Signature Celebrations: LPS seniors declare intent to join education profession < Updated

Balloons, banners and big smiles surrounded Lincoln Public Schools seniors this spring when they declared their intent to become future educators.
 
Sixty-five seniors from all eight LPS high schools participated in inaugural future educators signing days. LPS administrators, teachers and family members watched with pride as seniors gathered on high school stages for their big moments. Southwest (16 signees), East (13), Southeast (9), Lincoln High (7), Northwest (7), Northeast (6), North Star (5) and Standing Bear (2) hosted the festive events in May.
 
Northwest senior Izzy and Lincoln High senior Amara beamed as they wrote their names in copies of a book called “I Promise.” Izzy is planning to major in elementary education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and Amara is preparing to study elementary and early childhood education at UNL. Both said they were grateful to publicly express their excitement about choosing their careers.
 
“As a future educator, I felt like what I want to do is important,” Izzy said. “I don’t think we celebrate educators enough, and I have noticed this throughout my years in school. So, to have a signing day celebrating future educators, I felt very proud to be a part of it!”
 
“Education is a field that is often overlooked and underappreciated, so having a celebration dedicated to us felt so very special,” Amara said. “Signing night brought to life a dream I’ve held close to my heart since I was in elementary, to leave a positive impact on our future!”
 
Southwest senior Grant said he was happy to join a family tradition of education. His mother is a behavior interventionist at Lakeview Elementary School, his aunt works at the Steve Joel District Leadership Center and his grandmother is a health technician at Northeast High School. He wore a t-shirt with the words America Needs Teachers on it to celebrate that personal history with the profession.
 
“It’s just so cool to have this thing for educators,” Grant said. “Sports have signing days, but I feel like it’s cool because teachers and educators are the people who literally move on the next generations. I feel like it’s really cool to honor those people.”
 
Barb Miller said those reactions are why LPS arranged each signing day event. Miller has been a key architect of the LPS Grow Your Own initiative as the LPS emerging educators empowerment specialist.
 
“Honestly, it is incredibly moving to see that many hands go up when asked about becoming a teacher,” Miller said. “In a world where young people are constantly bombarded with messages to chase the loudest, most lucrative or flashiest careers, choosing education renews hope. When students say they want to be teachers, they are usually saying, ‘Someone sparked a light in me, and I want to do that for someone else.’”
 
Miller said it was important for students to celebrate their classroom callings together. Friends of one future teacher showed up with homemade signs, cheering her on like she’d just been drafted into a professional sports league.
 
“That is exactly why peer representation matters,” Miller said. “It proves that entering education isn’t just a quiet, solo decision – it’s something worth celebrating loudly. When students see their peers holding up signs and rallying behind them, it replaces anxiety with an undeniable sense of belonging. They realize they aren’t walking into the challenges of the education field alone. Collective enthusiasm breeds collective courage.”
 
Amara and Izzy said they wanted to echo those supportive actions in their future jobs.
 
“I want my classroom to be a place where anyone can feel loved, safe and cared for,” Izzy said. “I want my classroom to be a learning environment where students don’t feel ashamed of getting the answer wrong or not knowing an answer. A classroom where every student grows and learns every day.”
 
“I personally have had phenomenal teachers throughout my elementary years, so I know firsthand the impact a good teacher can leave on a student in the early years,” Amara said. “I can’t wait to give the same love and care that I received to the next generation!”
 
Many signees like Izzy and Amara said they would like to join the LPS family once they graduate.
 
“I want to come back to LPS to teach,” Izzy said. “This is because LPS makes a difference in every student’s life. LPS has resources for students who struggle to learn or come from any background.”
 
“I am so thankful to be a part of such an amazing school district, and coming back to teach here has always been a dream of mine,” Amara said. “I love the idea of teaching at the same elementary school that I attended, as my own special way of paying it forward. Campbell Elementary gave me such a head start on my education and childhood development, and I would love to play that same role for my students.”
 
Miller said the inaugural signing days made it clear that many students want to join a profession that is meaningful, moving and mission-focused.
 
“Knowing that so many students want to be that spark for the next generation brings an overwhelming sense of pride and reassurance,” Miller said. “It’s a reminder that empathy, patience and the desire to lift others up are still deeply valued by young people today. It makes you look at the future and think, ‘We’re going to be in good hands.’”
 
Want to work at LPS? Join our team and check out current career opportunities.

Photos from all eight signing day ceremonies are below!

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Posted on May 22, 2026

Retired Morley teacher continues making an impact as substitute < New

At Morley Elementary School, Diane Huseman is more than a longtime substitute teacher. She is part of the school’s story.

Huseman taught at Morley for more than 30 years before retiring from full-time teaching in 2010. The very next semester, she returned as a substitute teacher and has continued showing up for students ever since.

For Huseman, teaching was never really a question. After her first day of kindergarten, she went home and announced to her parents, “I am going to be a teacher.” From then on, she began teaching the neighborhood children lessons with her mobile chalkboard. 

“It is just fun being around the children and watching them learn,” Huseman said. “I've never gotten tired of that aspect.”

Born and raised in Gary, Ind., Huseman began teaching in Highland, Ind., before moving to Lincoln for her husband’s work. She started at Morley in 1973, building a decades-long career mostly teaching fifth grade at the school she now calls her “home-away-from-home.”

“Diane is a very special part of the Morley community,” Morley Principal Brandi Hennerberg said. “Everyone knows Mrs. Huseman and looks forward to having her in the classroom. Teachers are consistently requesting her to take their sub jobs because they know she will do a great job.”

Hennerberg said Huseman often prepares for substitute jobs the night before just as she did as a classroom teacher. She wants to be fully ready for the day and support students as much as possible.

Students are excited to see Huseman in the classroom because she makes learning fun. After decades at Morley, she has also taught many of the students’ parents, making her a familiar face to generations of Morley families.

“She makes an effort to make a connection with each student,” Morley student Sidney said. 

Even after retiring from full-time teaching, Huseman said she was not ready to leave the classroom behind. As a substitute teacher, she enjoys working with students across grade levels and seeing the full picture of elementary education.

“It is amazing to run into adults who were former students and have them say, ‘I remember you,’” Huseman said. “‘You helped me so much,’ or ‘I really liked being in your classroom.’ What a tremendously rewarding and fulfilling profession.”

Interested in becoming a substitute teacher at LPS? Learn more here: LPS Substitute Teachers.

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Posted on May 21, 2026

Tommy forms strong connections with caring actions at Bryan Community < Updated

Bryan Community senior Tommy is forming connections as strong as the Brooklyn Bridge with his gift for building relationships.
 
Tommy has blossomed into one of the school’s top leaders with his willingness to start conversations with everyone. He has gained the trust of both students and staff members with his actions in classrooms, hallways and meeting spaces. He talks with people of all ages, works well with teachers and uses his musical abilities to form bonds with others.
 
Tommy said his time at Bryan Community has changed his outlook from judgmental to joyful. He arrived on campus as a sophomore and was hesitant to form friendships because of past events in his life. The support he has received at school has led to many social doors swinging wide open.
 
