
BOWLING GREEN, Mo. — In the picture below, Ryan Schlender reacts in shock as he’s “arrested” by Crystal Bliss of the not-for-profit North East Community Action Corporation (NECAC) during a poverty simulation Feb. 11. Bowling Green school district faculty got a chance to see what it’s like to be economically disadvantaged for a simulated month. Schlender, an elementary physical education teacher, played the part of 13-year-old Penelope Perez, and was accused of fighting with a 15-year-old character. Bliss is NECAC’s employment services coordinator. More information about poverty simulations and other programs is available by calling NECAC Pike County Service Coordinator Penny Dixon, 805 Business Highway 61 in Bowling Green, at 573-324-2207