Area residents reduce food insecurity at Extra Mile Walk < Updated

Cold weather didn’t deter hundreds of people from creating a warm outpouring of support at the 18th annual Extra Mile Walk on April 26 – in a new location.
 
Lincoln community members gathered at Northwest High School’s Union Bank Stadium for a major charitable event. Lincoln Public Schools partners with the Food Bank of Lincoln each spring to collect money for multiple food-based programs. In past years, LPS and the Food Bank hosted the Extra Mile Walk at East High School.

Food Bank of Lincoln President and CEO Michaella Kumke said she was grateful to everyone who donated and participated. Multiple high school cheerleaders gathered on one part of the stadium’s track to encourage people who walked in cool and windy weather. Participants of all ages donned stocking caps, sweatshirts and coats as they moved along the route.

“You being here helps us raise awareness and take action,” Kumke said. “We want to thank LPS for 20 years ago this school year, starting with us the BackPack program. Two years later, they started this event to help make sure we have the resources to continue feeding kids and their families.”

Organizers didn’t only change up the walk’s host spot. They also added more opportunities for family fun. The event featured food trucks and many activities for children on the stadium’s playing surface. 

LPS Interim Superintendent John Skretta welcomed the crowd to the morning walk. He recognized team captains who organized groups of people to come to Union Bank Stadium. The list of participants included elementary, middle and high schools, LPS academic departments and mothers of University of Nebraska-Lincoln athletes.
 
“You’ve done a great job and we appreciate all the work you did getting your teams ready this year,” Skretta said.

This year’s fundraiser has already netted more than $174,000 toward the goal of reducing hunger across 16 Southeast Nebraska counties. The Food Bank of Lincoln continues accepting donations to help thousands of local residents. An estimated 64,500 people experience food insecurity in the service area, which includes more than 20,000 children under the age of 18.

The Extra Mile Walk benefits thousands of LPS students. LPS and Food Bank of Lincoln launched the BackPack Program initiative at Clinton Elementary School in the 2004-05 academic year. The effort now reaches more than 1,200 students at 28 LPS sites. They receive food-filled backpacks each Friday to ensure they have enough to eat throughout the weekend.
 
Thirty-three LPS buildings also host school food markets and pantries. Approximately 4,600 students and families have access to nutritious food and fresh produce each month during the academic year. Each food market includes menu-specific items, bakery products and donated goods.
 
A $10 contribution to the Extra Mile Walk provides a student with a food-filled backpack for one weekend, while $60 supplements the needs of a four-person family at their monthly school food market for a semester. A $125 donation supplements the needs of a four-person family at their monthly school food market for the entire academic year, and $275 provides a student with a food-filled backpack each weekend for an academic year.
 
Students and staff at many LPS buildings raised money for the 2025 Extra Mile Walk campaign. Maxey Elementary School ($9,293.03) was the top site and Randolph Elementary School ($4,980.07) and Wysong Elementary School ($4,856.91) captured the next two spots. Pyrtle Elementary School ($3,739.37) and Pound Middle School ($3,028.47) rounded out the top five.
 
Staff members of many LPS departments also gathered funds. The Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Department produced a total of $3,203.70, and the Computing Services Department generated $2,132.41 for the Food Bank of Lincoln. The Early Childhood Department collected the third-highest amount of $1,339.68.
 
The Acklie Charitable Foundation provided an extra incentive this year. The foundation matched every dollar donated to the Extra Mile Walk up to $200,000.
 
Kumke and Skretta highlighted several people who have made a difference in the Extra Mile Walk effort. The crowd gave a round of applause for LPS Director of Operations Scott Wieskamp, who will be retiring from the school district this spring.
 
“Over the years Scott has been a major supporter of the walk, instrumental in ensuring facilities are ready and organizing staff for this,” Skretta said. “He will be greatly missed next year.”
 
The crowd also clapped for Lincoln Board of Education member Kathy Danek and Matt and Julie Rhule. Danek is retiring from the school board this spring after representing District 1 since 2001. Matt Rhule, the head football coach at UNL, and Julie Rhule donated $10,000 to the 2025 Extra Mile Walk.
 
Kumke congratulated everyone on their contributions to campaigns over the past 18 years. She said the Extra Mile Walk has directly resulted in 6.8 million meals being delivered to students in Southeast Nebraska. The event has generated more than $2.4 million, which is being used to help families.

It’s not too late if you’d like to donate to the Extra Mile Walk!

Please visit the Food Bank’s website at https://www.lincolnfoodbank.org/extramile/.

Posted on April 30, 2025

Launch at LPS: Northwest senior Sophia charts course as future education leader < Updated

Northwest High School senior Sophia has used her warm personality to create a winning academic and social environment everywhere she goes.
 
The future early childhood teacher has blossomed in her three years as a member of the Falcon community. She has met friends in a variety of activities, moved forward on an accelerated academic schedule and set a solid foundation for her post-graduation days. She said all of that has been possible because of Northwest’s friendly campus environment.

 
“Everyone is very open to making new relationships, and that’s very much stuck out over the years here at school,” Sophia said. “Everybody is really willing to join new groups and not stay within the same cliques all the time, so I’ve built a really good community around myself. I’ve always felt that comfort here of knowing I’ll always be able to make new friends and meet new people.”
 
Sophia’s dedication to lifting up people has been appreciated by dozens of friends and teachers. One of those on that list of admirers is Margaret Pass, who works with many students as a school counselor. Pass said Sophia has helped her classmates with kind words and inspiring actions.
 
“It’s really encouraging for all of the students,” Pass said. “They see that Sophia is open to making new relationships and is fun and friendly, and that really sets the tone for other students to be able to do that too. We are a smaller high school community, and so that kind of commitment to the community from Sophia and being a role model like that really goes a long way with all of our students and faculty.”

 
Northwest Principal Cedric Cooper said he has also noticed Sophia’s impact on fellow Falcons. He felt her willingness to work with everyone had made a positive difference.
 
“Sophia stands out as a senior who is a dedicated part of our community,” Cooper said. “She has goals for her future and partners with adults at school to give her best efforts. She always has a smile on her face and is willing to help and support others.”
 
Pass said Sophia’s work ethic has been a primary reason for her record of success at Northwest. She loaded her academic plate each of the past two years in order to set herself up for future opportunities. She also attended classes at The Career Academy last year and was a member of the Educators Rising organization.
 
“She is every teacher’s dream student,” Pass said. “She’s open and there’s only been positive feedback for Sophia in whatever she’s doing. She’s a leader here at school, and she worked really hard during her sophomore and junior years so that she was ahead and had openings to add things that she wanted to concentrate on. She’s really set her path and has come up with a good plan to move forward.”

 
Sophia began charting her course into the early childhood education field in earnest last year. She enrolled in the early childhood education pathway at TCA and worked with infants, toddlers and preschoolers in a practicum setting. She also joined TCA’s chapter of Educators Rising, which helps students learn more about the teaching profession.
 
“I went to TCA because I wanted to figure out what I wanted to do, and I got into early childhood, so I was like, ‘I’ll give this a real shot and see what happens,’ and I ended up falling in love with it,” Sophia said. “At the end of the day it was something that just felt right when I joined my practicum class. After working with the students, it really felt like what I wanted to do.”

 
One of the year’s highlights was a trip to the Educators Rising National Conference in July 2024. Sophia and four classmates traveled to Washington, D.C., to participate in competitive events and listen to experienced professionals. She took part in the Children’s Literature K-3 contest at nationals and spoke with future teachers from across the country.
 
Sophia said she has been impressed with the college and career readiness programs she has found at Northwest and The Career Academy. She said Lincoln Public Schools staff members have encouraged and motivated her throughout her time in the school district.
 
“I have yet to have a teacher who made me feel like, ‘Wow, I can’t go any further than this,’’ Sophia said. “It’s always been, ‘Right now I know you think you can’t, but we’re going to get you to the point where you think you can move forward, and everything is going to fall into place and work out.’ It’s very nice to have that feeling of support. You build that relationship with them here.”

 
Sophia plans to enroll at Southeast Community College or the University of Nebraska-Lincoln this fall. Pass said she is eager to see how the next steps of Sophia’s educational career unfold.
 
“Anything she wants to do, she’ll be able to do,” Pass said. “I can see her advancing in the field of education to administration or whatever she wants to do going forward. She would be excellent in a leadership role.”

Pass said Sophia’s warm personality will allow her to be a standout role model for many classes of future Falcons.
 
“We’re just really proud to have a student like Sophia going out into the world and representing us here at Lincoln Northwest,” Pass said.

Congratulations, Sophia!

We wish you the best in your future endeavors.
We are thankful our educators could help you Launch at LPS!
 

Looking for LPS graduation information?

Check out our graduation page at https://home.lps.org/graduation/ to get the details on celebrating your favorite high school grad.
 
Do you have a story idea? Share it with the LPS Communications Team by filling out this form!

Posted on April 30, 2025

Picture Perfect: North Star senior collects Congressional Art Competition award < Updated

Chase Strohmyer’s interest in snapping sunset photos for his grandfather led to an equally bright-sky moment for him this spring.
 
U.S. Congressman Mike Flood applauded the North Star High School senior’s photography talents by recognizing him in the 2025 Congressional Art Competition. Strohmyer was selected as the runner-up in the 1st Congressional District for his photo entitled “Holy Bikes.” The picture will be displayed in Flood’s office in Room 343 of the Cannon House Office Building in Washington, D.C.
 
Strohmyer said he was honored to have his artwork travel to the nation’s capital. He was walking past a new architecture building at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln last semester when he spotted several bikes glistening in the sunlight. He took out his camera, lined up the shot and walked away with an award-winning image.
 
“I saw the light was just perfect for this photo, and I thought, ‘I’ll snap the photo here,’” Strohmyer said. “It looked good at first, and then I got to it on my computer and I was just amazed at what it looked like. I’m really proud of how it turned out.”
 
Flood said Strohmyer’s black-and-white picture was eye-catching because of the interplay of light between the building and bicycles. He felt it was important to pay tribute to those photographic gifts and encourage other budding Nebraska artists.
 
“I think anytime someone in the House of Representatives recognizes the work of a student in Lincoln, Neb., or wherever it is, I think that’s special for Chase, for his family, for the school,” Flood said. “We can’t lift up talent enough. We have two million people in this state. We have to identify those folks who are excelling in their fields and make sure they know that we are aware of their talents, and that we want them to use those talents right here in the state of Nebraska.”
 
North Star Principal Megan Kroll said she was proud of Strohmyer for helping the school with his artistic abilities. Strohmyer has taken hundreds of North Star photos throughout the fall, winter and spring for the school yearbook. He has captured fellow Gators competing in sports, participating in activities and learning in classes for the publication. He won a state medal for his action photography at this spring's Class A State Journalism Championships.
 
“We’re fortunate to have Chase,” Kroll said. “He’s at every event. It doesn’t matter if it’s sports, activities, he’s everywhere taking pictures and sharing them with our building. We’re very fortunate to have him. He’s also just an amazing person, an amazing student as well, so we’re going to miss him when he graduates.”
 
Strohmyer became intrigued by photography after watching how much joy his grandpa gained from taking sunset pictures each day. He began sending his own twilight images to his grandfather, and he pursued the hobby even more by enrolling in a photography class his sophomore year. That led to a full-time passion for the rewarding activity.
 
“It just went from there, honestly,” Strohmyer said. “It’s all about the sunset photos.”
 
Strohmyer began taking sports pictures as a junior and started a Photography 3 course with North Star teacher Jason Codr last semester. He decided to challenge himself by capturing black-and-white images of street-based scenes. He developed a state-winning portfolio that included images of a person walking down an alley, shoes from underneath a stairway and a student riding a bike by an old building.
 
“When you shoot black and white, you have to be certain that the photos look nice, because you can’t rely on nice colors,” Strohmyer said.
 
Codr leads visual arts classes at North Star and has mentored Strohmyer the past three years. He said Strohmyer’s generous personality has made him an integral part of every multimedia class at school.
 
“Chase teaches people everything. I mean, he really does,” Codr said. “Chase is really good about taking students under his wing, and people ask him questions all the time. He’ll more than likely show them what he’s doing and how it’s working.
 
“He’s very much a role model for a lot of the younger students who are like, ‘Oh my gosh, look at what he’s doing!’ They’re excited to do that and he helps them. He doesn’t see it as competition, but he says, ‘Awesome!’”
 
Flood said that type of standout character can be found throughout Lincoln Public Schools. He said Strohmyer is a product of the school district’s emphasis on providing high-quality education in every building across the city.
 
“This school district produces some of the best students in the world,” Flood said. “They go on to do great things, whether it’s the CEO of a major corporation to a major cattle operation in the western part of the state. The students at Lincoln Public Schools are prepared for the future, and the more we can recognize their talents, I think the better opportunity we have for them to feel like, ‘You know what, people here in the state value my talents, and I’d like to share it with them as I go forward.’”
 
A panel of art teachers and local artists chose “Holy Bikes” for the award from dozens of submissions. Flood presented Strohmyer with a certificate of special congressional recognition and an official challenge coin of the 1st Congressional District. He also offered many words of sunshine-level encouragement to the future UNL Regents Scholar.
 
“We’re very impressed with you and we’re impressed with your high school,” Flood said. “Congratulations, and you have a lot to look forward to in life.”
 
Visit home.lps.org/art to learn more about the many ways LPS students benefit from art classes.
 
Do you have a story idea? Share it with the LPS Communications Team by filling out this form!

Posted on April 30, 2025

Register to Attend Our Educator Interview Fair - May 19 < Updated

LPS is hosting an Educator Interview Fair specifically for certificated candidates in secondary math and science, special education and early childhood education. If you are certified—or will be certified soon—in one of these areas, we invite you to apply and interview.

Educator Interview Fair

Monday, May 19, 2025
8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
In-person at the Steve Joel District Leadership Center (the district office at 5905 O St.) or over Zoom.

Application Process

1.  All interested candidates must reserve their spot by filling out the form: bit.ly/educator25

Please register by May 15. If you are not available on the event date, or have questions, please contact Ryan Escamilla, director of recruitment, at mescami@lps.org.

2.  Complete an application for at least one of the following Certified Applicant Pools:

Click HERE to apply to the 2025-26 Certified Early Childhood Pool.

Click HERE to apply to the 2025-26 Certified Special Education (K-12) Pool.

Click HERE to apply to the 2025-26 Grade 6 (Middle School) Pool.

Click HERE to apply to the 2025-26 Certified Secondary Pool.

If you have previously completed an application for another position with Lincoln Public Schools, please do not create another profile. Simply log in with your original email and password. If you have forgotten your username and/or password, contact Human Resources at HR@lps.org for assistance. Your application must be completed prior to your interview.

Posted on April 29, 2025

Science Star: North Star teacher earns prestigious award for science education < Updated

Karen Covil’s ability to cultivate scientific knowledge in the classroom has helped her reap one of the top teaching awards in the country.
 
The North Star High School science teacher is one of six recipients of the Robert E. Yager Exemplary Teaching Award from the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA). The organization recognizes people who have showcased excellent and innovative approaches to the field of science education. Hundreds of K-12 classroom leaders from 17 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico were eligible to receive the award during the 2024-25 school year.

 
Covil has worked at North Star since 2012 and has taught biology, geoscience, physical science, chemistry and physics classes. She said it is fulfilling to help others make discoveries in subjects ranging from microbiology to meteorology.
 
“My students ask challenging questions, which motivates me to keep investigating and learning more about science for myself and my classes,” Covil said. “I thrive on these challenges, and teaching science at North Star is like going on a daily adventure with the students and the science content.”
 
North Star Principal Megan Kroll said she was thrilled when the NSTA announced that Covil had won the award. Kroll said Covil has a gift for helping students see how science connects to their daily lives. She has created engaging lesson plans, included STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) content in her presentations, asked students to express their perspectives and invited local professionals and scientists to visit her classroom.
 
“Karen is very deserving of this award,” Kroll said. “She is one of many teachers in our building who go above and beyond for students. I am both excited and appreciative that others are seeing the amazing things LNS teachers are doing and the positive impact they have on the Gator community.”

 
NSTA President Alicia Conerly said Covil had earned her spot as a Yager recipient. NSTA judges chose winners based on their ability to motivate and challenge students, exhibit effective planning and presentation skills and display a deep knowledge of science through publications and presentations. Recipients have also participated in professional growth activities across the United States with fellow science teachers.
 
“Transformative science education equips students with the skills and mindset to question, explore and innovate,” Conerly said. “This award reflects Dr. Robert E. Yager’s legacy of innovation and dedication to science education, recognizing educators who go above and beyond to engage, challenge and empower the next generation of scientific thinkers.”
 
Covil said her undergraduate experiences at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln gave her a solid foundation for her future teaching career. She took a wide variety of upper-level biology, chemistry and physics courses to complete her horticulture degree. She has passed on that broad spectrum of knowledge to her North Star classes.

 
“It has enabled me to help students understand that the different science subject areas are interconnected, and that even if they are taking physics, a phenomenon they are studying in my classes may also include biology or chemistry content,” Covil said. “These connections facilitate deeper sense-making and retention of science content.”
 
Covil enjoyed the same types of learning experiences as a graduate student in plant pathology at North Carolina State University. She researched diseases affecting Irish potatoes and explored plant breeding with potatoes, soybeans and dry beans. She also worked with crop growers to reduce pollution from fertilizers and published a journal article about fungicide and nematicide tests.
 
“These skills have enabled me to submit proposals for presentations at science education conferences and write journal articles to help support the greater science teaching community,” Covil said. “Conducting research for my graduate degree in plant pathology has given me real-world experience in science and the value of helping students connect with scientists to drive engagement with science content and future career interests.”

 
Covil has used her research and teaching background to spread science information across the United States. She co-authored a research paper about mentoring student teachers in science classrooms in 2024 that was included in the Innovations in Science Teacher Education journal. She presented “Teaching Physics with Real World Support: Collaborating with Local Organizations and Universities to Foster Equitable and Inclusive Learning Environments for High School Students” the same year at the NSTA National Conference in Denver.
 
Covil said one of her top goals is to create a classroom environment where all students feel valued and can express their questions and ideas. She said it is important to help them know that their unique contributions to scientific exploration are fundamental to understanding our world of scientific phenomena.
 
Covil has also been inspired by her North Star co-workers, especially those who serve with her in the science department. She said their passion for cultivating scientific knowledge has given many Gators the tools they need to be successful in life.
 
“Being in this type of environment as an educator brings a deep level of satisfaction with my teaching responsibilities and motivates me to do my very best work every day,” Covil said. “It also allows me to look for new and innovative ways of teaching science with the knowledge that I am well-supported in my decisions as a science educator.”

Want to know about our science curriculum? Visit our website at https://home.lps.org/science/.

Do you have a story idea? Share it with the LPS Communications Team by filling out this form!

Posted on April 29, 2025

LPS students celebrate achievements at American Indian Promotion Ceremony < Updated

Moore Middle School eighth grader Quincey beamed a thousand-watt smile as she received a commemorative coin celebrating her upcoming journey to high school.
 
Dozens of other Lincoln Public Schools students and families shared those same energetic feelings this spring at the inaugural American Indian Student Promotion Ceremony. Organizers recognized kindergarteners, fifth graders and eighth graders for their progression along the grades K-12 pathway. Every student received a special gift at the beginning of the event featuring speeches, fellowship and a round dance.

 
Quincey said she was grateful to take part in the ceremony. She walked to an eighth grade table in Standing Bear High School’s west hallway and accepted a challenge coin shaped like a Medicine Wheel. The Medicine Wheel represents health dimensions and life cycles in American Indian cultures.
 