“Ever since I started here at Bryan, I’ve really tried to treat everyone on an equal basis, regardless of who they are or where they come from,” Tommy said. “I really do try to live by the Golden Rule of treating others like you’d want to be treated. Being here at Bryan has taught me that your life can be successful if you do that.”
 
Bryan Community teacher John Bell said he has been impressed with Tommy’s growth in both personal and prosocial areas. Administrators rewarded his hard work by selecting him to speak at the school’s upcoming commencement ceremony. Bell said fellow students reacted well when they learned about that choice.
 
“If we asked the student body to vote for three people whom they’d like to be a senior speaker, I can guarantee you that Tommy would be one of the people chosen,” Bell said. “He’s very well-liked at school. He’s made an impact on the lives of a lot of people here, and I think they respect him for that.”

 
Tommy grew up in Lincoln and attended Sheridan Elementary School and Irving Middle School. He said the highlight of his formative years came when he had Amelia Smith as his teacher in both first and fifth grades.
 
“She’s a teacher who really just did believe in me,” Tommy said. “She really did see me for who I was. I’ve always loved her for that. She was just a great teacher.”
 
A major event in Tommy’s life happened when he was a ninth grader at Southeast High School. His grandmother passed away during the year, which made a deep impact on him.
 
“That was very rough for me,” Tommy said. “That hit home.”
 
Tommy accepted a recommendation to enroll at Bryan Community the following year. He soon discovered that he was not alone on his life pathway. Students began sharing their own stories with him, and staff members like Bell took time to listen to Tommy’s concerns. The senior said those kindhearted actions helped him turn his high school career around.
 
“Ever since I came here, I’ve been doing better,” Tommy said. “I’ve gone out of my way to try to not disappoint the teachers that I look up to or the staff members or my peers, because I care about who they are.”
 
Bell said Tommy’s compassionate attitude has rippled throughout the building. Bell has watched Tommy approach multiple students who may not have had large social circles. He has been intentional about including them in group conversations and introducing them to other people. Those deeds have strengthened the feelings of belonging and acceptance for everyone at school.
 
“One thing that I think is impressive is that Tommy befriended a couple of kids who didn’t have friends,” Bell said. “I commend him for that. He didn’t have to do that, but he wanted to make sure they felt seen and heard and respected here. It says a lot about the character that Tommy has.”
 
“Everyone likes to be seen and acknowledged,” Tommy said. “I know what it’s like to be on the other side of that, so I want to make sure that doesn’t happen to other people.”
 
Tommy said his time at Bryan Community has also inspired him to pursue musical interests. He has written several songs and would like to pen additional lyrics and scores in the future.
 
“I’m very proud of what I’ve been able to create,” Tommy said. “I realize that I’m probably not going to get rich doing this, but that’s not my main goal. It gives me a lot of satisfaction to be able to make something and then try to take it to the next level. It gives me a sense of accomplishment.”
 
Bryan Community’s mission statement is “ensuring all students will achieve the necessary learning to be successful up to and beyond graduation.” Bell said Tommy has become a powerful symbol of why that mission statement matters. He said it was important to help everyone form connections as strong as the Brooklyn Bridge.
 
“I’m a firm believer in Bryan and what we’re trying to do here,” Bell said. “To watch Tommy go from where he was three years ago to where he is now is just a great testimony of that. If a kid like Tommy really buys into Bryan, then they can excel, and that’s what he’s done.”
 
Are you the proud family of a graduating LPS senior? Find everything you need to prepare for the big day, including ceremony dates, times and venue locations. View the 2026 Graduation Schedule and Details.
 
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Posted on May 20, 2026

State athletic leaders honor trio of LPS administrators < Updated

Three Lincoln Public Schools athletic administrators earned statewide honors this spring for their championship-level leadership talents.
 
The Nebraska State Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NSIAAA) recognized JJ Toczek, Kara Graham and Jeff Pierce at the organization’s awards banquet. Toczek received the NSIAAA Meritorious Service to Education-Based Athletics in Nebraska Award, Graham received the NSIAAA Emerging Athletic Administrator of the Year Award and Pierce received the NSIAAA Assistant Athletic Administrator of the Year Award.
 
NSIAAA Executive Director Mark Armstrong and NSIAAA Past President Mitchell Stine said all three LPS leaders own strong credentials. Toczek is LPS director of athletics and activities, Graham serves as Southeast High School director of athletics and activities and Pierce is Northeast High School’s associate athletic and activities director.
 
“Recognition through NSIAAA awards reflects years of dedication and service,” Stine said. “These honors are not simply about any short-term or transactional success in terms of wins or state championships, but about leadership, mentorship and a commitment to advancing educationally-based athletics and activities throughout Nebraska. Kara, Jeff and JJ are all very deserving of this recognition.”
 
“High school activities and athletics are often the front porch of a school’s identity, and it is imperative that those providing leadership for these different activities be competent and very skilled in what they do and how they provide leadership for these programs,” Armstrong said. “Folks like JJ, Kara and Jeff deserve to be recognized for the expertise they provide to their positions of leadership, providing a stable base upon which these programs can be built and operate.”
 
NSIAAA President Sara Fjell said LPS athletics and activities programs are admired across Nebraska because of leaders like Toczek, Graham and Pierce. The Lincoln High grad said she has been impressed with how the LPS department operates.
 
“I think LPS athletic directors have a strong reputation of making decisions that keep kids in the forefront of plans and purpose,” Fjell said. “They collaborate well amongst each other and have found ways to continue the growth for both opportunities and activities that LPS can offer. They also work well amongst their HAC (Heartland Athletic Conference) schools in making great conference events and sending good competitive teams and individuals to state tournaments.”
 
JJ Toczek
Toczek said he was thankful for the opportunity to spend the past 30 years in public education. He said his current position gives him a front-row seat to the many good deeds that LPS students, teachers, coaches and administrators provide others every day.
 
“I believe the LPS education-based athletics and activities program is respected across the state because of our intelligent, hardworking, fundamentally sound and competitive student participants, our dedicated and knowledgeable coaches, our kind, caring, collaborative and tireless ADs, and our supportive school district and community,” Toczek said.
 
Fjell said Toczek has been an important role model for her. She is the activities director and assistant principal at Elkhorn High School and has been involved in many NSIAAA projects.
 
“JJ has been a mentor to me since I came into this position five years ago,” Fjell said. “He has guided me with steadfast advice, and his wealth of knowledge and experience within both coaching and building administration has been so helpful. He was a strong president for the NSIAAA and I was glad to work with him as he modeled to me strong leadership.”
 
Toczek grew up in Grand Island and graduated from Grand Island Northwest in 1990. He participated in football, concert choir, show choir and drama all four years and was involved in Student Council activities for three years. He also took part in basketball, track and speech during his time with the Vikings and was class president all four years.
 
