Lincoln residents presented hearts of gratitude Tuesday morning to five teachers who have made inspiring impacts in their classrooms.
Danielle Cathey, Sydney Mickells, Brent Jung, Jamie Policky and Denise Cotton were honored for their leadership talents at the 2026 Thank You Teacher ceremony. Students, families and community members came to the Nebraska Governor’s Mansion to celebrate their legacies of classroom excellence.
Cathey teaches kindergarten at Adams Elementary School, Mickells guides special education students at Robinson Elementary School and Jung teaches science at Irving Middle School. Policky leads skilled and technical sciences classes at Northwest High School, and Cotton spent 24 years serving in several LPS buildings.
LPS Superintendent John Skretta said Cathey, Mickells, Jung, Policky and Cotton had encouraged hundreds of students during their distinguished careers. He said all five were admirable award recipients because of their work ethic and professionalism.
“When we think of the virtues that exemplify Nebraskans, there is no greater demonstration of the character, commitment, hard work and high integrity of Nebraskans than the teachers who we recognize here today,” Skretta said.
More than 500 people submitted written nominations in the categories of preschool through second grade, third through fifth grade, middle school, high school and retired teachers for this year’s event. The Lincoln Education Association, the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools and radio stations KFOR and KFRX joined LPS as co-sponsors of the annual celebration.
Danielle Cathey – Preschool-second grade
Cathey earned her Thank You Teacher honor for her willingness to help one LPS family. LPS parent Arodi enrolled her daughter, Amaia, at Adams Elementary after arriving in Lincoln early in the 2024-25 school year. Cathey’s bright personality erased all of Arodi’s nervousness when they first met.
“I was trying to be brave, but inside I was terrified,” Arodi said. “When we walked into the classroom, Ms. Cathey welcomed us with a big smile and a warm, confident energy that immediately made Amaia feel safe.”
Cathey soon became an essential ally for both Arodi and Amaia. She helped Amaia form new friendships and included her in every kindergarten activity. She also made sure that Amaia knew she was welcomed with open arms.
“Each small step forward was a victory, and in every one of those victories, I could see Ms. Cathey’s dedication and love for her students,” Arodi said. “By the end of the school year, Ms. Cathey gave Amaia a special award that said, ‘Dancing Queen,’ and my daughter was the happiest child in the world. That diploma meant much more than a fun title. It represented belonging, confidence and the feeling that she had a place in her new community.”
Cathey said it is a privilege to help children like Amaia at school. She has enjoyed welcoming everyone into the Adams community for the past 13 years.
“The truth is, Amaia and her friends teach me just as much as I teach them,” Cathey said. “They teach me patience, they teach me resilience and they teach me to slow down and celebrate the small victories.”
Arodi said she wanted Cathey to be recognized for supporting and leading Adams students with compassion and care.
“Thanks to her, Amaia experienced school as a safe and welcoming environment, and we as a family felt supported during one of the biggest transitions of our lives,” Arodi said. “We are deeply grateful to Ms. Cathey and to this community for helping our daughter grow, learn and thrive.”
Cathey said seeing Amaia again made her realize that teachers can make lasting impacts on their students.
“It was a beautiful reminder that what we do goes far beyond academics,” Cathey said. “It matters in the hearts of children.”
Sydney Mickells – Grades 3-5
LPS parent Allie nominated Mickells for the award because of the care she has provided for her daughter for four years. She said Mickells was responsible for Evelyn’s growth in subjects like reading, math and writing during her Robinson career.
“I know without a doubt that Evelyn would not be where she is today without the kindhearted spirit and compassionate, consistent support of Ms. Mickells,” Allie said. “We are so grateful that we have had the gift of her support and love for Evelyn and our family for the last four years. We could never thank her enough.”
Evelyn’s family brought her to Robinson in second grade in hopes that the school’s new reading program would be helpful. Allie reached out to Mickells as soon as the academic year started and shared her daughter’s story. She soon realized that Mickells was a willing teammate in Evelyn’s dream of being able to read at grade level by the end of fifth grade.
“Ms. Mickells listened with sincere concern and compassion,” Allie said. “With a calm and reassuring tone, she assured me that she would do everything she could to help Evelyn reach her goal. I could feel it in my heart that day that she truly cared.”
Mickells said students like Evelyn are why she enjoys being in the education profession.
“Being a special education teacher is really such an honor and so special,” Mickells said. “You develop meaningful relationships with students and their families on such a deep level. You get a front row seat to witness their bumps, their breakthroughs and every step of success along the way. I get to be my students’ biggest cheerleader.”
Allie said Mickells has helped Evelyn find her love for reading, develop her love for school and find joy in life again. Evelyn is also now reading at grade level, which has given her the confidence she will carry with her for the rest of her life.
“I’m not sure how we will get along without her, yet I do know we will never forget her or the imprint she has left on all of our hearts,” Allie said. “She has helped change our family for the better. Ms. Mickells is not an ordinary teacher, she is extraordinary. From her warm, welcoming smile to her adorably joyful wardrobe, she is one of a kind. I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this award.”
Mickells said she would always be in Evelyn’s corner as she moves through middle school, high school and beyond.
“To Evelyn and Allie, you’ve taught me how to think outside the box, how to be creative and the true power of love and encouragement and what that can do for a student,” Mickells said. “You’ve made me a better teacher and human being, and I don’t know what in the world I’m going to do without having you at school next year.”
Brent Jung – Middle School
Irving eighth grade student Izayha felt Jung’s wide range of leadership talents made him worthy of Thank You Teacher recognition. He said Jung’s compassionate and caring teaching style has helped many people improve their general quality of life.