“It made me really happy,” Quincey said. “I don’t normally get a lot of gifts from my elders, so I’m very honored.”
 
Joe Rousseau coordinates the American Indian Education Demonstration Grant at LPS and helped organize the event. He delivered a commencement address that focused on the importance of honoring the four hills of K-12 education. The first hill represents kindergarteners moving to first grade, and the next two hills mark the transition into middle school and high school for fifth and eighth graders. Seniors reach the summit of the fourth and final hill when they graduate from high school.
 
“These hills of your education leave you with knowledge and an understanding that no one can take from you,” Rousseau told students in the audience. “Once you gain that understanding, it is yours.”

 
Renee Sans Souci welcomed everyone with a traditional blessing from a copper cup filled with water and medicine. She felt it was essential to celebrate and preserve American Indian heritage and customs for future generations.
 
“I really appreciate this time, because what’s it all about?” Sans Souci said. “It’s about our future. It’s about our youth. It’s about our children.”
 
Rousseau said members of the LPS Native American Advisory Committee (NAAC) created the idea for a promotion ceremony last year. They wanted to honor students in the three milestone grades with a traditional American Indian format. They also felt having the ceremony at a school named for a civil rights hero would make the evening even more impactful.
 
“It is especially meaningful, I feel, that we are gathered in a school named after Chief Standing Bear,” Rousseau said. “Just think of what he did not only for his Native nation, but for all of us.”
 
The names of 23 kindergarteners, 49 fifth graders and 66 eighth graders were listed in the evening’s program. Kindergarteners accepted blankets made in a variety of colors and traditional native designs. Rousseau told the audience that each blanket represents the comfort and protection students will receive from their family, teachers and community.
 
Volunteers presented each fifth grader with a medicine bundle that contained sweetgrass, sage and cedar. American Indians use many medicines to promote overall health. Medicine bundles hold significant meaning for each tribe and are treated with great reverence in the community.

 
Eighth graders such as Quincey received Medicine Wheel coins when they arrived for the ceremony. They later joined kindergarteners, fifth graders and their families for a round dance on the gym floor. They gathered in a circle and moved around a group of drummers in the center of the gym. American Indian tribes perform round dances to connect, celebrate and acknowledge each other at important times for the community.
 
Quincey held hands with her sister as she and other dancers moved clockwise with the song. She said it was exciting to share the experience with family, friends and classmates.
 
“I got to dance with my sister,” Quincey said. “It was fun to see everyone get the hang of the dance.”

 
Rousseau said the support from LPS leadership was a primary factor in making the event possible. Standing Bear High School Principal Sue Cassata has organized many educational activities about the history and importance of Chief Standing Bear, who led the Ponca Tribe for many years. American Indian seniors can wear eagle feathers and plumes and can bead their mortarboards when they accept their diplomas, and LPS teachers have encouraged many students in their classrooms throughout the city.
 
“I’m so thankful that Lincoln Public Schools honors our educational sovereignty by providing us a space such as this for all of us to get together and celebrate with each other,” Rousseau said.
 
Rousseau said he was proud to join other strong community members at the ceremony. He said unity and cooperation were why students like Quincey could experience thousand-watt feelings of joy.
 
“I would like to thank, most importantly, our parents and our scholars that are here today,” Rousseau said. “This is a very special moment, because when will all of us be together again, except for right now, to honor our youth?”

Visit https://home.lps.org/federal/indian-education/ to learn more about how the American Indian Education Program supports LPS students.
 
Do you have a story idea? Share it with the LPS Communications Team by filling out this form!

Posted on April 29, 2025

Launch at LPS: Cherawn becomes MVP at Bryan Community by boosting classmates < Updated

Cherawn’s ability to boost the confidence of his Bryan Community Focus Program classmates has helped him reach Most Valuable Pupil status in the school’s hallways.
 
Cherawn has used his outgoing and uplifting personality to create a positive path forward at the focus program. The senior has become a role model for others by injecting encouragement into every conversation he has. His quick smiles, friendly greetings and pick-me-up discussions with friends have made a difference in both academic and personal settings.

 
“I don’t want to see anybody being down, because I know how it feels,” Cherawn said. “Why would you want to hurt someone when you could help them? You want to set someone up for success, because if you set them up for success, it’s going to be an ongoing thing, a recycling of great.”
 
Bryan Community Principal Denise Craig said students and teachers have benefited from Cherawn’s enthusiasm in many ways. She said he has built authentic friendships by showing that he cares for others and wants everyone to do well.
 
“Cherawn brings a positive vibe every single day,” Craig said. “He is charismatic and makes people feel welcome. He greets all staff members heartily each time he sees them in the hall, and he’s kind and energetic.”

 
Cherawn said he noticed a welcoming environment on campus when he arrived at Bryan Community this fall. The smaller class sizes meant additional opportunities for teachers to help students with lessons, and he felt a sense of camaraderie with people who were looking to achieve similar academic goals.
 
“It’s comfortable being here,” Cherawn said. “I feel more successful here, and definitely I’m able to work harder and just put pencil to paper and get things done. It’s thanks to the teachers and all of the support that I’ve had here.”
 
Cherawn’s efforts caught the attention of Bryan Community staff members Dwight Brown and Nathan Gumb. They said his willingness to talk to all students has been a source of sunshine at school.
 
“There will be a student who I know is kind of struggling and feeling out of place or whatnot, and Cherawn will walk by and say, ‘Hey, how are you doing?’ and that type of thing,” Brown said. “That smile totally changes that student that day.”

 
Gumb coaches an American Legion baseball team in Lincoln, and he and Brown were talking one day about the extraordinary achievements of Most Valuable Player Award winners. Both felt Cherawn had reached that MVP level, and they wanted to do something to share their gratitude with him.
 
Brown and Gumb autographed a new baseball and wrote several inspirational messages on it for Cherawn. They approached him this spring and gave him the gift as a gesture of their appreciation.
 
“It wasn’t like an official school award or anything, but it was something Nate and I had talked about because we were so happy that Cherawn was a part of our community,” Brown said. “We just pulled him aside and we said, ‘We just feel like you’re an MVP.’ No one has ever gotten that type of recognition before. It was something Nate and I talked about and we said we have to recognize this guy in some way, because he brings something special and sincere.”
 
“I’ve still got it in my room,” Cherawn said. “It definitely has its own little holder. I’m definitely very appreciative of that because both of them have brought out a better me.”

 
Cherawn will graduate from Bryan Community in May and is eyeing a future career as either a barber or fashion designer. He said being able to overcome several obstacles in his life has taught him the importance of self-esteem and having a positive mindset. He said both career options would allow him to help others feel good about themselves as well.
 
“I really just had to focus on how I would adjust my well-being for myself,” Cherawn said. “Really, dressing up and just taking care of myself helped me a lot, so I feel like I can do the same for other people, and I want to do it.”

 
Cherawn said he has enjoyed being part of the close-knit environment at school. He felt he has become a better communicator in his time on campus.
 
“I don’t really consider this like a school. It’s more of a community,” Cherawn said. “It feels like a home, I can’t even lie. Everybody here is so in tune with each other and everybody is so close that you can really ask anyone for help. You can go to them and they can come to you.”

 
Brown said that type of encouraging outlook on life would allow Cherawn to reach MVP status in whatever career field he pursues.
 
“It’s not fake,” Brown said. “I watch not just what students do when they know they’re being watched, but also when they don’t know anybody’s looking at them. And I can tell you that Cherawn has had legit sincerity from day one. It’s been really awesome to see.”

Congratulations, Cherawn!

We wish you the best in your future endeavors.
We are thankful our educators could help you Launch at LPS!
 

Looking for LPS graduation information?

Check out our graduation page at https://home.lps.org/graduation/ to get the details on celebrating your favorite high school grad.
 
Do you have a story idea? Share it with the LPS Communications Team by filling out this form!

Posted on April 29, 2025

USDA grant helps Northeast students turn apples into key learning ingredient

Northeast High School students put their own twist on a familiar apple-based saying this spring when they included local crops in a community outreach event.
 
Members of Culinary II classes learned how an apple a day can create smiles all the way during a multi-day family and consumer sciences (FCS) lesson. They examined apples from a local orchard grower, baked oatmeal apple cookies with the Lincoln-based crop and provided the treats to area residents at a community showcase. The experience was part of a “Nourishing Northeast Lincoln” grant-funded program that is supporting agriculture education at Northeast High School and Culler, Dawes and Mickle middle schools.
 
Culinary II students Matthew and Ruby said they had gained many valuable life skills from the Nourishing Northeast Lincoln activities. The lesson’s goals were to help students understand where their food comes from, make informed purchases at grocery stores and farmers markets and have the ability to prepare that food at home.
 
“I think it’s pretty important, because if you don’t know where (your food) is coming from, then you don’t know the quality of it,” Matthew said.
 
“Just the experience of it has been good today,” Ruby said after bringing freshly-made cookies out of the oven. “It’s a good baking opportunity.”
 
Lincoln Public Schools FCS Curriculum Coordinator Kristin Vest said she was pleased to watch the Rockets learn more about the farm-to-school pipeline. LPS received a $100,000 grant from the United States Department of Agriculture this past summer. The Nourishing Northeast Lincoln program will benefit both FCS and Sustainability Department initiatives throughout LPS.
 
“The whole purpose of the grant is to help our students make connections between locally produced food, where our food comes from, teaching some fundamental things about agriculture and understanding the value of agriculture in our state,” Vest said. “For our culinary students, it’s about taking that food and then preparing it.”
 
The two-year grant will help students develop and expand school gardens and harvest food to use in their FCS classes and after-school clubs. They will learn about food sourcing, cooking and preservation techniques during the academic year, and there will be a mentorship program between FEWSS (Food, Energy, Water and Societal Systems) students at Northeast and eighth graders at Culler, Dawes and Mickle. Classes will also visit with local producers and growers about many agriculture-based careers during field trips.
 
The first portion of this spring’s lesson came when Picnic Hill Orchard owner Jason Steele visited with Culinary II classes. Steele spoke with students about the business, which is located on the southeast edge of Lincoln. The orchard produces 20 varieties of apples, ranging from well-known fruits such as Honeycrisp and Granny Smith to rarer types like Albemarle Pippin, Little Jewel and Nova Spy.
 
“It was actually entertaining learning all the facts about the apples,” Ruby said. “You go to the grocery store and you think all of them are the same, but they’re really all different.”
 
Matthew said he was happy to know that local farms and orchards are providing food for Lincoln residents. Students ate apple varieties that Steele brought from his orchard and tasted the differences in their flavor, tartness and texture.
 
“It’s pretty cool to learn from people, especially those that are close to home and grew up here and have spent their whole life here,” Matthew said.
 
The lesson’s second step came when students incorporated the local products into their oatmeal apple cookies. FCS teacher Bryce Peschel provided instructions before everyone began measuring flour, chopping apples and creating cookie dough.
 
Ruby partnered with classmate Teagan for the project. They assembled their supplies in a corner kitchen and marked off each box on the recipe’s checklist.
 
“I’m just hoping everybody enjoys them,” Teagan said. “It was fun.”
 
The third leg of the FCS relay race took place the following evening at Northeast. Vest provided free oatmeal apple cookies to visitors who passed by the FCS table. Representatives from the LPS Sustainability Department, City of Lincoln, Kiwanis Club of Lincoln, Southeast Community College and Family Service Lincoln’s Community Crops program were in attendance, and several LPS garden clubs showcased how they are growing crops and plants.
 
Visitors at the community showcase also learned how LPS contributes to the local economy through farm-to-school efforts. The school district spends more than $825,000 on local dairy products each year. It also purchases more than $150,000 of fresh produce items and more than $40,000 of chicken products from area farmers.
 
Vest said the multi-day FCS lesson gave students valuable perspectives about where their food comes from and the importance of local businesses. Not only can eating an apple a day be part of a healthy lifestyle, but consuming area products can nourish Lincoln’s entire economy as well.
 
“I think it’s tremendous,” Vest said. “They always say that’s the benefit of going to the farmers market, right, is learning who’s producing and growing your food and making that personal connection with them. So, for our students, who are consumers right now and will continue to be consumers in the future, I think it’s really powerful for them to see farmers and to hear from them, to hear about the hard work that they do.”
 
Visit home.lps.org/cte/fcs to learn more about family and consumer sciences classes at LPS and how they are preparing students for the future.
 
Do you have a story idea? Share it with the LPS Communications Team by filling out this form!

Posted on April 25, 2025

Meet LPS Focus Program Senior: Kiegon, Air Force Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps

The mission of Lincoln Public Schools is to prepare ALL students for successful careers, lifelong learning and civic engagement.

High school graduation is a culmination of our scholars' and educators' hard work toward this significant milestone. 

The LPS Focus Programs’ core values of exploration, education, engagement and empowerment are beliefs rooted in the overall LPS mission and the school district’s commitment to high school graduation. 

Read how senior Kiegon used the Lincoln Air Force Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (AFJROTC) to Launch at LPS in this Q&A. 

Name: Kiegon

Grade: 12

Home High School: Northeast 

Focus Program: Lincoln Air Force Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (AFJROTC) 

Why did you choose the AFJROTC Program?

I was promised a close community of like-minded people with whom I could enjoy the program and high school and opportunities to build myself as a leader.  

How did the AFJROTC Program change your high school experience?

I connected and met with a large handful of community members and organizations all around Lincoln. I got to fish, work, and learn with my fellow cadets, whom I consider my second family.

What is the greatest lesson you learned from the AFJROTC Program? Why?

You can't do teamwork by yourself. When you work alone, you snap like a single twig, but with a team that bunches up and works together, you are unbreakable. I saw that now more than ever, a team like that is a necessity for the ones in our city who need us. 

How did the AFJROTC Program help you reach your graduation goals?

The program taught me hard work and dedication are crucial for college and money management for my future financial endeavors. 

What are your post-graduation plans?

My post-graduation plans are to attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and major in agriculture. 

How did the AFJROTC Program help prepare you for those post-graduation plans? 

The AFJROTC Program taught me hard work, organization, teamwork and dedication yield great results for growth - both mentally and physically.

How did the AFJROTC Program help prepare you for the future?

It taught me that vision, hard work and dedication will build anything you deem important for this world. With motivation, you can lead a handful of like-minded people to achieve that goal with you.

What would your advice be to younger students considering joining your focus program? Why?

Be dedicated. You own it. The program's future is what you make it. Most importantly, learn to be a leader because the people who come after me will be the ones who will change AFJROTC to what it will be.

What are you most thankful for about this experience? Why?

I am most thankful for the people I met along the way.  I am thankful for my friends, the experience and the knowledge I gained throughout my years as a cadet.

Congratulations, Kiegon! We wish you the best in your future endeavors. We are thankful our educators could help you Launch at LPS!

Choose your passion. Choose your community. Choose your future with LPS Focus Programs. 

Learn more about Lincoln Air Force Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (AFJROTC) by visiting its website at https://home.lps.org/afjrotc/ or stop by our website home.lps.org/focus to get more information about all our focus programs.

Do you have a story idea? Share it with the LPS Communications Team by filling out this form!

Posted on April 24, 2025

Doppler Discoveries: Gators explore weather radar systems during geoscience presentation

If a weather radar system could detect an increase in scientific knowledge, it would have picked up a strong signal at North Star High School this spring.
 
Students enrolled in geoscience classes learned how meteorologists locate and track storms during an interactive presentation on campus. Adam Houston, a professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, talked with dozens of Gators about technology he and other weather researchers use every day. Students were then able to view a spinning mobile radar system attached to a truck outside the building.
 
North Star students Titus and Shaurya both said they were happy with what they had learned. Houston described the differences between mobile and fixed radar images to the classes, and he talked about the many objects that radar systems can detect. He also explained how meteorologists can help people stay safe when severe weather strikes in Nebraska.
 
“I thought it was cool that they were able to do this,” Titus said. “I enjoyed it.”
 
“What I really liked was how all the presentation and the visuals were really clear,” Shaurya said. “You could see every part of it. There was a key on each of the sample pictures so you’d know how fast the wind was moving.”
 
Karen Covil leads North Star’s science department and teaches geoscience classes to students in grades 9-12. She said Houston’s visit reinforced the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) that are used throughout Lincoln Public Schools.
 
The presentation also came nearly one year after an EF3 tornado moved across the northern edge of Lincoln on April 26, 2024. The tornado came close to North Star’s campus and caused significant damage in Lancaster County.
 
“Last year, many students experienced for the first time the impact of a high-end EF3 tornado that struck Lancaster County,” Covil said. “This was a terrifying occurrence for students, especially if they lacked significant experience with the safety procedures in the event of this type of weather and how storm spotters and meteorologists are helping to keep us safe.”
 
Houston focused his presentation on radar (radio detection and ranging) systems, which transmit pulses of microwave radiation to identify objects. Radars use the strength of reflected signals to determine the size of objects such as raindrops and hailstones. Since many other objects reflect energy pulses, radar systems can also detect birds, bugs and smoke plumes.
 
Doppler radar systems use the Doppler effect to measure the speed of a storm. Sound moves through the air as a series of waves, and these waves change length if they are moving toward or away from a source. This creates a higher pitch if the moving source approaches our ears and a lower pitch if it is leaving us.
 
The same effect takes place in the atmosphere when a pulse of energy from a NEXRAD (Next Generation Radar) system strikes an object. The energy is reflected back toward the radar, which can then measure how fast the object is traveling either toward or away from the radar’s location. This ability to “see” the wind is what allows meteorologists to view the formation of tornadoes and supercell storms.
 
Radar systems that are fixed in one location have a limited range because of the earth’s curvature, but mobile radars like the one North Star students looked at are more flexible. Titus said he was interested in watching the mobile Doppler radar dish spinning on a weather monitoring truck. He then approached Houston after the presentation and asked him several questions about the equipment.
 
“I think it’s cool that they’re able to go so close to the storms and detect these things,” Titus said.
 
Shaurya said the radar presentation came at a good juncture in the geoscience course. Students are ready to begin a new unit about storms and other weather-related topics. By the end of the semester, he and other Gators will be familiar with how the energy transfer from the sun to earth creates an unequal heating of our planet’s surface. This leads to air pressure differences, wind patterns and storm development, which are all key ingredients of weather forecasting.
 
“We can predict if the weather’s going to change or if there’s a thunderstorm that might affect our property or something like that, which is interesting,” Shaurya said. “We can take precautions to protect our property and protect us.”
 
Covil felt Houston’s visit allowed her students to gain a deeper understanding of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) concepts. She said this would motivate many Gators to explore STEM topics even more as they move through high school.
 
“Students benefit from seeing the real-life work of scientists in the field,” Covil said. “This provides valuable mentorship opportunities as well as inspiration to students when considering what they might like to do for future STEM careers.”
 
Visit home.lps.org/science to learn more about science courses at LPS and how they are helping students expand their academic horizons.
 
Do you have a story idea? Share it with the LPS Communications Team by filling out this form!

Posted on April 23, 2025

Launch at LPS: Soren scripts success at Lincoln High

When the curtain closes on Soren’s high school career, she will have scripted many scenes that have earned her rave reviews.
 
The Lincoln High senior has filled leading roles in both academics and extracurricular activities during her time as a Link. She is the National Honor Society parliamentarian, theater board president, member and organizer of the school’s Improv Club and an academic star in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Focus Program. She also works two jobs, has been the student director of a school musical and is planning to study mechanical engineering at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

 
Soren said filling her daily planner with a wide range of Lincoln Public Schools activities has benefited her in many ways. In addition to fine-tuning her time management talents, it has also allowed her to meet people across Lincoln High’s campus.
 