“Those formative high school academic and extracurricular experiences provided me the framework to understand the importance of education-based athletics and activities,” Toczek said. “They required me to focus on academics, be a servant leader, put in the time and sweat necessary to achieve my goals, and understand that competition makes myself and everyone around me better.”
 
Toczek taught physical education, business and English classes at LPS from 1996-2003 before becoming assistant director of athletics and activities at Papillion-La Vista. He returned to LPS in 2009 and became Southeast’s director of athletics and activities in 2013. He began his current role in 2022.
 
Toczek said he believes LPS athletics and activities will remain at the forefront of student education in Nebraska.
 
“I am truly grateful to be a member of the Lincoln community, an employee of LPS and a servant leader of the district’s education-based athletics and activities program,” Toczek said. “We strive to do things the right way with integrity, competency, consistency and class, while always keeping LPS kids and coaches first.”
 
Kara Graham
Graham graduated from Southeast in 1995 and was honored as Miss Nebraska Basketball her senior year. She said one of her top aims is to help current Knights enjoy their high school years as much as she did.
 
“Southeast is home,” Graham said. “I understand firsthand the impact that a strong athletic program can have on student-athletes. My goal for our student-athletes is that one day, long after they graduate, that the Southeast fight song will still give them goosebumps, like it does for me. Southeast has given me so much, and I just want to return the favor.”
 
Graham graduated from the University of Nebraska-Kearney in 2000 and taught physical education at Belmont Elementary School until 2006. She then joined her alma mater in a pair of mentorship roles. She taught physical education classes and began a successful run as head girls basketball coach.
 
Graham became associate athletic director at Southeast in 2018 and rose to the top AD spot in 2022. She oversees a department that sponsors girls and boys teams in 15 sports.
 
Graham’s impact reaches far beyond the city limits. She represents District I on the Nebraska School Activities Association (NSAA) Board of Directors. The organization supervises a wide variety of school-based events and programs each year.
 
Graham said she is passionate about working in high school athletics because of the personal growth that takes place. She felt the time spent in practices, meetings, games and tournaments can serve as a launching pad for a meaningful future.
 
“It brings me joy to watch student-athletes compete,” Graham said. “Athletes can begin on the freshman team and then work hard to make varsity as a senior and see all of their hard work pay off. There is nothing like the progression of skills and character development that occurs in high schools.”
 
Jeff Pierce
Pierce’s 36-year career in public education has included roles in elementary, middle and high schools. He has been at Northeast since 2017 and said he has enjoyed every minute of it.
 
“I am fortunate to be in a place that feels like a family,” Pierce said. “The northeast part of town is like its own small community. People take pride in the school and area while knowing that the education provided here will give them the tools necessary to be successful in whatever one chooses to do in life. I am fortunate to be a part of it.”
 
Pierce grew up in Lincoln and attended classes at Lakeview Elementary School and Everett Junior High School. After graduating from Milford High School, he completed bachelor’s and master’s degree programs at Doane University. He has used that expertise in teaching, coaching and administrative positions at LPS.
 
Pierce said he enjoys helping hundreds of Rockets reach their goals in both academics and activities. He accomplishes that by greeting students in hallways, overseeing facility schedules, helping in concession stands and assisting with many aspects of event management. He said it is meaningful to serve as a mentor and advocate for young people.
 
“It is a fast-paced profession in which no two days are ever the same,” Pierce said. “I have the privilege of working with coaches, athletes, parents, staff and other community members while networking in the school, district and state. It is a welcoming environment for growth.”
 
Pierce said all LPS schools are committed to providing the best possible experiences for students and spectators. He said that is one of many reasons why he likes working in Lincoln.
 
“Each school wants to represent themselves and the district at the highest level of competition while respecting others and supporting the fellow schools in the district and throughout the state,” Pierce said. “A vision is in place to grow facilities and its people with planning and support. It allows LPS to stay a leader for years to come.”
 
Stine said Toczek, Graham and Pierce have made lifelong impressions on thousands of LPS students during their award-winning tenures.
 
“Kara, Jeff and JJ each represent the professionalism, integrity and student-centered leadership our profession strives for,” Stine said. “Their commitment to creating positive opportunities for students, supporting coaches and sponsors, and promoting educationally-based athletics and activities has had a meaningful impact within both LPS and the state of Nebraska.”
 
Discover how leaders like JJ, Kara and Jeff help fulfill the mission of LPS athletics and activities for students.
 
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Posted on May 20, 2026

Knights, Silver Hawks claim awards in Nebraska communications contest < Updated

Members of the Southeast and Southwest journalism staffs created award-winning news content at a state communications showcase this spring.
 
The Knights and Silver Hawks displayed their journalism talents at the Nebraska Press Women High School Communications Contest. They joined students from 19 other Nebraska schools at the event, which featured 508 entries in 23 categories. The contest included writing, photography, graphics, broadcast and yearbook classifications.
 
Southeast claimed the team championship with 19 awards. The Knights captured first place in five categories and added silver medals in five additional contests. Southwest earned three awards at the state event. Brianne Clark is the print and broadcast journalism advisor at Southeast and Delani Young is Southwest’s journalism advisor.
 
Southeast students Evangeline Ahern and Cory Nguyen each played valuable roles in the school’s success. Ahern is a member of The Clarion newspaper staff and Nguyen is part of the Knight Pride News broadcast team. Both said their journalism experiences have been fulfilling.
 
“I have learned so much from taking journalism classes and being a part of The Clarion newspaper team,” Ahern said. “I hardly had any interest in writing before joining, but through The Clarion it has become a valuable creative outlet for me. While yes, there’s a lot of humbling that you take from learning a new skill such as producing a newspaper, I feel that this whole experience has been a confidence builder.”
 
“The most important aspect for me is teamwork with my peers,” Nguyen said. “They help a lot and they are great to work with, and that experience makes it so much better to pursue journalism. I am a tech enthusiast myself, so learning new things about the behind-the-scenes is very entertaining.”

Ahern earned a state championship for her single-page layout called “Spooky Movies to Sink Your Teeth Into.” She filled the newspaper’s back page with a review of Halloween-themed films and drawings of horror movie characters. She said it was rewarding to produce impactful illustrations for readers.
 
“I enjoy helping with a lot of graphics and illustrations for my fellow newspaper staff, but it was fun to focus on my own little self-indulgent project,” Ahern said. “I’m happy that so many people seem as excited about my designs as I am.”
 
Nguyen was part of a five-person team that won first place for a Knight Pride News episode aired on Dec. 5. Sofia Bunch, Sydney Kjeldgaard, Jenna Steinke and Adam Taylor joined forces for the newscast. Nguyen and Mason Sheehan pocketed a state title for a video sports story about Southeast’s bowling program.
 
Lida Prochaska and Kristina Gevorkova also captured first-place honors for their work. Prochaska won a gold medal for a column about the influence of artificial intelligence in today’s classrooms, and Gevorkova claimed a championship for a newspaper feature story about preparing for severe weather.
 
Nguyen and Ahern both said journalism has given them many skills they will use throughout their lives.
 
