Kids feel connected when engaged in activities & sports

This year LEAF is featuring blogs from our Board members and volunteers sharing why they give their time and talents in service to District 742 students. Today’s blog is from Renè Knippel, a member of our LEAF Board.

I joined the Local Education & Activities Foundation (LEAF) in 2024 because I care deeply about building strong, enriched communities and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Professionally, I serve as a Senior HR Manager at Stearns Bank, where I focus on developing strong teams, supporting leadership, and creating environments where people can grow and succeed. Those same values are what drew me to LEAF — an organization that works to expand opportunities for students and strengthen our community.

I’m also a proud District 742 parent. My children are involved in multiple activities and sports, and through those experiences I’ve seen how meaningful it is for kids to feel connected, supported, and engaged. Our family’s ties to the district run deep — my husband is also a District 742 graduate — which makes this work even more personal to me.

Part of my passion for LEAF comes from my own childhood. I grew up in a young family that faced financial challenges, but as a kid I never really knew we were struggling. Looking back, I realize how important it was that my parents and community helped create a sense of normalcy and opportunity.

That’s the experience I want every child to have.

I want kids to be able to explore the many ways they can grow and succeed — whether it’s through sports, music, leadership development, or other activities. Every child is different, and there is no single path for how they should experience their education or childhood. When young people are given the opportunity to discover what inspires them, it helps shape their confidence, their sense of belonging, and their future.

Through my work with LEAF, I hope to help remove barriers not only for students, but also for the schools and community partners who often have to make difficult decisions about where limited resources can go. When our kids are active, involved, and engaged, we are investing in the future of our families, our community, and all Central Minnesota.

Serving on the LEAF gives me a meaningful way to give back. I’m proud to support efforts that help more students participate in activities, provide support during times of emergency, and strengthen programs like Feeding 742 Kids.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve and to help create more opportunities for students across District 742.