“For me, it’s been really important,” Soren said. “Even here in theater, we get a ton of different people, from show choir kids to people who do track and things like that. It’s a really cool experience to get a bunch of different perspectives from people that you might not normally meet otherwise.”

 
Molly Thomas guides Lincoln High’s theater program and Niki Barnes is the IB school counselor. Both said they have been impressed with Soren’s contagious enthusiasm, unmatched work ethic and enormous reservoir of leadership skills.
 
“To be an IB student and in National Honor Society and all the other things she does, including performing and doing stage crew for the theater department, and the fact that she can do all of those things and still have a high academic achievement is always amazing to me,” Thomas said. “I’m in awe of people like Soren who are strong academically as well as artistically. She’s going to go into college with a great balance of human characteristics, and I can’t wait to see where she ends up because of that.”
 
“Soren is a fantastic communicator and is remarkably perceptive and open-minded,” Barnes said. “She is a leader who is approachable and intentional about including others. She has a warm and empathetic personality, which makes her a ‘go-to’ within her peer group for emotional and academic support. I have no doubt that she will go on to have a measurable influence on the world around her.”

 
Soren came to Lincoln High because she wanted to pursue rigorous coursework in the IB program. She said her positive experiences with teachers, administrators and fellow students have given her a firm foundation for her future.
 
“I think that in LPS, there are a lot of resources that prepare students just to be successful both inside and outside of the classroom,” Soren said. “Even the guidelines of setting expectations, making sure everyone knows what you’re in class for that day, really sets students up for success.”
 
Many of those successful steps have taken place on Lincoln High’s Ted Sorensen Theatre stage. Soren planted seeds for her acting career when she signed up for “Journey to the World’s Edge” as a freshman. She has thrived in the theater-based topsoil and has become a role model for everyone in the department.
 
“I think in the theater program in general I’ve blossomed,” Soren said. “Starting as a freshman I was very nervous and I didn’t really have a voice. I really didn’t know where to put my energy, but going on the theater board and seeing the upperclassmen before me and seeing the leadership team be so strong and confident really helped me develop that in myself as well.”

 
Thomas said Soren has been a source of strength for the program with her poised and positive demeanor. Her ability to gain trust from everyone on stage convinced Thomas that she would be a natural fit as a student director. Soren led group discussions about backdrops for scenes, provided feedback to cast members and helped Thomas manage all aspects of this year’s “Guys and Dolls” production.
 
“Watching her go from a timid freshman to that amazing, confident leader that she is now has been a wonderful thing to see,” Thomas said. “She’s just grown so much over the years. She stepped up, she took a risk and allowed herself to go for different positions on our theater board, and apparently her peers respected her, because they all voted her into those positions.”

 
Soren said she has enjoyed being in both the creative world of theater and the calculating arena of mechanical engineering at Lincoln High.
 
“When I got to high school I realized, ‘Wow, I can have my fun artsy side and have my expression, but I’m better suited academically in a science field,’” Soren said. “It’s been really fun.”

 
Thomas said she believes Soren will be able to play any life role she chooses because of her intellect, imagination and incredible talents.
 
“The future is unlimited for Soren,” Thomas said. “She can do anything, because she does know how to balance, which is the biggest thing. She knows when to have fun, she knows when to be serious, and she knows when to call other people out if they’re being ridiculous. She’s not afraid of anything like that.
 
“She has the ability to speak her mind, and I think she’s going to go far because of the skills she’s acquired and who she is at her essential core. She’s a wonderful person.”

Congratulations, Soren!

We wish you the best in your future endeavors.

We are thankful our educators could help you Launch at LPS!
 

Looking for LPS graduation information?

Check out our graduation page at https://home.lps.org/graduation/ to get the details on celebrating your favorite high school grad.
 
Do you have a story idea? Share it with the LPS Communications Team by filling out this form!

Posted on April 23, 2025

Student News Desk: Northwest theater students creating memories on stage with Matilda scenes

Written by Amelia Proffitt, Northwest High School

The Lincoln Northwest thespians are bringing the story of Matilda Wormwood to life this spring through song and dance. After months of blocking, learning lines, music rehearsal and choreography, the show will open in just a few short days.

Matilda: The Musical is based on the book by Roald Dahl and follows the life of Matilda Wormwood, played by Ellie Ramirez, a 5-year-old girl with a considerable gift of reading and mathematics. Matilda faces challenges at home with her neglectful parents, Harry Wormwood, played by Jonah Hagge, and Zinnia Wormwood, played by Cassandra Colgrove, when they fail to adequately nurture her talents.

Matilda finds comfort in her teacher, Miss Honey, played by Andy Hanson, who provides her with the love and encouragement she lacks at home. Miss Honey serves as a beacon of light to Matilda, a stark contrast to what she receives at home. However, being at school is not an escape when they’re under the rule of the headmistress, Agatha Trunchbull, played by Marley Forry.

The significance of Matilda's story is interpreted in several different ways among the cast. Some see it as a story of rebellion and defiance when they ultimately take down the antagonist, and some see it as a story that highlights the innocence of childhood and mentorship.

“The message that I see is that children are so full of imagination and wonder. So, when presented with a problem, children will face it in the most childlike way,” said Audrey Coatney, playing Amanda Thripp.

On the contrary, Ben Hershberger, playing Nigel Fleabottom, says, “The meaning of the show is, well I think Matilda says it best herself: ‘Sometimes you have to be a little bit naughty!’”

The musical is flourishing, despite some lingering nerves among the cast as they await opening night.

“I’m always nervous before a show, but the second I'm in the light they disappear and muscle memory kicks in,” said Emmy McInteer, who plays Erica. “Then, it's all worth it at the end when the audience cheers for you as you bow.”

Even the crew can experience nerves. “I get nervous before calling a show,” Stage Manager Cade Chiles said. “I’m nervous for the actors, and I'm especially worried that they'll miss my cue line.”

Auditions for Matilda only took place a few months ago, and in those months, the cast has been putting their whole heart into a production they will be proud of.

“The best part of this show so far was just the knowledge that every one of us put everything we had into it,” said Izzy Butters, playing Alice.

With the help of choreographer Kayleigh Schadwinkel, the seven separate dance numbers came together flawlessly after only five days of incredibly hard work.

“I would say choreography week is one of the hardest aspects of putting on a musical, at least for me,” said Madison Lemons, playing Rudulpho. “Learning all the dances in five or so days is very stressful on the body and mind.”

Not to mention, with tech week and show week rehearsals stretching to almost 11 p.m. every day leading up to the opening night, exhaustion is bound to be just as big of a role in the show. The entire production team dives headfirst into tech week starting April 22, only nine days before the curtains rise and hearts race on stage.

“What most people don't understand about tech week, is that those are actually some of the best nights,” said Hagge. “Even though we're tired, there’s kind of this understanding that we're in it together, and that's what it takes to put on a great show!”

The entire cast and crew is bubbling with the anticipation of an audience in their auditorium. They are thrilled to embody the lessons they've learned and the growth they’ve been reaching for every rehearsal. On May 1, 2, and 3 the shows will begin at 7 p.m. and on May 4 the Sunday matinee starts at 2 p.m.

The Northwest Falcons had a wildly successful competition season with their previous show, A Wrinkle in Time, earning them a spot at the NSAA State Play Production Championships and walking away with the title of Best Technical Theatre. The directors, cast, and crew plan to carry the momentum to the spring musical, aiming to steal the spotlight once more. Their passion for theater has risen again, and they’re ready to captivate a new audience with a story of childhood wonder and empowerment.

The entire production team counts down the days until May 1, some with eagerness, some with apprehension, and some with heartache. As the final performance of Matilda quickly approaches, the cast gets ready to solemnly say ‘goodbye’ to the characters they grew to love, and the bittersweetness of it all to sink in. Not only will it be the final showing of Matilda, but also the final show of the 2024-2025 school year.

Lemons, a senior, is preparing to take the final bow, and ready herself for the next act in life to begin.

“Part of me is always going to miss looking forward to seeing what the next show is or finally hearing a song come together,” Lemons said. “However, what I will miss the most is definitely the people. I’m excited about my future and what I’ll be doing in college, but I'm going to miss this more than you know.”

Following countless hours put into rehearsals, the cast and crew discovered the power of their own stories – the power of standing up, speaking out, and a little bit of mischief, just like Matilda Wormwood herself. Even so, long after the lights fade and the stage is bare, the lessons, friendships, and unforgettable moments will stay with them. After all, sometimes you have to be just a little bit naughty to change your story.

Posted on April 23, 2025

Ecosystem Education: LPS students gather at Standing Bear for sustainability summit

Lincoln Public Schools students soaked in plenty of sustainability-based messages during a full afternoon of activities on Monday.
 
Young adults from multiple LPS buildings traveled to Standing Bear High School for the Students of Sustainability (S.O.S.) Summit. The LPS Sustainability Department invited all LPS high school students to attend the free summit, which included a campus tour and presentations from city, school and university representatives. They became more aware of environmental issues and learned how LPS is tackling topics such as recycling, water management and energy conservation.
 
Northwest High School seniors Jack and Michael said they were pleased to come to the third annual event. Both felt it was a good opportunity to learn more about sustainability items and plan for their futures. Michael will study biology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Jack has been accepted into the Air Force Academy.
 
“I think it’s really important to study the environment,” Jack said. “For example, we plant trees because there are a lot of benefits that come from them, and when we don’t plant trees, there are a lot of problems that can happen. It’s important that we have a system in place where we can do things that help out nature in general and help us too.”
 
LPS Sustainability Coordinator Brittney Wees and Assistant Sustainability Coordinator Alex Coffelt were encouraged to see students like Jack and Michael at the forum. S.O.S. Summit participants expanded their leadership networks outside of their own schools, and they learned how to start or grow clubs inside their buildings. Responsibility, organization, time management, taking initiative, confidence and friendships are all potential byproducts of these actions.
 
“We have a lot of participation at the elementary and middle school levels with all of our initiatives, and we’re really happy with that,” Wees told the group during a discussion portion of the day. “But we know the high school level is where we see the leadership really start to shine. That’s why we’re glad that you’re here.”
 
One of the day’s presentations came from City of Lincoln Sustainability Specialist Anna Oetting, who shared about her job duties and how she entered the profession. She said having the opportunity to talk with many Lancaster County residents each day is one of the most rewarding parts of her career.
 
“I think it’s important to have those conversations about sustainability with as many people as we can,” Oetting said. “It’s incredible what we can learn from everyone around us. It helps everyone in the long run.”
 
Oetting then told the LPS audience that their efforts can make a difference.
 
“Your voices are so important,” Oetting said. “The number one reason an organization does something is because you want it and you make your concerns heard.”
 
Omaha Students for Sustainability (SFS) members Evalina and Lila also presented about their organization’s efforts in Douglas and Sarpy counties. Evalina said she has enjoyed the friendships that she has formed in the group, and she has been happy to help write sustainability success stories at both school and civic levels. She encouraged the LPS audience to reach for those same types of goals.
 
“It’s really about finding your specific passion and what you’re interested in,” Evalina said. “I think once you find your interest, then you can go for it and work hard for it.”
 
Meg Brady, a sustainability ambassador at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, talked with students about future opportunities at the college level. She is a member of the UNL Environmental Studies Student Advisory Committee and is majoring in both dance and environmental and sustainability studies. Lincoln Parks and Recreation Parks Operations Coordinator Mike Comstock and local environmental health educator Kaspar Haake were also in the lineup of speakers.
 
One of the summit’s main components was a 45-minute tour that highlighted Standing Bear’s sustainability features. Wees and Coffelt told students that the campus includes more than two miles of underground pipes for stormwater filtration and drainage. The group also viewed two large electric solar panels, a rooftop garden for growing produce and a wetlands area that Coffelt said “serves as the kidneys” of the campus watershed system.
 
Jack and Michael’s ears perked up when Wees and Coffelt mentioned the location of the school’s geothermal system. Standing Bear has 433 wells that are located 325 feet beneath the main parking lot. Northwest has a similar setup for its heating and cooling needs.
 
“I didn’t realize that we had the geothermal system under our parking lot too,” Michael said. “It was really interesting to learn about.”
 
Wees said Standing Bear’s campus is a prime example of how much LPS values sustainability measures.
 
“Sustainability was top of mind when we designed this,” Wees told students. “I can’t tell you how many meetings we had about sustainability when the school was being built.”
 
Jack said he and Michael would like to bring back the information they learned at the summit to Northwest. He felt the sustainability-based messages would be helpful to everyone in the school district.
 
“It’s been a really good opportunity to come here today and learn more about all of this,” Jack said. “I’ve been impressed with the school building and how they’ve done all of these things to help the environment.”
 
Visit home.lps.org/sustainability to learn more about the many ways our Sustainability team is implementing environmental stewardship across LPS. 

You can also gain extra insight about its efforts in its latest annual report. Follow this link to https://home.lps.org/sustainability/annualreport/. 
 
Do you have a story idea? Share it with the LPS Communications Team by filling out this form!

Posted on April 22, 2025

Elementary students showcase talent during district art show

Kooser Elementary School student Santana is a shining example of the positive power art can have on lives of all ages.
 
Santana, a fourth grader at Kooser, shared his talent alongside dozens of other young artists at the 2024 elementary district art show. Lincoln Public Schools students, parents and community members gathered at the Steve Joel District Leadership Center and the Hawthorne Building this spring to look at more than 220 vibrant drawings, paintings and prints.
 
Santana presented a watercolor painting that showed a nature scene full of hope. He said art is comforting for him and has helped him feel better.
 
“Many bad things have happened to me, but I figured out how to move away from them and start having a more happy life,” Santana said.
 
Joann said she has noticed the uplifting influence of art in her son’s life. She watched with pride as Santana explained how he created his watercolor scene.
 
“I think it’s good for him,” Joann said. “It’s good to freely express his emotions and puts him in a better mood overall. He draws at home too.”
 
Santana’s artistic skills have also made a major impact on other people. Morgan Beach leads art classes at Kooser and watched Santana paint a bright rainbow above green grass and flowers. He drew clouds above the rainbow and flipped back his paintbrush to create rain droplets on the canvas. He added a teal-and-blue sky with the words “Days can be sad but always stay happy” at the top.
 
“It’s going to be hard for me to part with this,” Beach said. “I’ve already talked with the computer teacher, and I’m going to make a whole bunch of color copies. I’m going to have a hard time parting with this particular piece.”
 
LPS students Vanellope, Granger and Ke’dric also spoke about their artistic creations. Vanellope, a second grader at Roper Elementary School, created a print of floating hearts for the district show. She made hearts of various sizes in two rectangular prints. One side featured a solid blue-and-white design of the hearts, and she made the second side in an identical shape through a “ghost print” process.
 
“It’s kind of like jelly,” Vanellope said. “Every color you have to paint on paper and then you put on a kind of jelly, and then you stamp it on the paper. If you still have a little more paper left, then you can make a ghost print.”
 
Granger is also in second grade at Roper. She produced a print called “I Love U” using the same type of method.
 
“I did it because I love a lot of people,” Granger said.
 
Granger said it was fun to cut out her design on paper and roll paint on it. She said it was “very special” to know her artwork was giving other people joy at the district show.
 
Ke’dric talked with excitement about his drawing of a giraffe that was on display. He picked a full spectrum of hues and shades for the giraffe when he began working on it.
 
“I chose the gold because gold is my second-favorite color, I chose the pink down here because that’s my first-favorite color, the blue is my third-favorite color, and then I did these for the different spots,” Ke’dric said. “I did the ears because it looked cool.”
 
Kafi said he was happy to see his son gain confidence from the art projects he has completed at LPS. Ke’dric is in fourth grade at Adams Elementary School and has brought home many drawings from his art classes.
 
“I think it’s amazing,” Kafi said. “I’m very proud of him. He has a lot of skills, and one of his skills that he’s really good at is art, so I’m glad that he was able to express himself in this painting.”
 
The district exhibit is one of many opportunities LPS artists have to showcase their successful work. Individual buildings host dozens of art shows throughout the school year. Art teachers also guide students in projects such as the “Only One You” rock painting venture at Kahoa Elementary School and the Glow Art Show event at Humann Elementary School.
  
In addition to providing examples of artmaking abilities, the district show also gave glimpses of the personal power art can have on society. When Santana was asked why he liked painting, his response was immediate and heartfelt.
 
“You’re the reason I love art,” Santana said as he pointed at Beach.
 
Beach smiled back, knowing that art would give Santana a chance to create many more winning rainbows in his life.

Click here to learn more about the wide array of art classes available at LPS. The site includes a list of school and district art teachers, programs of study and links to area museums and galleries.

The school district’s secondary art show will be on Thursday, May 9, from 5-7 p.m. at the Steve Joel District Leadership Center. 
 
Do you have a story idea? Share it with the LPS Communications Team by filling out this form!

Posted on April 21, 2025

Irving students create robots, biodegradable Legos for state contest

Irving Middle School students used their ocean-sized creativity to collect successful results at a state robotics and project innovation contest.
 
Members of the Irving Robotics Club competed in the First Lego League (FLL) Challenge State Championships this spring. Seventh graders Marcus, Greta, Fletcher, MayLynn, Jaxon and Kenzie and sixth graders Sydney and Graydon applied their science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) knowledge throughout the tournament. Judges evaluated teams on their ability to build and code robots, create innovative solutions to real-world problems and show sportsmanship to other students.
 
Marcus and Fletcher said everyone on the Aquatic Androids team enjoyed their time at the tournament. Eighty-nine groups from all corners of the state traveled to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for events. All students in grades 4-8 are eligible to compete in Nebraska FLL Challenge contests.
 
“It’s fun because there’s nothing else really like it, a robotics competition,” Marcus said. “You just get to hang out with all of your friends and team members and see how you do against other teams.”
 
“I definitely enjoyed seeing all of the other teams,” Fletcher said. “I thought it was really cool to see what other people are doing, because this is just what we do. To see other people who like to do robotics too was really fun.”
 
Irving teacher Lindsey Brown sponsors the robotics club and helps the Aquatic Androids throughout the school year. She said it was impressive watching the eight students figure out problems and speak about their solutions.
 
“They like to do this,” Brown said. “It’s one of the most articulate groups I’ve ever taken to a First Lego League competition. They’re really good.”
 
FLL organizers release a new competition theme each year that is based on real scientific challenges. The theme for 2024-25 was “Submerged,” which meant students had to use their STEM and teamwork skills to explore life in the ocean.
 
One of the main parts of the FLL contest was designing and building a Lego robot. The Aquatic Androids wrote computer code so their robot would follow pre-programmed instructions. Once this was accomplished, the team placed its robot on a detailed ocean map so it would operate autonomously to complete different tasks. No remote controls of any type were allowed during the state competition.
 
Teams scored points based on how many missions their robot could successfully accomplish. For example, one FLL challenge involved having the robot grab pieces of Lego-built krill and “feed them” to a Lego whale on the map. The 15 possible missions were worth different point values based on their difficulty level.
 
Sydney said it was interesting to learn how teams from other schools constructed their robots. Everyone used a prescribed FLL Challenge kit that included mission models, electric motors and sensors and hundreds of Lego pieces.
 
“We got a lot of ideas from other teams’ robots, so we can use those next year,” Sydney said. “We found new ways to do challenges, and there were new things we can try building, but just building them in a different way.”
 
A second part of the contest was completing a project innovation challenge involving ocean-related problems. Team members were concerned about the rising amount of plastic pollution in oceans, and they wanted to create a biodegradable alternative to plastic.
 