“I feel like my newscast experiences will help me become a better speaker,” Nguyen said. “I don’t really like public speaking as much, but this class opens me up to more opportunities to do so. It also has helped me research information and to make sure they are reliable. It has helped me cross reference and make sure that I have the correct information.”
 
“I feel drastically more confident in my ability to communicate and be a team player, as it is crucial to newspaper production,” Ahern said. “I feel more secure in my art and design skills due to the recognition I’ve received from Mrs. Clark and fellow Clarion staff. I just overall feel like I’ve found a voice as someone who isn’t usually seen or heard.”

2026 Nebraska Press Women High School Communications Contest Results

Southeast Results

Sofia Bunch, Sydney Kjeldgaard, Cory Nguyen, Jenna Steinke, Adam Taylor – First Place – Best Newscast
Lida Prochaska – First Place – Columns or Blogs
Kristina Gevorkova – First Place – Environment
Evangeline Ahern – First Place – Single-Page Layout
Cory Nguyen, Mason Sheehan – First Place – Video Sports Story
Evangeline Ahern – Second Place – Double-Truck Layout
Lanna Ramirez Cromer – Second Place – Single-Page Layout
Sydney Kjeldgaard, Jenna Steinke – Second Place – Video Feature Story
Adam Taylor, Alex Ringenberg – Second Place – Video News Story
Adam Taylor – Second Place – Video Sports Story
Sofia Bunch, Sydney Kjeldgaard, Cory Nguyen, Jenna Steinke, Adam Taylor – Third Place – Best Newscast
Kristina Gevorkova – Third Place – Feature Story
Sydney Kjeldgaard, Mason Sheehan – Third Place – Video News Story
Myla Davis – Honorable Mention – Columns or Blogs
Mina Jan – Honorable Mention – Opinion
Evangeline Ahern – Honorable Mention – Opinion
Myla Davis – Honorable Mention – Opinion
Lily Deitering – Honorable Mention – Review
Cory Nguyen – Honorable Mention – Video Feature Story

Southwest Results

Lily Weidemeier – Second Place – Yearbook Layout
Kayleigh Chaulk – Honorable Mention – Opinion
Lily Weidemeier – Honorable Mention – Yearbook Photo
 
Learn how journalism classes are a key piece of the LPS English language arts curriculum.
 
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Posted on May 20, 2026

LPS fifth graders make happy memories during Saltdogs game

Relive the livestream of the action from our gameday livefeed!

Lila, Ashlynn, Lenyn and Ronnie learned about teamwork Tuesday morning by playing a water balloon toss game in front of thousands of their classmates.
 
The four Lincoln Public Schools students joined fellow fifth graders from across the city at the annual Lincoln Saltdogs Kids Day. They filled Haymarket Park with happy sounds as they watched an American Association of Professional Baseball game between the Saltdogs and Sioux City Explorers. The trip gave students a chance to practice prosocial skills in a fun setting with teachers, administrators and other staff members.
 
Lila and Ashlynn go to Humann Elementary School and Lenyn and Ronnie attend Pyrtle Elementary School. Lila and Ronnie each tossed water balloons at Ashlynn and Lenyn, who were holding plastic buckets on their heads. They said it was fun to play a game on the stadium grass by the first base dugout.
 
“I’m glad that I didn’t get her wet,” Lila said, pointing to a smiling Ashlynn. “That was the best part.”
 
“I liked that there was teamwork with this,” Lenyn said. “It was cool that there were a lot of people supporting us too.”
 
Earlier in the morning, Hill Elementary School students Kyler, Michael and Carter smiled as they left the concession stand with their items. Carter said he wanted to catch a foul ball in the stands, while Michael said he was hoping to appear on the scoreboard screen. All three nodded their heads when asked if they were excited about the day.
 
“I’ve been looking forward to this all year,” Kyler said. “I just like seeing the Saltdogs play.”
 
“I like being with friends,” Michael said. “It’s a cool experience to get to do this.”
 
LPS K-12 Health and Physical Education Curriculum Specialist Matt Avey said he was happy to see students having fun at the ballpark. It marked the 15th year that LPS students have attended a Saltdogs game. Classes from all 40 elementary schools began to fill up the stadium soon after the first bus arrived at 9:30 a.m.
 
“It’s a great opportunity for kids,” Avey said. “A lot of kids have never been to a professional or semiprofessional game of any sport, so it’s a great chance for them to engage with their peers in a public setting.”
 
Avey and LPS K-12 Health and Physical Education Administrative Assistant Sherry Rogers finalized the date for the game back in November. They then worked with the LPS Transportation Department and other LPS leaders throughout the winter and spring to plan the big day. They scheduled bus drop-off and pick-up times, arranged where each school would sit in the stadium and involved students in many on-field activities.
 
Avey said the experience was a good teaching tool for all fifth graders. For example, students from dozens of schools came together to sing the national anthem prior to the first pitch. They learned how to meet other people, follow directions from choir leaders and perform in front of a large crowd. Many other students learned how to calmly stand in line for concessions, help each other find their seats and enjoy working together to create a wave in the audience.
 
“There are a lot of soft skills that we’re teaching kids today,” Avey said. “They’re learning how to be a member of the public with the things they’re doing. To get to do this with all of the other fifth graders at LPS is something that we hope will be both memorable and instructive.”
 
Holmes Elementary School fifth grader Tylen felt he was gaining many of those lifetime benefits. He emerged from a concession stand line alongside classmates Madi and Violet with ice cream to enjoy. He was glad that the Saltdogs tradition continued this spring.
 
“I like this because it’s baseball,” Tylen said. “It’s a good sport to watch with friends.”
 
Ashlynn said she gained confidence from being in the water balloon toss. She beamed as she caught two balloons from Lila during the event.
 
“It was scary being out there at first, but then I got used to it,” Ashlynn said. “It was a lot of fun. I’m glad that I got to do it.”
 
Avey said the Saltdogs game has become a highlight for thousands of LPS students each spring. He would like to provide the same memories for future fifth graders during their trips to Haymarket Park.
 
“It’s been a hit every year that we’ve been doing it,” Avey said. “Hopefully we can continue coming to games for many years to come.”
 
Discover more benefits that come from physical and health education activities at LPS.
 
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Posted on May 19, 2026

LPS students create home run experiences at Lincoln Saltdogs baseball game

Lila, Ashlynn, Lenyn and Ronnie learned about teamwork Tuesday morning by playing a water balloon toss game in front of thousands of their classmates.
 
The four Lincoln Public Schools students joined fellow fifth graders from across the city at the annual Lincoln Saltdogs Kids Day. They filled Haymarket Park with happy sounds as they watched an American Association of Professional Baseball game between the Saltdogs and Sioux City Explorers. The trip gave students a chance to practice prosocial skills in a fun setting with teachers, administrators and other staff members.
 
Lila and Ashlynn go to Humann Elementary School and Lenyn and Ronnie attend Pyrtle Elementary School. Lila and Ronnie each tossed water balloons at Ashlynn and Lenyn, who were holding plastic buckets on their heads. They said it was fun to play a game on the stadium grass by the first base dugout.
 