“He connects with and builds long-lasting relationships with his students and co-workers, bringing light to many students’ days,” Izayha said. “His class is involving, positive, fun, but also a safe space for many people to go and learn. He creates an environment filled with creativity, laughter, inclusion, diversity, connection and knowledge.”
Izayha said he soaked in more than just science concepts while sitting in Jung’s classroom. Their daily conversations inspired him to expand his communication talents, try new notetaking strategies and feel more confident in all of his academic pursuits.
“Learning in his class was so much more than just that,” Izayha said. “It was an unforgettable and unique experience I wish I could go back and repeat on a daily basis.”
Jung said his goal is for all students to have welcoming experiences. He recognized that his calling was to be a teacher after first helping people in college chemistry classes and local sunglass businesses.
“Then I realized, ‘Huh, I guess I’ve been an educator my whole life,’” Jung said. “That’s when I changed my journey, changed my trajectory, and ended up where I am today.”
Jung said he was especially proud of Izayha’s growth over the past 18 months. Izayha has joined a herpetology club at Irving, gone out for wrestling and will study science, technology, engineering and math subjects in high school.
“He has become such a great young man, and it’s only the beginning,” Jung said.
Izayha said Jung has been a source of inspiration and motivation during his time at Irving. He said that would serve as a springboard for future success at LPS.
“He is one of the best teachers I have ever had throughout my learning career and a genuinely amazing person,” Izayha said. “The school’s goal is to educate, embrace and empower, which I believe no teacher I have ever met could’ve done better.”
Jamie Policky – High School
Northwest High School senior Grayson said Policky has transformed lives because of his willingness to listen, remember and care. He said Policky makes students want to succeed because of his mentorship talents and meaningful actions.
“He’s honest without being harsh, funny without being flippant and straightforward without ever making you feel small,” Grayson said. “He doesn’t hide behind buzzwords or vague encouragement; he tells you the truth, supports you and expects you to rise to the occasion.”
Grayson reacted with excitement when Policky began a SkillsUSA program at Northwest in his sophomore year. Policky guided Grayson and his friend Noah through their first experiences of building a robot and competing at state. Over the following 18 months, he raised money for the team, helped the Falcons obtain necessary construction materials and showed them what it means to be trustworthy and kind.
“He shows up because he genuinely loves teaching and guiding students,” Grayson said. “Even in small ways, he’s always there. His e-mail responses are faster than anyone I’ve ever seen because he never wants his students to feel stuck.”
Policky said his desire is to give students the academic, prosocial and communication skills they can use throughout their lives. He said Grayson and Noah are examples of how education can create a far-reaching ripple effect in the world.
“Standing here today, I realize that while the work is real, the reward is far greater than I ever imagined,” Policky said.
Policky said the award also helped him realize that his skilled and technical sciences lessons have been making a difference for a large number of Falcons.
“As teachers, we often wonder if our lessons are landing,” Policky said. “We wonder if amidst the new concepts, the countless practice attempts and the subsequent feedback, we are actually making an impact. But here, to learn that some of my best and brightest, Grayson and Noah, took the time out of their busy schedules to write letters of praise and support, I feel more thankful and appreciated than ever before.”
Grayson said he and many other members of the Class of 2026 will leave Northwest as better people for having known Policky.
“Mr. Policky didn’t just teach me engineering,” Grayson said. “He taught me what it looks like to show up for people, to lead without ego and to care deeply without expecting anything in return. He has shaped who I am more than he probably realizes, and I know I’m not the only student who can say that. If Nebraska is looking to recognize a teacher who changes lives simply by being who they are, Mr. Policky is that teacher.”
Denise Cotton – Retired Teacher
Former student Carson Snow said Cotton impacted the lives of countless LPS students during her time leading music classes. She served as a part-time piano accompanist at Lefler Middle School before teaching music for four years at Humann Elementary School. She then became the choir teacher and department chair at Southwest High School until 2021.
Cotton said she has enjoyed every minute of a career that has spanned more than five decades in towns across the Midwest. She began working at LPS in 1999 and has remained a strong supporter of the school district ever since. She returned to the classroom at both Lincoln High and East High School after a brief stay in retirement.
“When I first began this teaching journey 50 years, giving piano lessons while I was still in high school – it’s been a little over 50 years ago – I don’t think I understood that teaching is not a career. It’s a calling,” Cotton said. “And the beautiful thing about a calling is that it does not let go of you even when you try to go a different path or when you try to retire.”
Snow said Cotton’s outgoing personality made a difference for many Silver Hawks.
“Her infectious enthusiasm for music made her both a great teacher and a wonderful human being,” Snow said. “You could not help but love music while in her classroom. You could always count on class being a fun time, even if you were having the worst day ever. You could have failed the most important test of your life, and she would have a way to make you smile.”
Snow said Cotton used music as a vehicle to pass along important life lessons to students. She taught them the importance of work ethic, determination and drive, and she sprinkled in messages about perseverance and goalsetting that resonated with everyone in class.
“She was our music teacher, so of course she pushed us to do our best,” Snow said. “She also pushed and reminded us, as young adults, that we were the future. She encouraged every student to have the best grades possible by offering help whenever she could. She made a difference in every student’s life.”
Cotton said she was grateful for the invitation to the Thank You Teacher breakfast. She has been especially proud to watch Snow enter the teaching profession himself. He now leads special education classes at Huntington Elementary School and Mickle Middle School.
“Once again, I was reminded that education weaves generations together in the most beautiful way,” Cotton said.
Snow said he became a teacher specifically because of Cotton’s mentorship. He said it was an honor to watch Cotton receive applause for her lifetime of important work.
“All I can hope for is that I am able to help students as much as she helped all of hers,” Snow said. “She loved teaching us music, but we all knew the real reason she taught was to help struggling students find their path and see a future.”
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