Greta, Marcus and MayLynn led the project and used a 3D printer to form Lego molds. They then engineered biodegradable Lego pieces out of flour, water and sugar. They began the process in early December and created their successful pieces in early March.
 
“It was mostly trial and error,” Marcus said. “If something worked from one of our failed prototypes, then we would try to make another set out of it.”
 
“There were three or four generations of 3D-printed molds that they went through,” Brown said. “Each mold became more accurately like a Lego, and then they tested their solutions inside of it. They learned a lot.”
 
Greta, Marcus and MayLynn then presented their work at the state contest. They spoke about the research and development process and showed their 3D molds and biodegradable plastic to judges. Greta said it was a good experience to share what they had learned over the previous few months.
 
“All of the staff who were there were really nice, so that really helped calm our nerves,” Greta said.
 
Judges also watched students to see if they demonstrated positive core values such as sportsmanship and gracious professionalism throughout the state trip. Irving displayed this to many elementary students who were attending a non-competition portion of the event.
 
The Aquatic Androids raised money for the contest through a Fund a Need platform from the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools. Community members provided funds to pay state registration fees and purchase supplies to build a practice table for the robot games.
 
All of the Aquatic Androids have been friends since elementary school and enjoy solving robotics problems. They are planning to return to state next spring carrying an ocean-sized amount of experience and eagerness.
 
“We plan to do the same thing next year, and we think we’ll do so much better,” Marcus said. “We already did pretty well this year, especially with our robot and project innovation, so we’re really excited for next year.”
 
Visit home.lps.org/science, home.lps.org/cte/cs and home.lps.org/math to learn more about STEM-based classes that are helping LPS students.
 
Do you have a story idea? Share it with the LPS Communications Team by filling out this form!

Posted on April 21, 2025

Meet LPS Focus Program Senior: Oztin, Aviation and Technical Education

The mission of Lincoln Public Schools is to prepare ALL students for successful careers, lifelong learning and civic engagement.

High school graduation is a culmination of our scholars' and educators' hard work toward this significant milestone. 

The LPS Focus Programs’ core values of exploration, education, engagement and empowerment are beliefs rooted in the overall LPS mission and the school district’s commitment to high school graduation. 

Read how senior Oztin used the Aviation and Technical Education Focus Program at North Star to Launch at LPS in this Q&A. 

Name: Oztin

Grade: 12

Home High School: North Star 

Focus Program: Aviation and Technical Education

Why did you choose the Aviation and Technical Education Focus Program?

I chose to be in the Aviation and Technical Education Focus Program at Lincoln North Star because I had taken the power mechanics class sophomore year and fell in love with working with my hands in class. That class made me want to take the other programs my school offered and I had taken all the aviation classes at my school. They now offer more, and I wish I could take them.

How did the Aviation and Technical Education Focus Program change your high school experience?

The program my school offers has changed my high school experience by showing me the different career paths available to me. The Duncan Aviation internship offered by my school has a full-time career lined up for me as soon as I graduate. 

What is the greatest lesson you learned from the Aviation and Technical Education Focus Program? Why?

The greatest lesson I have learned from this focus program is that to do anything in life, you need the confidence to do it. Be confident in your abilities and your answers. 

How did the Aviation and Technical Education Focus Program help you reach your graduation goals?

The Aviation and Technical Education Focus Program has helped me reach my goals by showing me what I can do. Before I started this program, I did not know what I wanted to do in life after graduation. 

What are your post-graduation plans?

I have a job lined up at Duncan Aviation when I graduate. I am very grateful for the position the Aviation and Technical Education Focus program has given me. 

How did the Aviation and Technical Education Focus Program help prepare you for those post-graduation plans? 

I had wanted to go to Iowa Western Community College to get my Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanic certification, but I had learned that I could learn while getting paid at Duncan Aviation. 

Then, I decided to go straight to work instead of going to Iowa Western Community College.

How did the Aviation and Technical Education Focus Program help prepare you for the future?

I have learned very valuable life skills through this program. This program has taught me to be confident in my abilities, always learn new things when available and treat every conversation like an interview. You never know who you're talking to. 

What would your advice be to younger students considering joining your focus program? Why?

Jump at the opportunity to learn these things. When I first started, I thought I wouldn't like it, but I fell in love with the content and it just came naturally.

What are you most thankful for about this experience? Why?

I am most thankful for the Duncan Aviation internship that this program offers. This class offers hands-on work in the hangars at Duncan Aviation. It also lets students build relationships with future coworkers.

Congratulations, Oztin! We wish you the best in your future endeavors. We are thankful our educators could help you Launch at LPS!

Choose your passion. Choose your community. Choose your future with LPS Focus Programs. 

Learn more about the Aviation and Technical Education Focus Program at North Star by visiting its website at https://aviation.lps.org/ or stop by our website home.lps.org/focus to get more information about all our focus programs.

Do you have a story idea? Share it with the LPS Communications Team by filling out this form!

Posted on April 21, 2025

Writing Winners: LPS students sharpen writing skills through state literature contest

Ethan, Justin and Imogen used the power of the pen to propel them to statewide writing success this spring.
 
The three Lincoln Public Schools students earned awards for their writing talents in the annual Letters About Literature contest. The competition encourages young people to read and be inspired by a variety of books, plays and poems. Students then wrote back to their author and explained to them how the literature impacted their life.
 
Ethan is a seventh grader at Irving Middle School and Justin and Imogen both attend fifth grade at Prescott Elementary School. All three said the experience had boosted their reading, writing, critical thinking and analytical skills.
 
“I liked thinking about the book and how it changed my point of view,” Ethan said. “I liked editing too. It was fun, because I could go back to what I first wrote and see how I could make it better.”
 
“I enjoyed having the opportunity to get more in-depth about a book that I liked and read a lot,” Justin said. “I also liked how it gave me the opportunity to practice writing.”
 
“I got to think not just about the book, but about my writing too,” Imogen said. “I got to write to the author about how this book changed me and how this book helps people and makes a difference for all of the people reading it.”

 
LPS curriculum specialists Lisa Oltman and Sara Danielson said contests like Letters About Literature promote the academic well-being of students. Oltman oversees English Language Arts curriculum for grades K-6 and Danielson leads grades 7-12.
 
“It showcases what we consistently encourage with students: picking up a text to explore worlds outside of their own,” Danielson said. “In doing so, students will strengthen their use of comprehension strategies, build background knowledge and grow their vocabulary.”
 
“It is a great opportunity for students to express themselves through writing and hopefully influence others to read a book they might otherwise not read,” Oltman said. “We want students to develop a love of reading and writing, and students are more likely to develop this love when they have strong reading and writing skills.
 
“This is the driving force behind the work we do every day. We work to help students develop those strong reading and writing skills so they can participate in contests such as these.”
 
Students could select any contemporary or classic book, play or poem to read for their Letters About Literature project. They then spent time thinking about what they learned or experienced from the fiction and nonfiction works. They transferred those thoughts to paper by writing letters to their selected author.

 
Nancy Svoboda works with academically-gifted students at LPS and mentored Justin, Imogen and Ethan on the project. She said the contest was a good way to encourage children to read, ponder, write and rewrite, which are talents that will help them in any profession they eventually pursue.
 
“For students in elementary and middle school to learn to express themselves in writing is a skill that will serve them throughout life,” Svoboda said. “To write well is difficult. It takes time and work. Almost always there are rewrites. To learn to honestly express your thoughts, ideas and feelings is difficult.”
 
Ethan wrote to author and sociologist Sudhir Venkatesh, who produced a manuscript about the effects of poverty and crime in America. Ethan said the book was eye-opening and gave him new perspectives about the world, which he tried to incorporate into his letter.
 
“I think it did help my writing, because I got to think more about the book,” Ethan said. “I wasn’t trying to win a contest or anything, but I got to think about how to make my writing better.”
 
Imogen penned a letter to Kimberly Brubaker Bradley about the book “Fighting Words,” which talked about the experiences of a girl who was placed in the foster care system. She said the novel helped her understand the world more fully.
 
“I knew this happened to people, but I didn’t know in-depth why it happened or how often it happened or anything like that,” Imogen said.
 
Justin read the book “Finding Junie Kim” by Ellen Oh. He spent time making multiple versions of his letter before submitting his entry to the judges.
 
“I almost wished I had saved my first draft so I could compare it to the finished product I have now,” Justin said. “I like how I got to basically change the entire thing, to go from an unpolished rough draft where my mind was a blur to a finished product.”
 
All three students will have their letters archived in the Jane Pope Geske Heritage Room of Nebraska Authors at Bennett Martin Public Library in Lincoln. They also met Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen this month during a reception for state honorees in elementary, middle and high school divisions.
 
Svoboda said she was proud of what Ethan, Imogen and Justin accomplished during the entire writing process.
 
“Anytime you engage with a student and see ‘the lights go on,’ it is fun,” Svoboda said. “It is a moment. Anytime you see a student rethink a piece they’ve written and then edit that piece and then be proud of rethinking and editing, it is a magic moment.”
 
Visit home.lps.org/reading and home.lps.org/english to discover more reading and writing opportunities for LPS students. 
 
Do you have a story idea? Share it with the LPS Communications Team by filling out this form!

Posted on April 21, 2025

Launch at LPS: Jace looks through positive lens of life at Yankee Hill

Yankee Hill Education Center senior Jace is planning to record many upbeat moments in life through his future work as a dedicated filmmaker.
 
Jace is launching from Lincoln Public Schools with talents for empathy, encouragement and artistic expression. He first came to Yankee Hill in 2023 and has emerged as an advocate for his classmates in many arenas of life. One of his career goals is to become a videographer and share stories of people around the world through his camera lens.

 
Jace said he has enjoyed his time at Yankee Hill. He felt the ability to connect with people from across the city and the school’s smaller class sizes have been helpful in his academic journey.
 
“I knew I needed something better and smaller to keep me on task,” Jace said. “Everything about this school is pretty fun.”

 
Yankee Hill Principal Amanda Shonka-Shanahan said Jace is well-respected within the building by both classmates and staff. He has reached student government, which is Yankee Hill’s highest level of behavior expectations, and he has displayed a resilient attitude throughout the school year.
 
“He is open-minded, curious and takes pride in his work,” Shonka-Shanahan said. “He is a big thinker and wants to be of service to others. He is kind, loyal and wants to see the world be a better place and find his role in it.”
 
Yankee Hill staff members Casey Van Zandt and Terra Nun have both worked with Jace for several years. They said his ability to connect with other people has made a difference at school. Instead of seeing fellow students through a critical lens, he coaches them through hard situations and accepts other viewpoints.
 
“We’re all human, we’re all trying to figure this life out, and Jace really respects that,” Van Zandt said. “He really respects authenticity, which is just being who you are and being the best version of yourself. I feel Jace gets along well with people because of that. He meets people where they’re at, and he would appreciate the same with him too.”
 
“He’s been a pretty good influence on other students,” Nun said. “He’ll keep it real with people. If you’re doing something dumb, he’ll call you out on it, but he’s also very supportive. He’ll be there for you when you need it.”

 
Van Zandt said many other staff members have noticed Jace’s potential. They have asked him to help at the school’s Family Night event and have watched him fill food bags at local food pantries. They have also witnessed him sharing his experiences with students who may be frustrated or struggling in class.
 
“I know a lot of staff have appreciated Jace,” Van Zandt said. “I’ve seen him get more independent tasks and opportunities to help out, and he’s willing to do that.”

 
Jace said a life-changing moment was being accepted into Bay High Focus Program. He spends several hours each morning taking art and film classes at Bay High, and he returns to Yankee Hill for coursework in the afternoon. He felt it has helped him focus more clearly on his career prospects.
 
“I feel like it’s a really good help for people,” Jace said. “For me, I want to be a videographer in the future, so going there is a big help in just getting the help and equipment I need to fulfill my future dream.”

 
Van Zandt said he has watched Jace blossom through his Bay High experiences.
 
“Jace wants to see people succeed and be treated fairly, so in terms of being over at Bay High or being here, he’s made sacrifices and has been willing to help out other students who may go back and forth too,” Van Zandt said. “Whether it’s helping them out with a ride or coaching them up as far as what to expect at Bay High, he’s been able to take on that role.
 
“He’s a natural at it, because one of his biggest gifts is that he wants to create and be around a non-judgmental space. His ability to hear people out puts him in a spot where he can help others.”

 
Nun was Jace’s homeroom teacher when he first arrived at Yankee Hill. They would talk with each other every school day about his dreams of traveling to New Zealand, working on cars and riding dirt bikes. Nun said Jace’s laid-back personality will be an asset as he embarks on his post-Yankee Hill life.
 
“He’s always been a good kid,” Nun said. “He’s always been friends with people. There’s no drama with him.”
 
Van Zandt said he is eager to see what type of opportunities Jace will reel in during future scenes of his life.
 
“He’s got a lot to offer,” Van Zandt said. “We’re excited for him. He has big dreams and big goals, and he doesn’t want to settle.”

Congratulations, Jace!

We wish you the best in your future endeavors.

We are thankful our educators could help you Launch at LPS!

Looking for LPS graduation information?

Check out our graduation page at https://home.lps.org/graduation/ to get the details on celebrating your favorite high school grad.
 
Do you have a story idea? Share it with the LPS Communications Team by filling out this form!

Posted on April 21, 2025

LPS unifies students from multiple school districts during annual leadership summit

Students from across the state strengthened their support networks this spring during a full day of healthy conversations at Lincoln Public Schools.
 
Dozens of middle and high school students gathered at Steve Joel District Leadership Center for the Greater Than One District summit, hosted and organized by the LPS Multicultural Education Department. Guests from Omaha Public Schools, Omaha Creighton Prep, Omaha Westside, Bellevue Public Schools and Grand Island Public Schools joined LPS students for the third-annual event. They took part in large-group activities and smaller breakout sessions that promoted cooperation and camaraderie.
 
Irving Middle School student Octavia said she was glad she had accepted an invitation to attend the Greater Than One District event. She said the rich mosaic of people who were with her during the breakout sessions had created many fulfilling moments.
 
“It makes me happy because I walked in without even an idea of how things would go, and I’m coming out with all of these concepts and ideas,” Octavia said. “I’m walking out with so much more than what I walked in with, and I think that is so amazing.”
 
Omaha Westside student Lucia said she was also enjoying the day. She attended a similar type of event for the first time last October, and she left that conference feeling enthusiastic about her future role at Westside. She was excited when she heard that LPS was offering a daylong program about topics such as leadership, belonging and helping others.
 
“I’ve met so many new people and I feel like I’ve really broadened my perspectives about a lot of things,” Lucia said. “I’ve learned how other people think about things and how it’s different from other perspectives. It’s been awesome.”
 
LPS Coordinator of Culture and Inclusion Peter Ferguson felt students like Octavia and Lucia gained many valuable life lessons from the summit. He invited speakers from Nebraska Wesleyan University, Hastings College and YWCA Lincoln to lead three breakout sessions, and he organized activities for the full group both in the morning and afternoon. He felt the summit provided a valuable space for many learning and leadership opportunities.
 
“The summit was a resounding success in bringing together scholars on the foundation of building community through shared voice and experiences,” Ferguson said.
 
Grand Island administrator Amanda Levos echoed Ferguson’s comments. Levos met Ferguson at a MENTOR Nebraska event this past year, and she learned about the bright outcomes that had happened at the previous two Greater Than One District summits. That conversation led to the appearance of 13 Grand Island students at the LPS conference.
 
“At every one of the three breakout sessions, I’ve just been really impressed by the level of student engagement and how they’ve talked about topics that are meaningful to them and relevant to how they view the world through their lenses as young adults,” Levos said. “It’s definitely giving them opportunities to share their own personal experiences, but then also to be able to learn and listen from others who have different perspectives.”
 
YWCA Lincoln Director Karen Bell-Dancy and YWCA Lincoln Associate Director Myeisha Essex co-led one breakout session that focused on various identities such as economic, literacy and ability status. They asked students which identity they thought about the most, and the entire group discussed how and why it was important to be kind and respectful to others. They repeated the process with the identities students said they thought about the least, which led to similar insights from everyone in the room.
 
Bell-Dancy was encouraged by what she heard from the first group of the day. She said it was important to highlight leadership topics for students from all school districts.
 
“To be able to have an impact on the next generation of learners is something that is so much fun,” Bell-Dancy said. “We’re always looking for ways to promote education and to keep that learning process going for them. We just relish this type of opportunity.”
 
North Star High School graduate and Hastings College staff member Casey Molifua led another breakout session that taught students about practicing perspective. They took part in a picture activity that showcased how embracing many viewpoints can strengthen school and civic communities.
 
“I had fun and I learned a lot, especially with the pictures,” Lucia said. “That was really interesting to see how this activity can be done, because I’ve done it in different ways before, and it was fun to see how you can gain different lessons from it.”
 
Ferguson said he was pleased to watch the conversations between presenters, staff and students that happened throughout the day. He was also eager to hear about the post-event engagement that will take place in the coming weeks and months. Students from each of the two previous summits have remained friends and have incorporated many leadership skills into their school activities.
 
Octavia said she was glad she took the time to strengthen her support network at the LPS summit.
 
“I wanted to be heard and listened to and represented, and I felt that this would be a great place to put my voice out there,” Octavia said. “It’s been everything that I was hoping for and more.”
 
Do you have a story idea? Share it with the LPS Communications Team by filling out this form!

Posted on April 21, 2025

Launch at LPS: Madhav makes many positive contributions across Southwest campus

Southwest High School senior Madhav has engineered spotless solutions to everything ranging from math problems to marketing slogans while on campus.
 
His ability to achieve those results has depended on a simple belief: treat others well and they will return the favor in kind.

 
Madhav has become a shining star at Southwest with his work ethic, entrepreneurial spirit and strong academic skills. He is president of the school’s National Honor Society chapter, has founded a math mentoring club to help classmates and creates highlight reels of fellow Silver Hawks with photos and videos. He said he has enjoyed his LSW career because of the community feeling in the school building.
 
“There’s always a place for you here, no matter if you’re a part of band, if you’re a part of athletics, if you’re a part of something like math club,” Madhav said. “There’s always a club here that can represent you. You can feel welcomed everywhere here.”

 
Southwest Associate Principal Ashley Turner said she has been impressed with the life path Madhav has placed himself on. She felt he has played a key part in maintaining a positive culture at Southwest with his empathy and compassion for others.
 
“I think he has a huge role here,” Turner said. “He’s one of those kids who’s an influencer, and I know that’s a word that gets overused, but he’s an influencer of others because he’s so good at talking with others. There are no rules on who he talks with. He has his core friends, but he’s friendly with everybody.”
 
Turner said Madhav’s willingness to spend time with multiple groups of people has led to many positive outcomes. Silver Hawk supporters might see him taking photos on the sidelines of a soccer match one afternoon, and they would notice him tutoring a friend about a pre-calculus problem the next morning. In between, they might spot him helping a teacher or parent through a window cleaning company he co-founded last year with friends Griffin and Nathan.
 
“He’s well-known and well-seen in the building,” Turner said. “He’s one of those kids that when they graduate, you’re like, ‘Oh no, we won’t see Madhav next year.” And that’s sad, because he’s part of Southwest. He’s such a good person.”

 
Madhav said his time at LPS has taught him both academic and personal lessons. He felt his time management and communication skills have improved from when he first stepped into Southwest’s hallways.
 