“I’m glad that I didn’t get her wet,” Lila said, pointing to a smiling Ashlynn. “That was the best part.”
 
“I liked that there was teamwork with this,” Lenyn said. “It was cool that there were a lot of people supporting us too.”
 
Earlier in the morning, Hill Elementary School students Kyler, Michael and Carter smiled as they left the concession stand with their items. Carter said he wanted to catch a foul ball in the stands, while Michael said he was hoping to appear on the scoreboard screen. All three nodded their heads when asked if they were excited about the day.
 
“I’ve been looking forward to this all year,” Kyler said. “I just like seeing the Saltdogs play.”
 
“I like being with friends,” Michael said. “It’s a cool experience to get to do this.”
 
LPS K-12 Health and Physical Education Curriculum Specialist Matt Avey said he was happy to see students having fun at the ballpark. It marked the 15th year that LPS students have attended a Saltdogs game. Classes from all 40 elementary schools began to fill up the stadium soon after the first bus arrived at 9:30 a.m.
 
“It’s a great opportunity for kids,” Avey said. “A lot of kids have never been to a professional or semiprofessional game of any sport, so it’s a great chance for them to engage with their peers in a public setting.”
 
Avey and LPS K-12 Health and Physical Education Administrative Assistant Sherry Rogers finalized the date for the game back in November. They then worked with the LPS Transportation Department and other LPS leaders throughout the winter and spring to plan the big day. They scheduled bus drop-off and pick-up times, arranged where each school would sit in the stadium and involved students in many on-field activities.
 
Avey said the experience was a good teaching tool for all fifth graders. For example, students from dozens of schools came together to sing the national anthem prior to the first pitch. They learned how to meet other people, follow directions from choir leaders and perform in front of a large crowd. Many other students learned how to calmly stand in line for concessions, help each other find their seats and enjoy working together to create a wave in the audience.
 
“There are a lot of soft skills that we’re teaching kids today,” Avey said. “They’re learning how to be a member of the public with the things they’re doing. To get to do this with all of the other fifth graders at LPS is something that we hope will be both memorable and instructive.”
 
Holmes Elementary School fifth grader Tylen felt he was gaining many of those lifetime benefits. He emerged from a concession stand line alongside classmates Madi and Violet with ice cream to enjoy. He was glad that the Saltdogs tradition continued this spring.
 
“I like this because it’s baseball,” Tylen said. “It’s a good sport to watch with friends.”
 
Ashlynn said she gained confidence from being in the water balloon toss. She beamed as she caught two balloons from Lila during the event.
 
“It was scary being out there at first, but then I got used to it,” Ashlynn said. “It was a lot of fun. I’m glad that I got to do it.”
 
Avey said the Saltdogs game has become a highlight for thousands of LPS students each spring. He would like to provide the same memories for future fifth graders during their trips to Haymarket Park.
 
“It’s been a hit every year that we’ve been doing it,” Avey said. “Hopefully we can continue coming to games for many years to come.”
 
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Posted on May 19, 2026

Riley shines during senior year of Independence Academy classes

Riley’s bright smile has made him a beacon of hope and optimism for many Lincoln Public Schools students each day.
 
The Independence Academy (IA) senior is preparing to embark on a successful post-graduation pathway. He has learned many life skills through IA programs and classes offered in the school district. He serves coffee with classmates at The Career Academy (TCA), sings in Standing Bear High School’s unified music class and works in Southeast Community College’s (SCC) cafeteria.
 
Riley said he likes the variety of his daily schedule. He has met many new people by taking the bus across town to different IA locations, and he has formed connections with fellow students ages 18-21 years old.
 
“I enjoy being with my friends at all sites,” Riley said.

 
Independence Academy teacher Emily Nathan said Riley has become a role model for IA students and leaders. She has enjoyed working with him on class assignments and life skills lessons for the past several years.
 
“Riley is a positive light in our program,” Nathan said. “He is happy wherever he goes and easily gets along with staff and peers. He likes to make people laugh and is willing to do just about any job.”
 
Alysia Smith is the team leader of Independence Academy, which helps students like Riley gain relevant educational, life, social and vocational experiences. IA classes provide community-based training that develops skills in communication, employment, independent living and recreation.
 
Smith said Riley has made a noticeable impact in all of his IA settings. He is eager to try new activities and takes the time to listen to instructions and advice from IA teachers.
 
“He always does really well,” Smith said. “He is a team player and happy to help with whatever is needed. He follows directions and works hard to participate.”

 
Riley has become a trusted member of the cafeteria staff at SCC. He learned how to create pizzas for students, which has given him additional confidence and satisfaction. He often smiles with Nathan as she watches him place toppings on each pizza.
 
Riley said he likes helping to make the pizzas in the cafeteria. He also enjoys putting away dishes with a classmate.
 
Riley also participates in a coffee cart store in TCA’s main commons. He and several IA classmates spent one morning helping students and adults choose different types of caffeinated drinks to buy. Riley recorded each purchase on a piece of paper while another IA student collected money. He then smiled at shoppers as they shared why they like to drink coffee.
 
Riley said those personal conversations make it fun to work at the coffee cart business each week. He said he looks forward to spending time with his classmates and meeting new people. He felt the best part of the coffee cart was greeting customers and working with his friends.

 
Nathan said those jobs illustrate how much growth Riley has made during his time in the IA program. He gets along well with classmates, makes decisions throughout the day and is comfortable seeking assistance if a problem arises.
 
“Riley has become a lot more independent,” Nathan said. “He knows the routines at our site and can follow them on his own, asking for help when needed. He addresses peers and has made new friends at this site as well. He is definitely prepared for a job after IA.”

 
Riley has also become a key member of the unified music class at Standing Bear. Many Grizzlies work together to practice for unified music concerts each quarter. They learn how to create melodies and harmonies, sing together on stage and follow many musical concepts.
 
The unified music program is one of 11 activities offered at Standing Bear through the Unified Grizzlies initiative. Many IA students participate in clubs and classes during the school year. The list includes bowling, track and field, digital media, music, physical education, book club, visual arts, culinary arts, yearbook, walking club and unified social club.
 
Nathan said she believes Riley will continue to cast a bright light on everyone who meets him in the future. She felt he would have many opportunities to showcase his skills in both the workplace and social environments across Lincoln.
 
“Riley will do amazing,” Nathan said. “He learns quickly and wants to work and be helpful. He is happy when he accomplishes something, especially when he gets to work with other people. He will have no problem getting a job where he can work through a routine each day.”
 
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Posted on May 18, 2026

Grasping Genetics: Park students learn about genetic traits by tasting apples

Park Middle School sixth graders gained scientific insights this spring by taking tasty bites of apples at their desks.
 
The Panthers explored the genetic makeup of four apple types during their Science and Design Thinking course. They tested the traits of Honeycrisp, Gala, Red Delicious and Golden Delicious apples before comparing their findings with their classmates. That laid the foundation for higher-level discussions about how genes cause different amounts of color, texture, flavor, crispiness and juiciness.
 
