Michigan, which helped to cover the cost of renting the skates. Leenhouts also thanked the Buchanan Fire Department for raising funds to help with the effort. The Parent Teacher Organization helped to contribute additional funding. (Leader photos/KELSEY HAMMON)