“I like the preparation that it gives,” Madhav said. “The classes really prepare you for the future, and it really does help people who care. The biggest thing I would say is that if you show respect to teachers, they’ll give it back to you 101 percent. If you show respect to classmates, they’ll give it back to you 101 percent. Anybody here will respect you if you respect them.”
 
Two of Madhav’s biggest passions involve math and business. He is planning to enroll in a new integrated business and engineering (IBE) program at Purdue University next year to explore both fields.

 
Madhav said he enjoys math because of the structure it provides and the satisfaction that comes from figuring out solutions. He has completed high-level calculus courses at Southwest, and he is currently taking a linear algebra class at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
 
“Math makes sense,” Madhav said. “I like math because it has rules in it. It’s something I love.”

 
Turner said Madhav has showcased the key business insights of dependability, honesty and industriousness. He shows up on time for math mentoring sessions, leads National Honor Society activities and has built an extensive friendship network in Lincoln.
 
“He just dives into things fully,” Turner said. “He obviously has this entrepreneurial spirit, and he’s really good about doing things that you ask him to do. If I would say, ‘Hey, can you help judge graduation speeches because you are so good about representing so many students here in our building?’ he would do it without hesitation. He’s just a very likeable, hardworking young man.”
 
Madhav has also volunteered his time to support students at various activities. He began taking footage of fellow Silver Hawks at football games last year, and the hype videos that he created were well-received by both players and coaches. He has added more sports in his senior year because he enjoys giving others recognition for their efforts.
 
“It’s fun seeing those kids from the sidelines and seeing them focus in on something they love,” Madhav said.

 
Madhav said spending time with family and friends has become higher on his priority list as well. He enjoys studying math homework assignments with friends, goes on walks with family members and tries to fill his life with positive memories.
 
“You’re going to have to find time for certain things, but if you really do want it, you’ll find time and you’ll make sure it works,” Madhav said.
 
Turner said she feels Madhav’s contributions to society will only multiply in the years to come.
 
“Honestly, I feel like Madhav could do anything,” Turner said. “He’s super determined, so whatever he does decide to do, he’ll be successful at it. He’s super driven and he’s good at coming up with ideas. He’s an idea-driven guy, and once he has one, he acts on it and nothing’s going to stop him. He’s a good kid.”

Congratulations, Madhav!

We wish you the best in your future endeavors.

We are thankful our educators could help you Launch at LPS!
 

Looking for LPS graduation information?

Check out our graduation page at https://home.lps.org/graduation/ to get the details on celebrating your favorite high school grad.
 
Do you have a story idea? Share it with the LPS Communications Team by filling out this form!

Posted on April 17, 2025

LPS elementary students produce noteworthy pieces of art

Roper Elementary School fourth grader Kuei transported people to a peaceful paradise this spring with her noteworthy artistic abilities.
 
Kuei joined dozens of Lincoln Public Schools students and families at the 2025 LPS Elementary Art Show. They toured the Steve Joel District Leadership Center and the Hawthorne Building to view colorful paintings, drawings, photographs and mixed media that showed everything from open-eyed owls to friends walking in a city.
 
Kuei drew a picturesque nature landscape of a lake at sunset. Three birds were silhouetted in the glowing red and yellow sky, and they were flying over a patch of water that included different shades of blue.
 
What did Kuei feel she learned from creating her scenic view?
 
“Your hard work will pay off,” Kuei said.
 
Prescott Elementary School fifth grader Ellis based his artwork on an anime called “Jujitzu Kaisen” that he had seen. He drew a hand reaching toward a purple ball while two other balls were swirling around a person’s wrist. He said the smaller objects symbolized the positive and negative energy of the day mixed together, and the purple part represented the potential for everyone to create good outcomes.
 
“When I heard that it was going to be hung up, I got a jolt of pride,” Ellis said. “I really like knowing that people can see my art and really appreciate my art. I think it’s really, really nice.”
 
Prescott art teacher Amber Reining felt Ellis’ artistic choices of scale, drawing techniques and material selection made his piece a show-worthy selection. She said it is fulfilling to help hundreds of elementary students learn how art can impact their lives.
 
“It is such a gift to be able to work with students at the elementary level for multiple years in the art room before they leave,” Reining said. “You really get a chance to know them deeply and get to watch them grow as a person and an artist. There is nothing like watching them get excited about their own ideas in the art room to start making those artistic choices for themselves.”
 
Morley Elementary School kindergarten student Ezekiel learned about that artistic freedom when he made his version of the popular video game character Sonic the Hedgehog. He gathered blue, red, white and yellow construction paper and used scissors to form the head, body, hands and legs. He put a googly eye on the head and made sure to fashion a haircut true to Sonic’s character.
 
“I cut his hair so it could look spiky because he’s a hedgehog,” Ezekiel said.
 
The same animal also became the main character in a mixed media artwork by Wysong Elementary School fourth grader Cal. He combined sharpies, paint and colored pencils to form a piece that showed a round hedgehog standing near a single tree. He turned sharpie marks into bushes, added several rocks on the ground and made a purple sky with traces of blue.
 
Cal said the project helped him understand how artists are inspired to create paintings, sculptures, drawings and quilts. He felt it was important to have a personal investment in what the final product would look like.
 
“What I learned is like, always kind of express yourself in art,” Cal said. “Not just think about what you’re going to do and then just draw it, but kind of express yourself.”
 
Students of all ages shared the same type of pride that Kuei, Ellis, Ezekiel and Cal displayed at their art show appearances. Parents and guardians took many photos throughout the event, and children combed the walls to find where their creations were located. They also posed with special certificates that honored them for being chosen for the event.
 
Ellis stood by his drawing throughout the show and greeted people as they walked by. He said it was fun to explain to them how he made his image and why he is passionate about the art world. He received new markers as a Christmas present and has been working on different types of art projects.
 
“I really just like to show that any type of art can be appreciated,” Ellis said.

LPS Visual Art Curriculum Specialist Lorinda Rice said some of the elementary artwork is being displayed at both the district office and Hawthorne Building all year, and others are being prepared for delivery to different local businesses. They will be on display until February 2026.
 
Kuei summed up the feelings of all of the elementary students as she looked at her sunset drawing. When asked how it felt to have something on display for other people to enjoy, she responded with a bright smile and one word.
 
“Great.”
 
Visit home.lps.org/art to learn more about how art classes help LPS students every day.
 
Do you have a story idea? Share it with the LPS Communications Team by filling out this form!

Posted on April 17, 2025

Launch at LPS: Northeast senior Millie sets sights on becoming star engineer

Northeast High School senior Millie is planning to design a career that will one day take her to the far reaches of the Milky Way galaxy.
 
Millie is setting her sights on landing a star-studded job in the space engineering field. She would like to use her imagination and intellect to create space equipment such as rovers, satellites and rocket ships. Her comet-sized resume includes multiple academic and leadership awards, and she has secured a pair of major engineering scholarships for college.

 
Northeast Principal Keri Applebee and social studies teacher Matt VanEngen both said Millie has been a role model for her fellow Rockets. Millie serves as Student Council president, is involved in National Honor Society and is taking an independent study class in advanced engineering. She has also been student manager for the girls basketball team, led fundraisers for local charitable organizations and offered friendly smiles to everyone she meets.

 
“Millie is an incredibly bright student with an incredibly bright future,” Applebee said. “She will be a leader as an engineer when she graduates college.”
 
“I think that Millie will be incredibly successful in college and her career!” VanEngen said. “In order to be successful, you have to have a consistency about how hard you work and a commitment to doing that every day, and that is exactly what Millie has. She has all of the tools to be successful as she moves into the next phase of her life.
 
“She works hard, she takes initiative, she is reliable, she is someone you can depend on and she is someone who is dedicated. We will miss her very much next year but are so excited for her future!”

 
Millie said she enjoys the process of putting together puzzles in both engineering and service-oriented arenas. She has designed racecars powered by rubber bands, created a blueprint of a tank-car hybrid and used 3-D printers for construction projects. She has also attended Northeast administrative meetings in her Student Council role, operated the scoreboard at basketball practices and coordinated blood drives and clothing drives for the People’s City Mission.
 
“I like figuring out how to solve the problem that’s in front of me,” Millie said. “It’s fun to look over all of the options and come up with the best way to do something. The creative part of that is something I really like.”

 
Millie said her time at Northeast has been a good training ground for her engineering dreams. She has etched her name on Northeast’s Honor Roll and has earned a pair of prestigious financial awards. She received the $30,500 Wallace Scholarship from the Wichita State University College of Engineering and an $18,000 scholarship from the National Science Foundation.
 
“It created an environment that prepares you well for college,” Millie said. “I took a lot of AP (Advanced Placement) and Diff (differentiated) classes, so all of those were heavily preparing me for college, especially with getting dual-credit classes.”
 
Millie first became interested in astronautical activities in eighth grade, and her love of space topics grew as she moved through high school. She became determined to work in the space industry after attending a camp at an international science education center and space museum in Hutchinson, Kan.
 
“There’s so many things you can do with engineering when it comes to space,” Millie said. “You can design a whole rocket ship, or you can be the person who designs the chairs that astronauts have to sit in when they’re launching off. I’d be happy doing anything with space.”

 
Sarahi Lopez began working with Millie when she was a student teacher at Northeast, and she has continued to help her as a full-time instructor this year. After she heard Millie had already taken her Engineering 2 class at Northeast, she helped her arrange an independent study course in engineering. The class will allow her to become certified in the Autodesk Inventor software program.
 
“She’s amazing,” Lopez said. “She’s very persistent and she’s willing to take the time to solve the problem. She’s just an incredible problem solver.”
 
VanEngen, who also serves as Northeast’s head girls basketball coach, said Millie made practices and games smoother with those same management skills. She ensured water bottles were always full, organized every player’s jewelry on game days and kept practice sessions running on time.
 
“If anyone ever needed something, Millie was there to help,” VanEngen said. “Millie was so influential in our day-to-day operations. She will be missed so much now that she is graduating. Her organization is everything you want from a manager!”

 
Lopez said she is eager to watch Millie’s future take shape. She said her contagious confidence and willingness to work hard would make her a shining star in everything she does.
 
“It’ll be bright,” Lopez said. “Just from talking to her and working with her, I can see her going to space. I know I’ll be reading an article 20 years down the road, and I’ll be thinking, ‘Oh, it’s Millie. See what she’s doing!’ It’s cool to know that she’s going to do great things in her life. She is going to go so far.”

Congratulations, Millie!

We wish you the best in your future endeavors.

We are thankful our educators could help you Launch at LPS!
 

Looking for LPS graduation information?

Check out our graduation page at https://home.lps.org/graduation/ to get the details on celebrating your favorite high school grad.
 
Do you have a story idea? Share it with the LPS Communications Team by filling out this form!

Posted on April 14, 2025

LPS leaders travel to Capitol Hill to speak about educational topics

Lincoln Public Schools representatives recently traveled to the nation’s capital to ensure that Nebraska’s educational system will remain at an A-plus level.
 
LPS Interim Superintendent John Skretta and Lincoln Board of Education members Piyush Srivastav and Don Mayhew joined a Nebraska Association of School Boards (NASB) delegation on a trip to Capitol Hill. They spoke with members of the United States Senate and House of Representatives about a wide range of education-based topics.
 
Skretta said he and other NASB representatives were proud to serve as advocates for LPS students, staff, families and community members. NASB Associate Executive Director Colby Coash and Nebraska Department of Education Commissioner Brian Maher were among the representatives on the trip. They joined board members of many Nebraska school districts in face-to-face meetings with federal counterparts.

 
“At Lincoln Public Schools, all students have access to opportunities through the same academic and behavior standards, and we provide the appropriate levels of resources and support that result in measurable outcomes for all students,” Skretta said. “We believe in our educators, that they are highly-qualified professionals, and will support them in the classroom as they deliver high-level instruction and curriculum that aligns with district and state standards.”
 
Srivastav and Mayhew both felt the trip provided a good opportunity to speak with many people in state and federal education circles.
 
“I thought the trip went well,” Srivastav said. “It is always a good idea to get a firsthand view of the situation at hand and stay ahead of the pack in light of the upcoming changes. It is also good to be part of discussions with the colleagues in other school districts in Nebraska to see their views, learn how they are being impacted and what they are doing to prepare for the impacts.”
 
“The D.C. fly-in was time well spent,” Mayhew said. “We had the chance to meet with staffers from the Nebraska delegation as well as policymakers, Department of Education officials, legal counsel and lobbyists. Our group received firsthand briefings, established lines of communication and expressed questions and concerns from school districts all across Nebraska.”

 
Skretta said one of the group’s main purposes was emphasizing the importance of preserving federal commitments that help LPS programs and personnel. LPS receives more than $55 million in federal grants and funds each year.
 
“I wanted to make sure that you know, our LPS team, that we’re very much in the conversation and we’re very much committed to advocating for those continued supports, because we know how important they are for our students, our parents, our families, our school communities,” Skretta said.

 
Approximately $33.7 million of the federal total is distributed to the LPS Federal Programs department, which oversees many important programs for local students.
 
Title I funding is one part of the Federal Programs budget. Title I began in 1965 as part of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. It provides extensive supplemental services to schools that serve low-income families.
 
Federal funds are specifically intended to provide additional academic and family engagement activities to students at Title I schools. LPS currently has 23 buildings that receive schoolwide Title I support.
 
Federal Programs staff administer all federal, state and local grants for LPS. The department also supports bilingual liaisons throughout the school district, English Learners (EL) teachers, members of the LPS Youth Development Team, services for homeless students, the Native American Education Team, family literacy services for students and families and the Graduation Pathways program.
 
Federal Programs also oversees the partnership with Lincoln Community Learning Centers. Lincoln CLC – which has earned national recognition for its educational services – receives $968,000 from the U.S. Department of Education 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant. Lincoln CLC team members offer a wide range of after-school programs for LPS students.
 
The LPS Special Education Department receives $10.7 million in federal funds, including $8.1 million for supporting special education services for early childhood students. The Nutrition Services Department receives $10 million and the Early Childhood Department receives approximately $2 million in federal funds.

 
Skretta, Mayhew and Srivastav felt federal representatives had listened to their messages regarding funding for LPS.
 
“The staff of the federal delegation asked us to stay in touch with them and keep them informed about our needs and impacts,” Srivastav said. “We should make sure to keep them in the loop so they can try to help.”
 
“Part of our messaging to the Nebraska delegation was expressing our concern about the possible interruption of funding and services that support special education students and children living in poverty,” Mayhew said. “We will continue to talk with our senators and representatives, and we will continue to advocate for Nebraska’s public schools.”

 
Skretta said LPS was fortunate to have Srivastav and Mayhew on the trip. Both are also members of the NASB’s 23-person board of directors. The NASB board meets at least five times per year to discuss education policy issues and adopt the organization’s annual budget. Its members are from Nebraska school districts of all sizes and locations.
 
Skretta said NASB members told federal officials that they are representing high-quality staff in their school districts. More than 7,500 people work for LPS and help students develop academic, behavioral and social foundations for successful lives.
 
“Every minute of instructional time that we’ve got is a precious opportunity to support students,” Skretta said. “It helps ensure that each and every child in our classroom achieves their unique and fullest potential.”
 
Skretta said he wanted LPS students, staff and families to know that they have many people in their educational corners.
 
“We are here for each and every child, every single individual learner,” Skretta said. “We value the dignity of every student in our classroom every single day, because in LPS, all means all.”
 
Do you have a story idea? Share it with the LPS Communications Team by filling out this form!

Posted on April 14, 2025

Linguistic Leaders: LPS students secure state honors for excellence with world languages

Lincoln High School junior Phoebe Pierson has used her love of world languages to become fluent in life skills such as perseverance, dedication and taking initiative.
 
Pierson is one of more than two dozen Lincoln Public Schools students who were honored this winter for their linguistic talents. The Nebraska Department of Education recognized students with the Distinguished World Language Scholar Award (DWLSA) and the Student Language Spotlight Award.
 
Students earned the DWLSA for demonstrating outstanding leadership in language learning, commitment to language study and communicative competence. The Student Language Spotlight Award recognized recipients for exceptional achievements in their world language classrooms.

 
Pierson was included in the “High Honors” category of the DWLSA. She has reached the Level 5+ mark of the LPS World Language Proficiency Targets for her German-speaking abilities, which is the top level for students.
 
Pierson said discovering information in a different language is helping her in multiple ways.
 
“Learning languages like German is super important in many aspects of life,” Pierson said. “For example, languages can open up countless travel opportunities which help people experience different places for real, and be fully immersed in the culture. Beyond this, learning a world language helps people grow intellectually and emotionally because it forces them to develop new skills such as dedication, patience and commitment. Without these, language learning is almost impossible.”

 
Marissa Wanamaker leads German classes at Lincoln High and nominated Pierson for state accolades. She said Pierson is “an amazing language learner.”
 
“Phoebe exemplifies dedication,” Wanamaker said. “She is the first to complete assignments, ask how she can further a topic we covered in class and puts in the work outside of and during class to ensure that she produces high-quality work.”
 
Northwest High School students Hannah Estrada and Nghi Tran each earned the same “High Honors” status for their efforts in Danielle Fulcher’s Spanish classes. Estrada is a sophomore and has completed Levels 3 and 4 of the Spanish Novice proficiency program, and Tran is a freshman who has finished Levels 1 and 2.
 
Fulcher said she was proud of both Estrada and Tran for their work inside and outside of the classroom. Estrada has joined Northwest’s Spanish Honor Society and is able to distinguish different dialects of Spanish in her reading. Tran has shown a deep curiosity to learn more and deepen her love of languages.
 
“One of my greatest joys as a teacher is to see my students inspired by what they are learning and demonstrating a desire to learn more, and Hannah has taken what she’s learned in class and set out on her journey to learn more,” Fulcher said. “In my Spanish 2 classes Nghi really set herself apart by the quality of the work she turned in. She went above and beyond with her tasks, adding details with her writing and perfecting her accent with her speaking skills.”
 
Tran said she has grown in many ways by spending time in the Spanish language.
 
“I enjoyed learning Spanish, beyond just the aspect of the vocabulary and language itself, but also comprehending more advanced communication skills that I’ve never gotten to understand and experience before without the help of world language,” Tran said.
 
German and Spanish are two of the six world languages offered at LPS. The school district also provides classes in Arabic, French, Japanese and Mandarin at various buildings. The LPS curriculum includes world language competency-based credits, proficiency targets for each semester of instruction and grading guidelines for speaking, listening, writing and reading.

 
LPS Language Curriculum Specialist Katie Damgaard said recognizing students for their work helps them realize that they are key members of a globally-connected community.
 
“It is essential to support and celebrate LPS (language proficiency and studies) students who demonstrate outstanding leadership and commitment in this area,” Damgaard said.

 
Pierson said it is exciting to weave nouns, verbs and adjectives together into understandable sentences.
 
“I have quite enjoyed seeing my progress, as I have gotten quite a bit better from where I started,” Pierson said. “This shows that my hard work has paid off, which is both satisfying and motivating. It’s also awesome to be able to use a foreign language in real-life situations.”
 
Tran said she is determined to help others in multiple languages.
 
“My commitment to learning Spanish isn’t for benefiting myself, but rather for the people around me,” Tran said. “I want to enable easier communication for people in the hope of leading them to better opportunities for themselves. Making the world more accessible and convenient to everyone is my motivation to keep going forward with learning Spanish.”
 
Wanamaker and Fulcher said students like Pierson, Estrada and Tran represent the many reasons why world languages are an essential piece of the LPS education puzzle.
 
“Learning languages takes hard work and is so important to become a global citizen,” Wanamaker said. “Phoebe not only is very proficient in the German language, but she has taken the time to understand different cultures and become more open minded. I honestly can’t think of a more important aspect of education and am so happy that she is being recognized.”
 