Eevy and Jai’Lisea said the experiment gave them a clearer understanding of why genetics matter for researchers, scientists and apple eaters.
 
“Doing projects like this is fun because it gives people a visual of what we’re learning,” Eevy said. “It makes it real.”
 
“I liked eating the apples because we got to taste all of the different flavors of apples that there are,” Jai’Lisea said.

 
Park science teacher Dave Beatty said Lincoln Public Schools students like Eevy and Jai’Lisea learned many scientific principles from their fruit fact-finding missions. Apples contain approximately 57,000 genes, which is twice the amount found in humans. These genes create characteristics such as disease resistance, texture, size, color and aroma.
 
“They have to ask really thoughtful questions like, ‘How do apples get their traits?’ and ‘Where do those come from?’” Beatty said. “Ultimately, everybody’s had a little bit of experience with genetics when people talk about your parents’ eye color or hair color, but this is where we really turn that into, ‘Well, crispiness is a trait, and it’s on a gene.’ It’s probably the most complicated science that they’ll do this year.”
 
The Panthers were part of an apple-based initiative that took place at all 12 LPS middle schools. LPS K-12 Science Coordinator Miranda Orellana and LPS Assistant to Science and Math Laura Buis worked with LPS Nutrition Services staff to finalize this year’s project. LPS Nutrition Services purchased 2,312 apples for sixth graders to use. Employees then distributed them to each building in time for the big day.
 
Beatty was part of a five-person team of LPS teachers who created the apple genetics unit. Shannon Binkley (Mickle Middle School), Lindsey Brown (Irving), Mallory Davis (Pound) and Jason Wunderlich (Park) shared their scientific expertise in the curriculum drafting process. LPS also partnered with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR) and Nebraska Farm Bureau.
 
“It’s really exciting when you have this many people coming together to develop this type of curriculum,” LPS Science Curriculum Specialist Betsy Barent said. “It’s fun to be able to write lessons like this. These teachers and these partners made something that I think the students are going to remember for a long time.”

The apple activity was the latest in a long string of genetics-based lessons for sixth graders. All LPS students are first introduced to the concept of genetic traits in first grade through a butterflies unit. They build on that understanding by studying flamingos and chickens in third grade and moonflowers in fourth grade. Those steps continue into high school biology classes, where they investigate the microscopic and macroscopic influences of traits and inheritance to explain natural phenomena.
 
Barent said it is important for the LPS science curriculum to have unified themes through each grade level.
 
“I liken this to an energy concept in science,” Barent said. “It takes more energy to get a process started than to keep it going. We want learning to not be starts and stops, but a continuous journey that our students are able to make connections to through their time at LPS and beyond.”
 
Small groups of Panthers began their experiment by sampling all four apple varieties. They then ranked each apple trait on a scale of one to five. They recorded their results in notebooks and discussed them with their teammates.
 
“I liked how we were able to taste the apples with our friends and see how different our tasting abilities are,” Olivia said. “It was fun to do.”
 
“Some tasted like you wouldn’t expect them to,” Eevy said. “There were a couple of them like that.”
 
Beatty then gathered everyone together for an in-depth conversation. Many Panthers compared their apple flavors to water, apple juice and applesauce, while others said the texture was like grains of sand. The class voted the Honeycrisp variety as its favorite apple.

 
Students were surprised to learn about the role of genetics in Honeycrisp apples. Scientists at the University of Minnesota Horticultural Research Center planted the original seedling in 1962 after cross-pollinating Macoun and Honeygold varieties. The university released it to consumers in 1991 after a lengthy genetics process, and its popularity soon began to soar. The U.S. Apple Association estimates that 34 million bushels of Honeycrisps will be sold in the 2025-26 crop year.
 
Another student told Beatty after class that he thought Cosmic Crisp apples were even juicier than Honeycrisp, which he traced back to Cosmic Crisps having different genes. Beatty said that was an illustration of how the Panthers applied their new knowledge in real time. It also showed why plant genetics are an important topic for them to study.
 
“The new hybrids are responses to what people like,” Beatty said. “Ultimately, it’s a business and a farming and a genetics decision.”
 
Jai’Lisea said she has enjoyed sixth grade science because of projects like apple tasting. She was interested in investigating other fruit varieties to learn about their genetic backgrounds too.
 
“All of the units so far have been fun,” Jai’Lisea said. “Nothing’s been boring, and I think I’ve learned a lot.”
 
Beatty said those responses are why he feels so strongly about the value of public education across the United States.
 
“I think there’s no more important structure in society than public education, and this is something hands-on that shows that,” Beatty said. “Most of the science we do always has a hands-on component to it. It’s doing the experiments, it’s collecting the data, it’s all of that.”

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Posted on May 18, 2026

North Star senior wins prestigious art honor for photography talents

An apple a day put a Congressional art medal in play for North Star High School senior Ethan this spring.
 
Ethan received national recognition for his photo entitled “Apple Island” in the 2026 Congressional Art Competition. His picture of an apple floating in sunset-drenched Oak Lake will hang in the office of United States Congressman Mike Flood. Visitors to the Cannon House Office Building will have an opportunity to learn more about Ethan’s work and the scenic nature sites that are found in Lincoln.
 
Flood presented Ethan with an official certificate of special recognition from the United States Congress during a meeting at North Star. He told him he was impressed with the photograph’s intricate details.
 
“When I first saw it, I was like, ‘Is that a painting, or is that a picture?’” Flood said.

 
Ethan said perseverance played a major role in the development of his successful picture. He spent many early evenings at Oak Lake trying to find the right combination of sunset colors, wind speed and photo angles. Those efforts paid off this past fall when everything fell into place.
 
“I’ve just learned to keep going and overshoot,” Ethan said. “Look at everything you see, because you lose nothing by taking too many photos. You can always just skip past them.”
 
North Star art teacher Jason Codr said that the willingness to keep trying is why Ethan has become an award-winning photographer. He taught him the basics of the craft in a Photography 1 class, and those lessons jump-started his passion for photography. Ethan continued to refine his talents by enrolling in more advanced courses during his junior and senior years.
 
“When he got a camera and he just started learning it, he was super excited and sold out 100 percent,” Codr said. “He put all his energy into it. He did that through Photo 1, Photo 2, Photo 3, so he kept taking off.”

 
The genesis of “Apple Island” came from a project that Codr assigned students this past fall. The Navigators had to create a series of photos with the same object as the centerpiece.
 
“Everybody was choosing other things like stuffed animals and more generic stuff, and I was like, ‘What about an apple? That sounds cool,’” Ethan said. “You could put an apple anywhere and it could be pretty mysterious.”
 
Ethan began his portfolio of apple pictures with several shots in downtown Lincoln. He had visited Oak Lake many times growing up, and he felt it could be a good spot to capture a photo. He had never remembered seeing an apple bobbing in a lake before, and he decided to experiment with the idea.
 
