Upon hearing about Mackenzie Kopceky’s brain cancer diagnosis, Wessington Springs Junior High student Jalene Reiner immediately felt a call to action and a desire to help.
“Earlier this fall I heard about Mackenzie’s brain mass that was found to be cancerous. From that moment, I knew I wanted to do something for her,” said Reiner. “I introduced the idea of a fundraiser to Mrs. Mohling and she thought it was an amazing idea. After making sure our principal Mr. Kolousek was okay with it, I started to collect some silent auction baskets from local businesses.”
The Wessington Springs Middle School 8th grade Choices for Your Future class and Junior High FCCLA Chapter held a supper and silent auction at the home Spartans volleyball game held on October 29. Through the supper, silent auction and donations the students raised $2536. Reiner presented a check to Mackenzie’s dad, Brad, and her sister, Molly, at a benefit in Miller on November 2. In addition to this and other Millerarea fundraisers, a benefit account has been set up at American Bank & Trust under Kopceky’s name.
Kopceky is a 2024 graduate from Miller High School and her family plays an active role in the car racing scene within the area.
“My dad, James Reiner, has raced with Kenzie’s dad, Brad, for a number of years and they have always been friends,” Reiner explained. “She has driven a pure stock for a number of years at the race track in Miller and I have looked up to Kenzie for a number of years. Fingers crossed, next year I will get to race alongside her.”