“Learning a second language enriches a person’s life in so many ways (communication skills, college and career readiness, building empathy), and yet enrollment in language classes is diminishing and fewer world language teachers are entering the profession,” Fulcher said. “Letting our students shine and recognizing them for their excellence is the best way to reverse this trend.”

2025 LPS World Language Awards Recipients

Student Language Spotlight Award

Alicia Wang – Singing – Chinese Novice: Elementary (Level 2) – Maxey Elementary School
Alyssa Freeman – Singing – Chinese Novice: High School (Level 2) – East High School
Anthony Guo – Recitation – Chinese Novice: Elementary (Level 2) – Kloefkorn Elementary School
Belinda Qiao – Idioms – Chinese Intermediate Mid: High School (Level 4) – East High School
Brooks Xia – Idioms – Chinese Intermediate Mid: High School (Level 4) – East High School
Catherine Sun – Singing – Chinese Novice Heritage: Elementary (Level 2) – Adams Elementary School
Evan Dong – Culture Presentation – Chinese Intermediate Heritage: Middle School (Level 3) – Scott Middle School
Grace Cai – Idioms – Chinese Intermediate Heritage: High School (Level 4) – East High School
Iris Hui – Singing – Chinese Novice Heritage: Elementary (Level 2) – Maxey Elementary School
Ivy Zhou – Singing – Chinese Novice Heritage: High School (Level 2) – Maxey Elementary School
Jade Xia – Culture Presentation – Chinese Intermediate Heritage: Middle School (Level 3) – Scott Middle School
Katelyn Xia – Singing – Chinese Novice Heritage: Middle School (Level 2) – Cavett Elementary School
Maha Shamdeen – Project – Chinese Novice: High School (Levels 1 and 2) – North Star High School
Olivia Bechtel – Singing – Chinese Novice: High School (Level 2) – Southeast High School
Rui Tao – Recitation – Chinese Novice: Elementary (Level 2) – Cavett Elementary School
Shirley Tao – Singing – Chinese Novice Heritage: Elementary (Level 2) – Cavett Elementary School
Sophie Cai – Recitation – Chinese Novice: Elementary (Level 2) – Maxey Elementary School
Suzy Ma – Singing – Chinese Novice Heritage: Elementary (Level 2) – Maxey Elementary School
Wensi Cui – Idioms – Chinese Novice: High School (Level 4) – East High School

Distinguished World Language Scholar – High Honors

Allyson Hale – Chinese Novice (Levels 1 and 2) – North Star High School
Ernest Xie – Chinese Novice (Levels 1 and 2) – Adams Elementary School
Grace Cai – Chinese Intermediate Low (Levels 3 and 4) – East High School
Phoebe Pierson – German Intermediate Mid (Level 5+) – Lincoln High
Quinn Bohaty – German Intermediate Low (Levels 3 and 4) – Schoo Middle School
Hannah Estrada – Spanish Novice (Levels 3 and 4) – Northwest High School
Nghi Tran – Spanish Novice (Levels 1 and 2) – Northwest High School

Distinguished World Language Scholar – Honors

Iris Hui – Chinese Language Learning: Elementary – Maxey Elementary School
Teh Meh – Chinese Language Learning: High School – North Star High School
Wensi Cui – Chinese Language Learning: High School – East High School
Oslo Gegg – German Language Learning: High School – Southeast High School

Visit the LPS website at https://home.lps.org/worldlanguage/ to learn more about our world language curriculum. 
 
Do you have a story idea? Share it with the LPS Communications Team by filling out this form!

Posted on April 14, 2025

Meet LPS Focus Program Senior: Brandon, Early College and Career STEM

The mission of Lincoln Public Schools is to prepare ALL students for successful careers, lifelong learning and civic engagement.

High school graduation is a culmination of our scholars' and educators' hard work toward this significant milestone. 

The LPS Focus Programs’ core values of exploration, education, engagement and empowerment are beliefs rooted in the overall LPS mission and the school district’s commitment to high school graduation. 

Read how senior Brandon used the Early College and Career STEM program to Launch at LPS in this Q&A. 

Name: Brandon

Grade: 12

Home High School: Northeast

Focus Program: Early College and Career STEM

Why did you choose the Early College and Career STEM program?

I chose the Early College and Career STEM program at Northeast because I was interested in knowing what college was like. I found out that the program also gave credits for high school and college, so I decided to take that class. I was also interested because of the things I was going to learn since the program was based on science and decision-making. I always liked science and having a class to learn something different and beneficial seems like the right choice to take the class for me.

How did the Early College and Career STEM program change your high school experience?

This focus program changed my high school experience by giving me a different way to do school. I was able to go to East Campus at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln on Tuesdays and Thursdays to take the class with college students. Getting to meet people from Northeast and take the class with them was something new I got to experience. As a senior, I felt like I wasn't involved in school as much as I would've wanted, so taking this focus program made me feel like I was getting more involved with my school.

What is the greatest lesson you learned from the Early College and Career STEM program? Why?

The greatest lesson I learned was to try out new things and not give up. I learned this because at first, I didn't know if I was going to be good enough to take the college class.  I decided to stay in the class and try to give my best effort to learn and get the best grade I could. Taking the class was worth it since I got my credits for high school and now I have college credits. All that because I was able to not give up and try out something new. 

How did the Early College and Career STEM program help you reach your graduation goals?

This focus program helped me reach my graduation goals because I needed one more science class and the Early College and Career STEM program did that for me. I was able to take the Early College and Career STEM program college class and get the credits for the class I needed. 

 What are your post-graduation plans?

My post-graduation plans are to work and go to college.

How did the Early College and Career STEM program help prepare you for those post-graduation plans? 

This focus program helped me prepare for my post graduation plans because I'm more ready to go into college and have a view of what college is going to look like. I already have some credits from college so that gives me the motivation to keep going and learning more.

How did the Early College and Career STEM program help prepare you for the future?

It helped me prepare for my future because it made me plan for career paths. I also got college credits for a science class. It gave me motivation to try new things and also focus on things that I'm already interested in. Now I feel like I am prepared for the future since I know what college is going to look like. I got to work with new people and I think that helped me have more communication, and I think that is really important. 

What are you most thankful about this experience? Why?

I'm thankful to get college credits and my high school science credits. I'm also thankful I got to meet new people and work with them. I got to be in a college class with college students and learn the same things they learned. I got to improve and learn so many skills in this class, so I am really thankful to have done this focus program.

Congratulations, Brandon!

We wish you the best in your future endeavors. We are thankful our educators could help you Launch at LPS!

Choose your passion. Choose your community. Choose your future with LPS Focus Programs. 

Editor’s note: Earlier this semester, the University of Nebraska - Lincoln College of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources (CASNR) and Lincoln Public Schools (LPS) announced plans to expand the Early College and Career STEM program next school year. 

Currently, the focus program explores career fields related to Food, Water, Energy, and Societal Systems (FEWSS) and is offered only at Northeast High School as an embedded program. After an extensive review of the program and its benefits for students, UNL and LPS decided to move this opportunity out of a traditional embedded focus program offering and expand the opportunities across the school district in every high school. 

Learn more about the expansion of the Early College and Career STEM courses on our website at https://www.lps.org/post/detail.cfm?id=15611.

You can visit the LPS Focus Programs webpage at home.lps.org/focus to get more information about other focus program offerings.

Do you have a story idea? Share it with the LPS Communications Team by filling out this form!

Posted on April 11, 2025

Adams teacher Mary Abebe named 2025 Scottish Rite Educator of the Year

Adams Elementary School computer science teacher Mary Abebe is the 2025 Scottish Rite Educator of the Year. 

Lincoln Public Schools leaders and local Scottish Rite Organization chapter members surprised Abebe during a school assembly at Adams Elementary on April 11.

“I haven’t comprehended it. I can remember walking down the hallway and seeing the pictures of the people. I didn’t ever think I’d be one of those people. I just love teaching,” Abebe said. 

In 1964, the local chapter of Scottish Rite developed an education committee to recognize excellent classroom teachers and help make the public aware of the vital role a classroom teacher plays in educating youth. The award recipient also receives a check for $10,000 from the organization.

“We welcome opportunities to recognize excellence among teachers and make the public aware of the vital role a teacher plays in molding today’s youth for a better tomorrow,” LPS Associate Superintendent for Human Resources Vann Price said. 

Abebe has been an educator for nearly four decades, spending most of her career at LPS. She began teaching for Lincoln Public Schools in 1995 at Campbell Elementary School. She taught at Saratoga and Kloefkorn elementary schools before moving to Adams Elementary School in 2019, where she currently leads K-5 computer science classes.

Jason Thomsen and Caitlin Provance co-authored Abebe’s nomination letter. Thomsen is the LPS career and technical education curriculum specialist and Provance is the school district’s K-5 computer science coordinator. They said Abebe was a worthy recipient of the Scottish Rite honor because of her creativity and enthusiasm in the classroom.

“Ms. Abebe’s passion for teaching is evident in every aspect of her work, from her ability to create an engaging and dynamic learning environment to the strong, supportive relationships she builds with both students and staff,” read Abebe’s nomination letter. “She goes above and beyond to ensure her students are not only academically successful but also excited about learning. Her innovative teaching practices, which include the use of technology and project-based learning, foster critical thinking and creativity.”

Abebe will be formally honored during a special ceremony on Friday, May 2, starting at 4 p.m. at the Steve Joel District Leadership Center (formerly known as the LPS district office), where she will be featured along with past winners on an interactive display outside the boardroom.

Do you have a story idea? Share it with the LPS Communications Team by filling out this form!

Posted on April 11, 2025

School board member Lanny Boswell dies after battle with cancer

The Lincoln Board of Education and Lincoln Public Schools shared on Thursday that school board member Lanny Boswell died Wednesday after an 18-month battle with oral cancer. Boswell was finishing his third term on the Lincoln Board of Education at the end of May - serving the students, staff, families and community for 12 years.

“We mourn the passing of Lanny as a longtime public servant, and an incredibly dedicated school board member,” said Interim Superintendent John Skretta. “The legacy of his many years of service on the board to support LPS students, staff, families and the greater district leaves a remarkable impact that will continue for decades to come.”

Skretta added, “We express our heartfelt condolences to Lanny‘s family and the countless others in LPS, Lincoln and across Nebraska who called him a friend.”

Boswell was first elected to the Lincoln Board of Education representing District Five in May 2013. Prior to being elected to the board, Boswell first got involved as a parent-volunteer on the PTO and Booster Club boards for Maxey and Zeman elementary schools and East and Southeast high schools. Boswell also served as a community volunteer on numerous LPS committees. Some of those committees included the Student Housing Task Force, the Community Curriculum Council, the Safety and Security Committee, the Special Education Parent Advisory Committee, the Technology Advisory Committee, the Superintendent Interview Team and the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools Board of Directors. 

Board Chair Bob Rauner first met Boswell on one of these committees.

“I first met Lanny on the parent interview committee when we interviewed Steve Joel for the superintendent position before either of us was on the school board,” said Rauner. “I was always impressed by his analytical mind as well his passion for improving Lincoln Public Schools and finding better ways to serve our students. His presence as a colleague on the school board will be sorely missed.”

During his service on the board, Boswell held many leadership positions both on the Board and in affiliate organizations. He was Board President, Vice President, Educational Service Unit 18 President, The Career Academy Interlocal Board President, The Safe and Successful Kids Interlocal Board President, and the President of Nebraska Association of School Boards. He used his experience to mentor other civil servants from across the city and state.

“Lanny played an instrumental role in preparing me for serving on the Board of Education,” said board member Piyush Srivastav. “From the time that I was campaigning, Lanny not only knocked on the doors for me, but he also spent a significant amount of time with me educating me on various aspects of board service so that I could be prepared for what may be ahead if I succeeded in elections. After I got on the board, Lanny would always be available and offered solid advice on miscellaneous matters to steer me in the right direction. I will miss Lanny's friendship and counsel. Lanny truly cared for LPS and gave his 100% to support LPS in any way possible. His courage and strength should be an inspiration to all.”

Boswell had five children that attended Lincoln Public Schools. He often credited LPS for their success and was dedicated to giving back to the district that did so much for his family, something his colleagues on the board noticed.

Board member Barb Baier commented, “Lanny was totally dedicated to his family and the Lincoln Public Schools. When I first met him, he would testify at Board of Education meetings about a range of topics. His thoughts were always well-considered. Upon securing a seat on the board, Lanny was an incredibly active board member, visiting schools, addressing constituent concerns, and always mindful of our budget. I will miss him. My condolences to his family.”

In 2016, Boswell responded on a questionnaire to LPS Communications that he wanted all LPS students to be prepared to be successful adults, ready for college, careers, and all that awaits them in life. 

“When my board service is finished, I hope to be remembered as a thoughtful volunteer who cared about the success of all students,” wrote Boswell in 2016. That is how board Vice Chair Kathy Danek remembers Boswell.

“Lanny served with a passion for Lincoln Public Schools and leaves a lasting legacy as a champion for our students, staff, teachers and school district. Whether it was a policy issue, planning for and preparing a bond issue, leading our strategic plan or engaging with students, Lanny was a champion for all students in Lincoln. All means all wasn’t just three words to Lanny, but a mantra of board service. As his friend for almost 20 years, his attention to detail always guided his efforts to make sure each and every child could be successful. Lanny will be greatly missed as my colleague and my friend,” said Danek.

A visitation for family and friends of Boswell will be held Wednesday, April 16, from 4-7 p.m. at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home (6800 South 14th Street). More information and his full obituary can be found on the Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home website www.lincolnfh.com.

Posted on April 10, 2025

LPS students earn top honors at state speech, debate contests

Max Apel and Mahshid Farahmand both represent why people across Nebraska have many positive things to say about Lincoln Public Schools.
 
Apel and Farahmand spoke their way into school history books with their efforts at the state speech and debate meets. Apel helped East High School claim the Class A speech team championship by winning state titles in three events, and Farahmand became Lincoln High’s first state speech medalist in eight years with her performance.
 
LPS Secondary English Language Arts Curriculum Specialist Sara Danielson said Apel and Farahmand highlighted how local students are benefiting from the two activities. East swept the speech and debate team titles, Southwest claimed second place in both tournaments and multiple Southeast students returned to campus with state medals.
 
“LPS speech and debate programs are consistently high-quality, and they have established this district as top-tier in competitive speaking activities,” Danielson said. “The time, effort and talent of the student competitors and coaches is impressive and recognized on both state and national levels. It is always a joy to see the hard work of students and coaches across a long season be rewarded.”

East High School

East head speech coach Nick Herink said he was proud of the Spartans for claiming the program’s third straight Class A title. The group created another ring on a sequoia-sized tree of state speech success. East won the school’s 36th team championship since Nebraska began holding state contests in 1974.
 
“Having a state championship team isn’t just about the kids who make it to state. It’s about the entire culture the whole team has built,” Herink said. “This is a group that genuinely cares about each other, pushes each other and celebrates every success, big or small. That camaraderie and commitment has shaped a team where everyone’s effort matters, and that’s what makes this title so meaningful.”

 
Apel finished first in the Oral Interpretation of Humorous Prose, Oral Interpretation of Serious Prose and Program Oral Interpretation categories. He became the first East student to win three individual titles at one state meet.
 
“I feel incredibly fortunate and blessed to have ended my speech season by winning the state championship in three events alongside my friends and coaches,” Apel said. “It was a truly rewarding experience, and I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to represent my school and grow as a speaker.”
 
Herink said Apel’s determination and dedication helped him become one of East’s all-time top speech performers.
 
“Max loves this team and this activity with his whole heart,” Herink said. “He has put in well over a thousand hours over a four-year career to reach where he is now. His heart, drive and talent are what makes him a champion. Watching him make his way into the history books was a perfect capstone to his incredible career.”
 
Apel performed “We’re Not So Different, You and I” for his humorous speech. The piece uses superheroes and supervillains as an allegory for the male loneliness epidemic. He chose “Angry Allan,” a piece about the implications of masculinity in today’s culture, for his serious speech, and he talked about the important roles that teachers play in society for his Program Oral Interpretation entry.
 
“It was an honor to share all of these messages, and I am truly grateful for this amazing season!” Apel said.

 
Apel and fellow four-time state qualifiers Nusrat Amin and Jack Welstead won gold medals in their final contests. Amin clinched the Entertainment Speaking title for the second time in her career, and Welstead collected a first-place honor in the Persuasive Speaking event.
 
“They’ve each left a lasting mark on this team, and seeing them finish their careers at the top was a moment I’ll never forget,” Herink said.
 
East head debate coach John Holen said the Spartans used cooperation and camaraderie to finish in first place. East graduated four state champions from last year’s squad, but many younger students took their places at the awards ceremony.
 
“They definitely stepped up, as they put in over 100 practice rounds and speeches prior to the state competition, and they spent a lot of practice time helping each other get ready,” Holen said. “Sixteen of our 18 entries won awards, many of whom were freshmen, and that’s largely thanks to all their hours of practicing as well as their ability to come together and compete as a team.”

 
Sarah Cai and Elaine Yu led the Spartans with a state championship in the Policy Debate event. Holen said their experience and work ethic were key factors in their successful showing.
 
“These two have competed at many highly-competitive national tournaments during their four-year careers, which has played a big role in helping them become as good as they are,” Holen said. “They learned to adapt their argument to a wide variety of audiences.”

Lincoln High School

Lincoln High head speech coach C. Meier-Bates said everyone associated with the program was “abundantly proud” of Farahmand for her state work. She earned sixth place in the Oral Interpretation of Serious Prose category. She became Lincoln High’s first state medalist since Lilia Fromm finished third in the Persuasive Speaking contest in 2017.
 
“She is a tireless competitor who stays late to get as much coaching as she can, practices constantly on her own and has an innate drive to improve,” Meier-Bates said. “In addition to her individual competitive success, Mahshid is also a team leader who pushes her teammates to improve and succeed. Our team is very young, with only two returning competitors on the district team this year, and she has done a great job of contributing to our team culture of hard work and overcoming the odds.”

 
Meier-Bates felt Farahmand’s state achievement would have a ripple effect on campus.
 
“I think Mahshid’s commitment and success will help motivate other Lincoln High students to tell their powerful stories through speech,” Meier-Bates said. “I may be biased as someone who grew up in the Nebraska speech circuit, but it’s such a welcoming, competitive and exciting community to be a part of.”

Southeast High School

Southeast senior Lexi Velgersdyk capped her award-winning debate career with a state medal. She claimed fourth place in the Congressional Debate category.

 
Southeast head debate coach Colten White said Velgersdyk had created a memorable legacy at school with her hardworking personality.
 
“I am proud of Lexi and her placement at the state tournament, but I am more proud of her whole career as a debater,” White said. “She has placed at state three different times, qualified to the National Speech and Debate Tournament all four years and was invited to the Tournament of Champions.
 
“She’s everything a debater should be – a scholar, a citizen and an advocate. She will be an alumnus who will represent LPS well in the years to come.”

Southeast’s speech team earned seventh place in Class A standings with 40 points. DaZayah Hartshorn-Harvey, Sydney Kjeldgaard and Aolani Wilson earned state medals.

Southeast head speech coach Tommy Bender said he was excited to see all three Knights pocket state awards for their efforts.
 
“The whole team has worked hard all season, and to finish the regular season with a state medal is the best way to finish!” Bender said. “Each one of them has put in so much time and effort, and it’s gratifying to see them on the state stage!”