Ethan took advantage of calm conditions when he arrived at the shoreline one afternoon. He placed an apple into the water and instantly knew he had a chance for a breakthrough picture.
 
“I put it in the water and it just floated there for a little bit,” Ethan said. “One of the pictures just got that perfect timing of it swaying up and down in the water to not break the surface enough. The water was really still. It wasn’t windy at all. It was just a perfect-condition type of photo.”
 
Ethan was thrilled when he reviewed the image that popped up on his digital camera screen. A small amount of water surrounded the stem in the top cup of the apple, and the sunset caused orange, dark blue and light blue colors to splash across the lake’s surface. A row of silhouetted trees in the distance and several clouds in the sky created a soothing backdrop.
 
“I had been trying to make it down there at the perfect time, but the light just wasn’t catching it right,” Ethan said. “I got it one day, and I came home and I told my mom, ‘Look at this photo. This one is going to win the award.’”
 
Ethan decided to submit the photo to this year’s Congressional Art Competition. A panel of professional artists selected “Apple Island” to represent Nebraska’s 1st Congressional District. Ethan said he “kind of freaked out” when Codr told him the happy news in one of North Star’s hallways.
 
The smile on Ethan’s face remained when he and his family met with Flood. In addition to the special certificate, he also received an official challenge coin of the 1st Congressional District. The coin features the seal of the United States House of Representatives.

 
Flood told the audience he was proud of Ethan’s commitment to becoming a top-shelf photographer. He said Ethan’s future would be as healthy as the apple he used for his award-winning entry.
 
“Whatever you do next, you’re going to be successful, because you care and you try and you’ve got humility, and you’re also obviously very talented,” Flood said.
 
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Posted on May 15, 2026

Seagulls soak in business knowledge at Lakeview farmers market activity

The elation registered on Blakely’s face this spring as she realized her farmers market stand was turning into a runaway success.
 
“My necklaces have all sold out!” Blakely said as she pointed to her empty desk.
 
Blakely’s third grade classmates shared her entrepreneurial excitement during an economic activity at Lakeview Elementary School. Three classrooms buzzed with sounds of business deals next to rows of farmers market booths. They displayed their new knowledge about goods, services, consumers and producers throughout the afternoon.
 
Blakely and one of her friends created a jewelry company that featured a wide selection of paper keychains, necklaces and bracelets. She said business had been brisk because of the good deals that the company was offering.
 
“If you buy two bracelets, you can have one necklace for free,” Blakely said.

 
Leila presented additional merchandise for purchase in another classroom. She made paper boats and hats to sell at her farmers market adventure. She added a price of $3 per each item – causing several people to reach into their wallets and purses for fake Lakeview $1 bills.
 
“It was really good when they bought them,” Leila said. “One of my friends decided to buy all of the hats, and one person decided to buy all of my boats.”
 
Lakeview Principal Susan Hershberger and third grade teacher Judy Reis said they were thrilled to watch students make those kinds of educational connections. The farmers market capped a three-week social studies unit about basic principles of economics. Students learned how customers can find products that they need at different businesses. They also discovered why it is important for stores to create goods and services for people to buy.
 
“Having students participate in a farmers market gives them firsthand experience on what it is like to be both the producer and consumer,” Hershberger said. “They have so much fun doing this!”
 
“I feel like before learning this, students didn’t really realize that when you go to a store, you’re buying something, and the stores are selling a good to you,” Reis said. “When we really break it down and learn about each part of selling things, it really helps them understand that better.”

 
Students like Blakely and Leila spent the first part of the unit talking about Lincoln farmers markets. Reis and fellow third grade teachers Amina Ganic and Monserrat Rendon shared why farmers' markets offer different goods and services for people to choose from. They also examined how customers can learn about possible selections through advertising campaigns.
 
The Seagulls then crafted their own goods to sell at their farmers market. Teachers offered an initial list of suggestions, but many students used their imagination to expand the final catalog of items. They sold jewelry, fruits, vegetables, ice cream, desserts, meats, smoothies, lemonade, boats, hats and other paper-styled products.
 
“We looked at all of the examples of what you can sell, and it just kind of brought ideas to all of the students,” Reis said. “Mostly, they came up with their own ideas. It was so cool seeing them bring their creativity out.”
 
Half of the students in each class portrayed producers at the beginning of the farmers market, and the other half used fake cash to buy their items. They then reversed the roles for the second half of the activity. Teachers gave each student a paper bag to use as a basket. They then proudly stocked each bag with orange carrots, colorful flowers, smooth popsicles and fashionable bracelets.
 
The activity gave the Seagulls several chances to practice their problem-solving skills. In addition to choosing what items they might want to purchase, they also determined if deals like “buy one, get one free” were worth it. Several students also gave tips to classmates if they were happy with their customer service.

 
Blakely said she was pleased with how her day was going. A steady stream of customers came to her desk to pick out jewelry items to wear around Lincoln.
 
“I feel like I’ve been doing a really good job on selling things,” Blakely said. “People love coming to my store because I have made so much jewelry so that they can buy it.”
 
Blakely said the farmers market activity had inspired her to create an electronics business when she grows up. Why did she want to sell that type of merchandise?
 
“Because I love playing on electronics,” Blakely said.
 
Reis said she was impressed with the enthusiasm students showed throughout the week. She heard several reports of Seagulls wanting to extend their business hours beyond the farmers market day. She felt that showed a deeper understanding of the classroom material.
 
“I have a lot of students going home and telling their parents about the farmers market and how they want to keep making things at home and then bringing it to school,” Reis said. “They absolutely love it.”
 
Reis completed her student teaching at Lakeview and has led classrooms there for the past six years. She said the farmers market is one example of how Lakeview students can excel and grow through purposeful instruction, guidance and encouragement.
 
“It’s always fun, and we always look forward to it,” Reis said.
 
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Posted on May 13, 2026

LPS students earn Nebraska Seal of Biliteracy recognition

Twenty-three Lincoln Public Schools students passed an important milestone on their pathways to becoming global citizens this spring.
 
The Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) and Nebraska Languages Association (NEBLA) announced that students from Lincoln High, East, Northwest, Southeast and Southwest earned the Nebraska Seal of Biliteracy Award. They joined more than 300 other linguists from across the state who captured the honor.
 
Students had to display high-level proficiency in both English and at least one other world language to receive the award. They showcased skills in communication, cultures, connections, communities and cognition in a language other than English. Nebraska Seal of Biliteracy Award recipients demonstrated proficiency in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Latin, Somali, Spanish and Ukrainian in the April 2026 cycle.
 
Nearly 90 universities across the nation have endorsed Seal of Biliteracy programs for high school students. The endorsements allow recipients to earn college credits for their multilingual talents. Many businesses and non-profit organizations in Nebraska and other states have also promoted Seal of Biliteracy efforts.
 
The following is a list of Nebraska Seal of Biliteracy Award recipients from LPS. The list includes students whose families have provided permission for the NDE to release their names and LPS to release their names and photos.