Southwest High School

Southwest earned second-place team trophies in both speech and debate. Twelve Silver Hawks won medals in their speech events, and 13 students reached at least the octofinals in debate contests.
 
Southwest head debate coach Toni Heimes said she was happy with the way the Silver Hawks performed. Five students finished in the top eight spots of their categories.
 
“I am extremely proud of the work the team did during the tournament to become the state runners-up,” Heimes said.

 
Cole Wilkason and Benjamin Quattrocchi highlighted Southwest’s tournament with a state championship in the Public Forum Debate contest. Heimes said coaches Angela Kwambamba, Serena Schadl and Loc Nguyen helped them find and develop arguments geared toward different judges and teams.
 
“This adaptability helped them to make the run for the title,” Heimes said.
 
Wilkason and Quattrocchi lost their first two rounds in the tournament, but they rebounded in championship fashion. They won four straight debates to qualify for the quarterfinal bracket, and they then swept their next three contests to win the title.
 
Jack McCormick, Ezra Erickson, Brooklyn Bruggeman and Chance Ready spearheaded the speech team’s state appearance with a title-winning effort. The quartet won Oral Interpretation of Drama (OID) gold medals by scoring 148 of a maximum 150 points in the finals.

 
Southwest head speech coach Matt Heimes said the Silver Hawks decided to change their OID script in late February. After finalizing who would be the team members, the group dove into the project and turned it into a championship piece.
 
“Once we got started, it was clear that this group had really great chemistry and were willing to put in extra time to bring the piece to life,” Heimes said. “We spent many days of spring break working at school to polish the blocking and create strong and believable characters. I think it really helps that this piece has an important message to share about ADHD and how it impacts everyone involved in that child’s life.”

 
Heimes said he was “exceedingly proud” of the entire speech team for capturing second place. He said the group’s veteran leadership made a difference in the final standings.
 
“Our team has one of the largest and most talented groups of seniors we’ve had in the program for many years, and their leadership was key to our success,” Heimes said. “That, combined with some really dedicated juniors and sophomores, made for a winning combo."

Class A State Speech Team Results

Lincoln East 276, Lincoln Southwest 134, Millard North 122, Norris 76, Gretna East 46, Scottsbluff 46, Lincoln Southeast 40, Millard West 32, Bellevue West 24, North Platte 24, Kearney 18, Millard South 18, Norfolk 14, Lincoln High 10, Papillion-La Vista South 10, Omaha Marian 10

2025 LPS State Speech Results

East High School

Duo Interpretation: Claire Rooney and Gavin Foust (4th), Jack Welstead and Avery Fast (5th)
Entertainment Speaking: Nusrat Amin (1st), Avery Fast (2nd)
Extemporaneous Speaking: Anish Koduri (5th), Sam Waegli (6th)
Informative Speaking: Claire Rooney (3rd)
Oral Interpretation of Drama: Alex Jurrens, Zach Johannes, Gavin Foust, Sloan Donahoo, Ethan Phan (2nd)
Oral Interpretation of Humorous Prose: Max Apel (1st), Nusrat Amin (6th)
Oral Interpretation of Poetry: Ethan Phan (2nd)
Oral Interpretation of Serious Prose: Max Apel (1st), Jack Welstead (4th)
Persuasive Speaking: Jack Welstead (1st), Belinda Qiao (3rd)
Program Oral Interpretation: Max Apel (1st), Nusrat Amin (2nd)

Lincoln High

Oral Interpretation of Serious Prose: Mahshid Farahmand (6th)

Southeast High School

Oral Interpretation of Poetry: Aolani Wilson (5th)
Oral Interpretation of Serious Prose: Sydney Kjeldgaard (5th)
Program Oral Interpretation: DaZayah Hartshorn-Harvey (3rd)

Southwest High School

Duo Interpretation: Brooklyn Shoemaker, Mason Farmer (3rd)
Extemporaneous Speaking: Maya Stevenson (3rd)
Informative Speaking: Maya Stevenson (5th)
Oral Interpretation of Drama: Jack McCormick, Ezra Erickson, Brooklyn Bruggeman, Chance Ready (1st); Lillian Bittle, Jordyn Davis, Audrey Haugen, Lyra Walsh, Danielle Ibe-Ikechi (6th)
Oral Interpretation of Humorous Prose: Brooklyn Shoemaker (3rd)
Oral Interpretation of Poetry: Mason Farmer (4th)
Oral Interpretation of Serious Prose: Brooklyn Bruggeman (2nd)
Program Oral Interpretation: Brooklyn Bruggeman (5th)

State Debate Team Results

1) Lincoln East, 2) Lincoln Southwest, 3) Millard North, 4) Omaha Marian, 5) Millard South

2025 LPS State Debate Results

East High School

Policy Debate: Sara Cai, Elaine Yu (1st), Alex Ge, James Yu (quarterfinalists), Lily Jobst, Gabe Wick (quarterfinalists)
Public Forum Debate: Arnav Agarwal, Ronav Ganesh (2nd), Sukruth Jangala, Shriish Sathish (semifinalists), Ella Recker, Erin Suh (quarterfinalists), Brad Bobaru, Lucas Neamu (quarterfinalists)
Lincoln-Douglas Debate: Maddie Huggard (semifinalist), Krithik Pondicherry (quarterfinalist), Noah Hoover (quarterfinalist), Jeff Shen (quarterfinalist)
Congressional Debate: Alex Hamric (8th), Emerson Trompke (finalist), Cheryl Zeng (finalist), Cora Jones (finalist), Kashish Nangia (finalist)

Southeast High School

Congressional Debate: Lexi Velgersdyk (4th), Marin Weisser (finalist)

Southwest High School

Public Forum Debate: Cole Wilkason, Benjamin Quattrocchi (1st), Payton Wilkason, Mason Rathje (quarterfinalists), Isabel Loriaux, Carly Wieseler (quarterfinalists)
Lincoln-Douglas Debate: Maarib Basi (octofinalist)
Congressional Debate: Spencer Krenk (2nd), Rawan Al-Ajeel (6th), Elizabeth Falcone (7th), Addison Watchorn (finalist), Henry Fuller (finalist), Daniel Yoo (finalist)

Posted on April 09, 2025

Launch at LPS: Brooke builds winning portfolio during her North Star career

North Star High School senior Brooke has created an academic, social and community portfolio that puts her in a Fortune 500 level at Lincoln Public Schools.
 
The future finance-based professional has set herself apart at North Star with a winning combination of academic talent, a hardworking mindset and a kind and compassionate demeanor. She is a National Merit Scholar Finalist, has won multiple state business awards, leads the school newspaper and has studied environmental issues in Chile and Argentina. She has also worked three jobs in high school, earned a national leadership scholarship and been a friendly face to everyone in North Star’s hallways.

 
Brooke has used that wide range of opportunities to launch a successful life at LPS. She said it has been fun to share those moments with friends, classmates and teachers at school.
 
“What I’ve enjoyed most about North Star is the diversity that we have here, not only in people, but in different clubs and classes that we can take,” Brooke said. “For me, I’m involved in four different extracurriculars, and I think it’s super important to have that variety. I think it’s helped me a lot to grow as a person, just having those different experiences.”

 
Shelby Cowan and Shaima Shakir said Brooke is the gold standard of the Gator community because of her work ethic and empathy for others. Cowan teaches English classes and advises the school’s yearbook and newspaper staff, and Shakir steers hundreds of students in positive directions as a school counselor. Both said they have been impressed with the type of role model Brooke has become for many people.
 
“When you have a high GPA and all of these achievements, you’re a leader, but with that, she has a great personality,” Shakir said. “Being nice, being kind, being respectful and always being there when somebody needs her. It doesn’t matter who it is. That’s what sets her apart.”
 
“Brooke is the epitome of leading by example,” Cowan said. “Her quiet confidence and pursuit of excellence in everything she does makes her an outstanding example for other North Star students.”
 
Shakir said Brooke’s willingness to go above and beyond is one reason why she has become a standout student and citizen. She has compiled a 4.51 grade point average with her work in Advanced Placement and honors courses, and she has volunteered her time with Downtown Lincoln Association, NeighborWorks Lincoln and the Indian Village Neighborhood Association. She is also a member of North Star’s National Honor Society chapter and the LNS Environmental Club.

 
Brooke’s hard work recently helped her win a $25,000 national scholarship from the Girls Inc. organization, which provides leadership opportunities for girls interested in careers such as science, math and technology. Girls Inc. required applicants to write three essays in addition to providing an academic transcript and letters of recommendation. Brooke penned her essays last fall and received her good news in February.
 
“That’s the thing about Brooke. She doesn’t stop and think, ‘Oh, someone else will do the work for me.’ She does the work herself,” Shakir said. “She takes time out, even though she’s doing everything else.
 
“She puts 120 percent into everything, whether it’s scholarships or college applications, no matter how much the process is. Some students might get scared and stop, but with Brooke, she moves on. It doesn’t matter how much time it’s going to take or how difficult it is. She challenges herself.”

 
That frame of mind propelled Brooke to become editor-in-chief of “The Gator Galaxy” newspaper this year. She caught the writing bug after taking an AP language class as a junior, and she felt journalism would be a good way to continue crafting stories. She said working on the yearbook and newspaper have helped her connect with even more of her fellow Gators.
 
“Just getting to know the school and bringing it all together in one book is really neat,” Brooke said. “It’s just super cool to be able to unite everyone in that way.”

 
Brooke has also excelled in the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) organization. She was on an International Business team that secured a trip to nationals with a fourth-place finish at last year’s state contest. She also won an eighth-place state medal in Business Calculations, participated in FBLA community service projects and helped with career exploration events at school.
 
Brooke said her busy schedule has helped her improve her time management skills. She has also learned to zero in on activities that she thoroughly enjoys. She would like to study either economics or data science in college.
 
“One piece of advice I’ve heard is that when you say yes to one thing, you have to say no to another thing, so I’m really being conscious of what I’m opening myself to, because it means I’m closing another door,” Brooke said. “I’m definitely just prioritizing what matters most.”

 
Shakir said Brooke’s future prospects are trending upward every day. She felt Brooke would represent North Star well because of her positive outlook on life.
 
“She shows respect to adults and students with everything she does,” Shakir said. “That’s what I see in her. She’s a great communicator, she has critical thinking and she’s a great leader. I feel like she’s a great role model not just for students here at North Star, but for everyone in the community.”

Congratulations, Brooke!

We wish you the best in your future endeavors.
We are thankful our educators could help you Launch at LPS!

Looking for LPS graduation information?

Check out our graduation page at https://home.lps.org/graduation/ to get the details on celebrating your favorite high school grad.

Do you have a story idea? Share it with the LPS Communications Team by filling out this form!

Posted on April 09, 2025

Preparing Professionals: North Star students gain valuable insights in preschool practicums

As soon as North Star High School students Izzy and Mia walked into Chelsea Waller’s prekindergarten classroom one day this spring, students began crowding around them with smiling faces.
 
“Will you play with me?”
 
“How do you do this?”
 
“I really like having you here.”
 
Izzy and Mia are gaining valuable insights into youth education through a practicum offered in their Preschool/School Age Child class. They began attending Waller’s classroom at Campbell Elementary School in February to soak up knowledge about early childhood education. The immersive experience teaches them how to guide healthy development of children through lessons and activities.
 
Izzy and Mia are both exploring preschool teaching as one of their primary career options. They said their time at Campbell has reinforced how much they love working with young students.

 
“Youth education is really an amazing experience,” Izzy said. “No matter what your mood is, you come here, you interact with these kids and you leave feeling so much better. It’s amazing how much it helps.”
 
“The bonds you make with the kids are pretty incredible,” Mia said. “Sometimes I’ll leave here with little drawings that they’ll make me or little letters that they write. It just makes everything worth it.”
 
Mallory Gregory teaches family and consumer sciences (FCS) courses at North Star and arranged the practicum experiences. Her seven Preschool/School Age Child students are embedded in classrooms at both Campbell and Kooser this semester. She said all of them have commented on how much they have enjoyed working with both children and teachers.
 
“I love getting students out of the classroom and with connected career professionals,” Gregory said. “Not only does it open doors to students, it gives the industry a glimpse of how amazing our future is through these high school students.”
 
Waller said she has been impressed with the enthusiasm Izzy and Mia have shown in her classroom. They began playing with students as soon as they arrived on the first day, and both have written about developmental milestones they have seen the children reach. They have also asked Waller about topics such as classroom management and lesson planning to better help everyone in the room.
 
“They care about them,” Waller said. “They know what they’re interested in, they know what the students want to play with or what child might want to play in a certain area. It works really well with all of them.”

 
Lincoln Public Schools has been offering the Preschool/School Age Child class for 20 years as part of the FCS curriculum. Southwest, Southeast, North Star and Lincoln High all offer practicum experiences for their students.
 
FCS and Health Sciences Curriculum Coordinator Kristin Vest said LPS will begin offering a new Education and Teaching course at all eight high schools this fall. The course will introduce students to career opportunities and related skills in the fields of early childhood education and secondary teaching. All eight schools will include observation-focused practicums in early childhood and elementary classrooms as part of their new courses.
 
The Education and Teaching course will align with newly-adopted state standards and pathways. In addition to providing the same opportunities for students at every high school, the class will also dovetail with the LPS Grow Your Own effort. The initiative focuses on recruiting and developing future teachers from within the LPS community.
 
Waller is an example of how LPS is encouraging people to join the education profession. She was inspired to pursue a teaching degree while working as a paraeducator at Campbell. She has been leading her own prekindergarten classes for the past six years.
 
“This has been my dream job,” Waller said. “It’s why I went back to school to get my bachelor’s degree. I worked as a para in this very classroom, so that was always my dream to get to do that. Coming back and being a teacher in the classroom that I was a para in, it was meant to be.”

 
Waller said the increased demand for prekindergarten services in Lincoln is why it is important to help students like Izzy and Mia explore the profession. LPS currently has early childhood programs at 31 elementary and high school sites. New construction projects are increasing the number of early childhood classrooms to 91, which will allow LPS to serve approximately 1,800 preschoolers.
 
“Our Pre-K program has grown so much that we need more people,” Waller said. “We need people wanting to go into this field, so if I can show them what it’s like and introduce them to this career, then that’s what I want to do.”
 
Mia has five nephews younger than ten years old, and her positive experiences with them prompted her to take the practicum course. Izzy began nannying when she was in seventh grade and continued babysitting for other families in high school. She then became a summer camp preschool teacher at the Fallbrook YMCA, which solidified her early education teaching dreams.
 
Izzy said the Preschool/School Age Child class has given her additional zeal for her future career. She would fully endorse the practicum experience to anyone with the same type of interest in helping the littlest learners.
 
“I’d recommend it. One hundred percent,” Izzy said. “Anyone who has a love for younger children should look into anything with being around kids.”
 
Visit home.lps.org/cte/fcs to learn more about the many early childhood education opportunities available for LPS students.
 
Do you have a story idea? Share it with the LPS Communications Team by filling out this form!

Posted on April 09, 2025

Foundation for LPS names Park Middle School 2025 Inspire School of the Year

The Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools announced Park Middle School as the 2025 Inspire School of the Year during a surprise assembly on Friday. This award is the highest honor given to an LPS school or program, recognizing outstanding achievement in academic excellence and goal attainment.

In addition to being named Inspire School of the Year, Park Middle School will receive $5,000 for its Fund for Excellence, which can be used at the principal’s discretion for things like staff appreciation, classroom supplies or student experiences, enhancing its positive impact on students, staff and the broader community. 

“I am so proud that Park has been awarded the 2025 Inspire School of the Year Award,” Park Principal Charlotte Everts said. “This award celebrates the dedication and creativity of our amazing staff and their unwavering pursuit of student success and well-being. Most importantly, it sends a powerful message to our students: your efforts, inherent worth, individuality and boundless potential are not only seen, but deeply valued and celebrated! I am so grateful for the opportunity to work with the entire Park community.” 

The dedication of Park’s staff and administration to supporting students’ social, emotional and academic needs was a major contributor to Park winning Inspire School of the Year. Through comprehensive programs, including targeted interventions, restorative practices and inclusive extracurricular opportunities, Park has created a nurturing environment where all students are encouraged to succeed. 

One key initiative from the 2024-29 LPS strategic plan that Park focused on is student well-being and outcomes. The school has established robust support systems, counseling services, after-school academic supports, peer mentorship programs, Social Academic Instructional Groups (SAIG) and community outreach programs. When students experience instability in their home environment, these programs can profoundly impact their feelings of safety, security and connectedness to their school community. 

Additional strategies and programs that contributed to Park's success in the last year include:

• School Ambassador Program: The program is designed to guide incoming students through a structured experience that helps them acclimate to the school environment.
• English Learner (EL) Pilot of Prosocial Learning: In collaboration with the district's EL and counseling teams, targeted lessons were designed for students to cultivate essential skills for success in and out of the classroom.
• Community Resource Fair: To ensure greater accessibility for families, Park staff invited community resource groups and organizations to parent/teacher conferences to give families direct access to a wide range of resources.
• Hair Care Station: The school partnered with a local church to provide students with hairstyling products so they can feel confident and focus on learning.
• School Store: Panther “Paws” can be earned with positive behaviors and academic success. Students use them as currency at the store to buy fun items and free activities.

“Park Middle School is undeniably deserving of the 2025 Inspire School of the Year Award,” said Natalia Wiita, President of the Foundation for LPS. “The dedication of Park’s educators and staff is nothing short of extraordinary, creating meaningful impact both inside and outside the classroom. Their data-driven approach, unwavering commitment to student success, and deep collaboration with the Lincoln community set a powerful example of what’s possible in education. Lincoln’s schools are among the best, and at the Foundation, we are honored to support every school, educator and student as they continue to achieve excellence.”

The Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting excellence in Lincoln Public Schools. The Inspire School of the Year Award recognizes a school that has demonstrated significant progress towards its school improvement plan and has positively impacted its students, staff, faculty and the community.

Posted on April 08, 2025

History Headlines: Standing Bear students gain lifetime skills with first History Day projects

Standing Bear High School students produced plenty of historical headlines this semester with their efforts on in-depth class projects.
 
Members of the Advanced Placement (AP) United States History class have been working on National History Day (NHD) projects for the first time. They have conducted detailed research about a range of topics for group and individual exhibits and presentations. The Grizzlies competed in the school’s first district contest alongside students from Southeast and East high schools on March 31.
 
Jasmine Shulyak and Janet Kovalenko said they have enjoyed the new activity. They created a project about the landmark Tinker v. Des Moines Independent School District case, which addressed free speech rights of students in public schools. In addition to sifting through dozens of primary and secondary sources, they also corresponded with Mary Beth Tinker, one of the three main student petitioners in the U.S. Supreme Court case.
 
“I think that this project is going to help us broaden our perspective on how the world works and stuff like that, but it’s also helping teach us how to do thorough research and looking at both primary and secondary documents,” Shulyak said. “It’s been great.”
 
Addie Kahle said she has also had fun with her NHD project. She explored the lives of African American women who became important contributors in the Space Race. One of the people she researched is Katherine Johnson, who analyzed the flight trajectory for Alan Shepard’s groundbreaking Freedom 7 space mission. Her talents as a skilled mathematician also made the Project Apollo moon landings a reality.
 
“It’s just cool to go behind the scenes and learn what they did and how it happened,” Kahle said. “I’ve really enjoyed learning how they overcame a lot of adversity to accomplish some really great things.”
 
Standing Bear social studies teacher Kyle Beacom said those academic breakthroughs are why NHD is important. Beacom began leading NHD activities at Southeast in 2012 and helped many Knights earn district, state and national awards. He wanted to give Standing Bear students the same types of successful opportunities when he started teaching at the new school.
 
“It’s been good to bring it over here and see kids really dig deep in their research,” Beacom said. “A lot of them fall in love with their topics, which is fun.”
 
The Grizzlies are joining one of the largest social studies activities in the country. More than 500,000 students in grades 6-12 work on NHD projects each year. They use their historical research skills to create papers, exhibits, performances, documentaries and websites. Nebraska students have been participating in NHD since 1985.
 
Juniors Maddie Kulhanek, Orla Blake and Kavai Dodworth said it has been exciting to figure out the details of their research project about women’s suffrage. They wrote a play about Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, who worked to gain equality for women in the United States. Anthony was arrested in 1872 after she cast a ballot in the presidential election. The ensuing trial created national headlines and made Anthony a key figure in the voting rights movement.
 
“This has been really fun to do,” Kulhanek said. “I think we’ve all learned a lot from doing this project.”
 
The three teammates pored over many historical items to create an accurate script. Beacom required everyone in the class to find at least ten sources for their NHD project, which meant the three Grizzlies had to gather a minimum of 30 documents.
 
“It’s a lot of sources,” Dodworth said. “It’s been challenging, but it’s made the project a lot better.”
 
Shulyak said she and Kovalenko have experienced similar academic rewards. They began researching the Tinker v. Des Moines case in September and learned how it affected public schools across the country. U.S. Supreme Court justices ruled that school officials cannot censor student speech unless it materially and substantially disrupts the educational process.
 
“We’re planning out how we’re going to have the exhibit board set up, and we were thinking about a trifold, but it’s going to be set up like you’re in a courtroom type of situation,” Shulyak said earlier this spring. “I’m pretty excited to get started on it.”
 
Beacom said he has enjoyed watching students elevate their critical thinking and project management skills. They have also discovered how organization, dedication and curiosity can lead to successful outcomes.
 
“I’m hoping to replicate college-level projects where it takes an entire semester to complete,” Beacom said. “I’m also wanting them to learn things like grit, some perseverance, working through things that are tough like annotated bibliographies. Hopefully it gives them a better understanding of American history and makes connections to some of the lessons that we’re teaching in class as well.”
 
Beacom said he has been impressed with the enthusiasm he has seen from students this year. He said that was a good sign of things to come.
 
“Hopefully this group of juniors has a good experience and will spread the word to the sophomores and they’ll want to do it next year too,” Beacom said.
 
Blake said she was happy to be one of the pioneers of Standing Bear’s NHD program. She would recommend the activity to every Grizzly interested in history.
 
“I’ve been having a lot of fun with this,” Blake said. “It’s definitely been a good thing.”
 
LPS has many social studies opportunities for K-12 students. Visit home.lps.org/socialstudies to learn more about activities at every grade level.
 
Do you have a story idea? Share it with the LPS Communications Team by filling out this form!

LPS Nebraska History Day District Contest State Qualifiers

Senior (Grades 9-12) Individual Exhibit

1st place: Milena Prochaska – Title IX: A Catalyst for Educational Equality – Lincoln Southeast
2nd: Ellaina Manning – Fighting Against Communism in America: How the Red Scare and John Birch Society Worked Against Communism in America – Lincoln Southeast
3rd: Molly Andrews – Salem Witch Trials: Judicial Rights and Responsibilities – Lincoln Southeast

Senior Group Exhibit

1st place: Janet Kovalenko and Jasmine Shulyak – Activism and Armbands: The Influence of Tinker v. Des Moines on Student Rights – Lincoln Standing Bear
2nd: Avril Ameli, Ava Bearden, Camree Craft and Peyton Svendsen – The Great Flappers of the 1920s: Paving the Way for a New Era of Women – Lincoln Southeast
3rd: Sam Abak and Ashton Reichmuth – Indian Citizenship Act of 1924: Path to Progress – Lincoln Standing Bear

Senior Individual Documentary

3rd place: Ryker Ressel – Stonewall Inn: The Past, the Uprising and Everything that Ensued – Lincoln Southeast

Senior Group Documentary

1st place: Chase Bergstrom and Tobias Pfeifer – The Forgotten Brother: How Vincenzo Capone Fought Moonshiners and Protected Native Americans – Lincoln Southeast
2nd: Sam Heaston and Hunter Hupka – Foundations of Freedom: The Nebraska State Constitution – Lincoln Southeast

Senior Individual Website

1st place: Jackie Burkey – The Affordable Care Act: The Government’s Role in Protecting Americans’ Right to Afford Healthcare – Lincoln Southeast

Senior Group Website

1st place: Katelyn Pischel and Autumn Veen – Prohibition: Reform Gone Wrong – Lincoln Southeast
2nd: London Lambrecht and Joseph Perez Meza – Newburgh: How Washington Kept Us Together – Lincoln Southeast

Senior Individual Performance

1st place: Gideon Terwilleger – The Tuskegee Men – Lincoln Southeast

Senior Group Performance

1st place: Orla Blake, Kavai Dodworth and Maddie Kulhanek – The Sneaky Women: How Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton Fought for Women’s Rights (by sneaking in to vote) – Lincoln Standing Bear

Senior Individual Paper

1st place: Jackson Froeschl – Unveiling Injustice: The Systemic Mistreatment of Mexicans in America During and After World War II – Lincoln Standing Bear
2nd: Erin Louderback – How the Seneca Falls Convention Launched the Women’s Suffrage Movement – Lincoln Southeast
3rd: Jonathan De Jabet – The Nuclear Nuance: How the Responsibilities of the Nuclear Age Affected the People of the World – Lincoln Southeast

Special Awards for Exceptional Projects

Jackson Froeschl – Lincoln Standing Bear – Lorraine Berkhout Award for the Best Achievement in Historical Writing
Gideon Terwilleger – Lincoln Southeast – Best Project in the Diversity of American Culture
Milena Prochaska – Lincoln Southeast – Sandra Slade McDermott Award for the Best Project in Women’s History
Janet Kovalenko and Jasmine Shulyak – Lincoln Standing Bear – James Isemann Award for the Best Project in Military History

Posted on April 08, 2025

Launch at LPS: Southeast senior Olivia plays successful keys in life at school

Olivia’s imagination, curiosity and outgoing personality have helped her unlock the doors of success at Southeast High School.
 
Whether dancing her fingers across piano keys, forming sentences of code on a computer keyboard or learning the keys to languages like Spanish and Mandarin, the Southeast senior has become a shining role model for fellow Knights. Her classroom and creative interests have helped her construct a launching pad for many positive post-graduation moments.
 
School counselors Kelsey Lorimer and ReeAnna Armagost said Olivia has distinguished herself during her four years in Southeast’s hallways. In addition to her academic excellence, she has become involved in a wide range of activities. She is president of Southeast’s African American Caucus, vice president of LSE Business Club, founder of the school’s badminton club and member of the LSE Leadership Cadre. She can also draw calligraphy, engage in detailed conversations about economics and become friends with people from Brazil to Taiwan.

 
“There’s no resume like Olivia’s,” Lorimer said. “I can pick it out because I know her, but it would stand out to me even if I didn’t know her. It just has such a wide variety of really unique and cool interests and hobbies and experiences.”
 
“What I admire is her attitude,” Armagost said. “She’s just a positive person who puts everyone in a good mood. Her mind’s always going. She’s thirsty for knowledge and is always wanting to know more and take on that challenge. She doesn’t just sit back and take the easy way out.”

 
Olivia said she enjoys being a “serial hobbyist” in her school and community activities. Her willingness to try new things has helped her secure lifelong skills and become well-respected among her peers.
 
“I think I’ve come to understand that it’s important to get involved outside of just going to class and going home,” Olivia said. “It takes putting in hours after school on homework or preparing for competitions, or at school, going to clubs and talking to teachers and getting involved in activities. I think that’s made a world of difference in my time here.”
 
Lorimer said Olivia’s leadership skills have benefited many Knights. The LSE Leadership Cadre meets every other week and helps students learn how to guide their classmates in academic and social ways. Navigating difficult conversations with both grace and truth has allowed Olivia to form strong bonds with her classmates.
 
“She’s not afraid of a challenge and she’s not afraid of conflict,” Lorimer said. “She’s able to put forth her thoughts and opinions in a firm but empathetic way, and it has been really refreshing.”

 
One of Olivia’s main goals is to expand her ability to speak with people from across the world. She traveled to Spain last summer as part of a language immersion program. She experienced new food, customs, culture and conversations during her international trip.
 
Olivia also befriended an exchange student from Taiwan who attended Southeast last year. She decided to enroll in Mandarin classes because she wanted to speak to her new classmate in her native language. Her efforts helped her earn a Student Language Spotlight Award from the Nebraska Department of Education this winter for her Mandarin singing skills.
 
“If I knew her language, we’d be able to communicate better,” Olivia said. “I have some friends who are from Brazil, and I wish I could learn Portuguese so I could learn their humor. It’s good to be able to communicate on a deeper level when you know somebody’s language.”

 
Olivia has also become fluent in the language of music. She played the clarinet in middle school and fell in love with the piano after watching the movie “La La Land” four years ago. She said the joy she sees from her piano teacher has given her additional motivation to perform jazz tunes.
 
“It helps that I have somebody like that,” Olivia said. “He plays piano professionally, so that’s kept me engaged. I like to see people who love what they do.”

 
Armagost and Lorimer said Olivia’s enterprising outlook on life has set her apart. She embraced the ideas of responsibility, decision-making and thoughtfulness after several difficult personal experiences in middle school. Those taught her the importance of reaching for goals herself instead of relying on others to do things for her.
 
“The immersion program, she searched that out herself,” Armagost said. “The Mandarin classes, she sought those out herself. Just the initiative, the self-motivation is there for her.”
 
“There’s some natural leadership that happens, but because of that initiative, she seeks out those roles too, which gives her the platform to make a difference and an impact on a greater scale than just in her circle,” Lorimer said.
 
Olivia is planning to double major in economics and international relations at Columbia University next year. She would like to use her bridge-building skills to become an international diplomat.

 
Olivia said she has enjoyed her time in Southeast’s hallways. She felt her Lincoln-based friendships and connections have given her the keys to a successful future.
 
“It makes me excited for college and my future career,” Olivia said. “I’ve seen what it can do when you talk to a whole bunch of people and get to know everybody. People know your name and you know other people’s names. It makes life easier. It makes it more fun to be at school.”

Congratulations, Olivia!

We wish you the best in your future endeavors.

We are thankful our educators could help you Launch at LPS!

Looking for LPS graduation information?

Check out our graduation page at https://home.lps.org/graduation/ to get the details on celebrating your favorite high school grad.

Do you have a story idea? Share it with the LPS Communications Team by filling out this form!

Posted on April 08, 2025

Fantastic Fifty: Zeman alumni celebrate golden anniversary of school community

Scientists have discovered that no two zebras have the same pattern of stripes, which makes each individual a special and important member of the group.
 
Hundreds of students, staff and local residents have formed the same types of educational stripes at Zeman Elementary School over the past 50 years, as everyone there is special, important and appreciated.
 
A large group of teachers, administrators and students celebrated Zeman’s positive stripes this spring during a 50th anniversary open house. Named after longtime Lincoln Public Schools teacher and administrator Anna Zeman, the school opened in 1974 at 4900 S. 52nd St. It has served as a launching pad to success for hundreds of Zebras ever since.
 
The open house turned into a happy reunion for many Zeman alumni like David Douglas. He was a fifth grader in 1974 and had Judy Bartels as his teacher. He said it was exciting to see how Zeman’s floor plan had transformed since his time as a Zebra. The school’s initial open-concept design did not include any walls or doors in four large classroom areas. A renovation project in 2010-11 created a more-traditional look in the hallways.
 
“It’s a lot different,” Douglas said. “All this was open, and all we had were little dividers between the rooms.”
 
Longtime Zeman teachers Chelley Peterson and Eileen Schmeichel said the wide-open design was just one of many elements that made Zeman special over the past five decades. They joined a lineup of open house speakers that included Zeman Principal Rudi Wolfe, Lincoln Board of Education member Piyush Srivastav and Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools President Natalia Wiita.
 
Peterson and Schmeichel told an enthusiastic audience that the close-knit nature of staff and families was one of the biggest zebra stripes that set Zeman apart. Peterson has taught at the school since 1988 and Schmeichel began leading students in the 2000-01 academic year.
 
“Thank you, each and every one of you, for coming today,” Peterson said. “You’re here because you love Zeman, and you’re here because, as Ms. Wolfe said, we are a part of a family. We consider Zeman one of the best-kept secrets, and yet we love sharing our secret with the people who come through our doors.”
 
“We are in a very special place,” Schmeichel said. “You all know that because you’re all here, but thank you so much for coming. Thank you so much for celebrating with us in what I like to call the Goldilocks of schools. We’re not too big. We’re not too small. We’re just right.”
 
Wolfe said the school’s mission has been to continue the LPS legacy of Zeman, who began teaching at Clinton Elementary School in 1928. She became assistant principal at Havelock Elementary School in 1946 and began her 20-year tenure as principal at College View Elementary School in 1948. Zeman placed great value on providing an environment for all students to thrive in and develop their potential to the fullest.
 
“As our founding staff wisely noted, it’s the people – our scholars, our staff, our families – that truly makes Zeman a special place,” Wolfe said. “And today, we celebrate what truly makes Zeman special. We are a learning community that is dedicated and committed to seeing scholars succeed.”
 
Srivastav said staff members deserve the credit for helping Zeman graduates make positive contributions to society. Clothing styles, educational technology and the building’s layout may have changed since 1974-75, but the care and commitment shown to Zeman children have remained the same for 50 years.
 
“I want to thank our excellent staff here at Zeman for making Ms. Zeman’s vision come true every day,” Srivastav said. “We owe a debt of gratitude to our dedicated educators. You have poured your passion, expertise and tireless efforts into shaping the minds and hearts of our students. Your dedication to fostering growth, intellectual curiosity and connectedness have enriched our students’ lives and left an indelible mark on our community.”
 
The audience heard a special presentation of “Don’t Stop Believin,” a song that was written by Zeman students and music teacher Jenna Brookens. The mood in the room remained bright after Wiita shared that Zeman had been selected as this year’s recipient of an $11,000 Harley and Shirley Bair Playground Endowment Fund grant from the Foundation for LPS. The school will use the grant money for playground improvements and renovations. The community can continue to contribute to the Fund a Need campaign to help the school reach its goal.
 
Dozens of alumni like Douglas toured the building after the program. Several reminisced about what it was like to be at Zeman during the first year, and some carried old class photos with them to show to friends. Many gave warm hugs to teachers and classmates who shared the same pride in their school.
 
Wolfe said those moments showed why Zeman has been and will remain a special part of the lives of many LPS students.
 
“Fifty years is a testament to the dedication, the enduring spirit and the commitment of Zeman’s remarkable school community,” Wolfe said.
 
Do you have a story idea? Share it with the LPS Communications Team by filling out this form!

Posted on April 08, 2025

Standing Bear students learn about economics of sports gambling

Standing Bear High School students focused their attention on sports gambling this spring by viewing the topic through the lenses of personal finance, economics and human behavior.
 
Dozens of Grizzlies took part in an interactive lesson called “Beyond the Bet: The Economics of Gambling” in their World of Business classes. Nebraska Council on Economic Education (NCEE) Associate Director Matt Pierson spent 45 minutes teaching them about the social and financial impacts of sports gambling, the probability of making successful bets and how the activity affects human decisions.
 
Standing Bear student Kate said she learned a lot from Pierson’s presentation. She said it was interesting to know that gambling takes place throughout society. Card games at casinos, fantasy sports leagues, stock market purchases, lottery tickets, wagers on outcomes of basketball games and bets on 50/50 drawings can all be considered forms of gambling.
 
“I really liked the lesson,” Kate said. “I thought it was cool how he brought in interactive things that we could do, and I thought it really showed how there’s so much into gambling.”
 
Classmate Payton said the lesson helped him become more aware of sports gambling. He has filled out March Madness brackets and signed up for fantasy football drafts because of the fun nature of both activities.
 
“Sometimes it can be good and sometimes it can be bad. It’s not always the same,” Payton said. “It just depends on who the person is.”
 
Pierson and NCEE President Jennifer Davidson spent approximately one year developing the three-lesson unit, which has received national acclaim for its evenhanded and in-depth approach to the topic. They led a four-person writing team that weaved activities, videos and statistics together in each of the lessons.

Pierson and Davidson presented the award-winning curriculum at the 2025 National Association of Economic Educators (NAEE) Spring Conference, and they also shared it at Nebraska business, marketing and information technology conferences this past fall. The free lessons are accessible to thousands of teachers across the country under the education section of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis website.
 
Pierson said introducing students to concepts like risk, incentive, and opportunity has become more important with the increased number of gambling websites and businesses available to consumers. Teenagers are also able to access gambling sites through their smartphones and other new technological devices.
 
“The more I talk to high school students, I’ll just ask them, ‘Hey, are you gambling?’ And once they realize that I’m not here to turn them into any authority or anything like that, usually a good percentage of them have done some sort of activity that falls under gambling,” Pierson said. “I think especially with it becoming more active on the phones too, they’re able to make bets from their couch, using their brother’s account or using their friend’s account or whatever it may be. I think it’s really, really important to hit that in high school.”
 
One of the lesson’s main goals is to teach students the mathematical reasons why gambling is unpredictable. Pierson asked Standing Bear volunteers to complete five sports-themed activities in front of the class. Kate tried to kick as many small wads of paper as she could through the legs of a chair, which mimicked soccer, and Payton played a baseball game that involved hitting crushed pieces of paper above a line on the wall.
 
Before Kate and Payton started their first round, students wrote down guesses of how many times they would succeed in making soccer goals or hitting home runs. After watching them complete the first round, their classmates then made new guesses of their second-round totals. Only five to ten percent of the class guessed the exact second-round number each time.
 
“I think a lot of them are surprised that they can’t predict it, especially the second time,” Pierson said. “The second time I like to reiterate to them, ‘Well, you’ve already seen it. Same person, same everything.’ You know how many they’re going to get, and they still can’t predict it. I think that makes it a little more real to them, like, ‘Oh yeah, I can’t predict these things.’”
 
Kate said it also gave her a firsthand perspective of how sports gambling can potentially affect collegiate and professional athletes. After she scored three goals in her second round, she heard people asking her to change her behavior so they could win the guessing game. Pierson then shared several examples of athletes who had received angry threats from gamblers for not collecting enough touchdowns, rebounds or digs.
 
“I definitely heard people shouting at me to stop and telling me to do one more and stuff,” Kate said. “Obviously, I was in a very low-pressure situation, but even that kind of affected me a little bit, so I just know that people in really high-pressure types of situations, like major league and stuff, they probably experience that a lot more than I did.”
 
Pierson said he has enjoyed helping high school students view sports gambling through more-educated lenses in their business, finance and human growth classes.
 
“With March Madness going on and just being in the middle of that, sports betting is obviously going to be a huge topic for people,” Pierson said. “Getting to speak to high school students about that, who are for sure at least exposed to it and some are participating in it, and getting to talk about real life with them a little bit is really a great opportunity.”
 
Visit the Nebraska Business Focus Program at Standing Bear High School webpage at business.lps.org to learn more about this learning opportunity with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s College of Business. LPS teachers and Nebraska Business professors lead students in pre-pathway and early college and career pathway courses.
 
Do you have a story idea? Share it with the LPS Communications Team by filling out this form!

Posted on April 04, 2025