April 2026 Nebraska Seal of Biliteracy Recipients

Lincoln High: Henry Hill (Spanish), Keely Moore (Spanish), Phoebe Pierson (Spanish)
 
East High School: Andrea Hu (Chinese)
 
Northwest High School: Alex Hagen (Spanish), Colin Svoboda (Spanish), Kaitlyn Oberg (Spanish), Madison Muller (Spanish), Will Creed (German)
 
Southeast High School: Beatrix McKillip (Spanish), Berkley Byler (Spanish), Brayden Abbott (Spanish), Bronlyn Brening (Spanish), Brynn Morrissey (Spanish), Elayna Villegas (Spanish), Isaac Spader (Spanish), Keira Thurman (Spanish), Mattie Goettsch (Spanish), Norah Donahoe (Spanish), Piper Michaud (Spanish), Zazil Reckling (Spanish)
 
Southwest High School: Ethan Ruser-Pertusa (Spanish), Hamank’aya Garcia-Adame (Spanish)

Posted on May 13, 2026

LPS students expand economic knowledge at stock market contest

Lincoln Public Schools students made exciting educational investments this spring in a fast-paced stock market environment.
 
Investors from all eight LPS high schools took part in the Junior Achievement of Lincoln Stock Market Challenge at Pinnacle Bank Arena. They joined future business professionals from across the state who tried to increase their $1 million portfolios during the morning. The contest gave each four-person team a chance to practice savvy market analysis in real-time scenarios.
 
LPS students like Noah and Caden were part of an event that featured 111 squads. Noah said he and his North Star teammates were gaining a lot of valuable business knowledge. They rushed up to stock traders to buy and sell company shares, debated the best business sectors to invest in and reacted to national and world events included in the simulation.
 
“It’s really important that we know what we’re getting here is what we’re going to be doing in real life,” Noah said.

 
Caden joined Standing Bear teammates Liam, Jace and Brooks at their table for the frenetic event. They kept close track of a market ticker that ran on the arena’s jumbotron. It listed the status of individual stocks and up-to-the-second results of how each group was faring. Students had 60 days to improve their positions on the leaderboard, with each “day” lasting one minute.
 
Caden said the Grizzlies were having fun deciding which stocks to buy and sell. He said they were discovering that a calm and steady approach would generate the most long-term value.
 
“Be patient with your stocks and watch the floor at all times,” Caden said. “You have to watch the trends and analyze those.”

 
Junior Achievement of Lincoln President and Chief Executive Officer Toni Rupe said those enriching experiences are why the organization holds the annual contest. She said it is inspiring to watch students apply their economics and financial knowledge on the arena floor.
 
“It’s incredible,” Rupe said. “I love when they pull up the newsletters and the alerts and just seeing all of the energy of the students. They’re running around trying to make their trades, get to traders and have a better idea of how real-life action impacts the market.”
 
Junior Achievement is a nonprofit organization that teaches a wide range of financial literacy lessons. The Lincoln chapter is one of more than 100 branches operating from coast to coast. JA of Lincoln reaches nearly 28,000 students each year with its educational programs and services.
 
Teams prepared for this year’s stock market challenge by taking lessons in their business classes. They learned about investment strategies, stock market operations and historical data of different monetary assets. They examined the financial background of fictitious companies before selecting their starting portfolios.

 
Caden said he was impressed with the realistic nature of the contest. High schoolers reacted to market trends with critical thinking, communication and teamwork skills. Breaking news happened regularly throughout the morning. This flow of information forced groups to adjust their immediate and long-term stockholding strategies.
 
“I think the competition’s really good, and it’s fun, continuously buying and selling stocks,” Caden said.
 
Rupe said many encouraging moments have come after the final trading bell. She said multiple students have walked up to her and shared stories about their enriching experiences. They have also shown a strong interest in pursuing business opportunities in college and beyond, thanks to the program.
 
“A ton of students have come to us and said how much this makes them feel inspired to pursue or even have a side hustle in this,” Rupe said.
 
A group from Southwest High School earned third place with an amount of $1,593,054.90. The Silver Hawks became the latest LPS team to represent the school district well at state. An East High School squad won the Nebraska title in 2025 and later finished eighth in the national competition.
 
The stock market challenge is one of many business-related opportunities that LPS students can concentrate on each year. The Nebraska Council on Economic Education sponsors an annual stock market game for elementary, middle and high school teams. Multiple LPS middle and high school squads have won state awards in recent years, and Lincoln students are also involved in activities such as Future Business Leaders of America, DECA and the Nebraska Business Focus Program.
 
Noah said he was glad he had chosen to take part in the stock market challenge. He said he and his teammates would remember their educational investments for a long time.
 
“It’s fun,” Noah said. “I love the guys that I’m with. We’re all great friends and we love doing stuff together.”
 
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Posted on May 13, 2026

LNW’s Lindsay Pierce recognized with statewide social studies teaching award

Lindsay Pierce, Social Studies Department Chair at Lincoln Northwest High School, was named the received the Nebraska State Council for the Social Studies First Congressional District Outstanding Social Studies Teacher of the Year Award for building a classroom and department culture centered on high expectations, collaboration and student growth.

LPS Social Studies Curriculum Specialist Jaci Grimes nominated Pierce. Grimes has seen firsthand the consistency, care and intentionality Pierce brings to her teaching and leadership at Northwest.

“Lindsay is an innovative teacher who is always reflecting on her practice and thinking about how she can improve teaching and learning,” Grimes said. “It is a pleasure to be in her classroom where a culture of trust and community leads to deep engagement with a wide variety of social studies disciplines.”

With 11 years at LPS, Pierce began her career at Mickle Middle School before moving to Lincoln Northwest, where she helped open the school and build its social studies program from the ground up. Over the years, she has taught U.S. history, psychology, Advanced Placement (AP) psychology, and criminal justice courses, along with previous experience teaching civics, geography and world history.

But for Pierce, the impact of her classroom is best reflected through her students.

Junior Jayden, who is currently in AP Psychology, said the environment Pierce creates makes learning feel approachable and personal. “She makes it easy to be yourself and ask questions about topics,” she said.

Senior Jacob echoed that sentiment, pointing to the openness of discussion in her classroom.

“I always knew that I wanted to be a person who could provide guidance and support to children to help them be successful,” Pierce said. “My motivation comes from my students. I genuinely love what I do and I couldn’t imagine having any other career.”

Pierce’s success in the classroom, she said, comes from reflection, collaboration with colleagues, and a willingness to adjust her approach when needed to better support students.

“I have really reflected on my teaching practices and how it affects students,” Pierce said. “I have spent a lot of time revising my teaching strategies so that it is more inclusive in nature, and it has been so much fun to continue to learn how to effectively teach.” 

She also points to the strong professional community within LPS and Lincoln Northwest as an important part of her growth as an educator.

“I have some really great people that I can collaborate with in the district and in my building and there are some really exciting things happening that I have the privilege of being a part of,” Pierce said.

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Posted on May 12, 2026

TCA criminal justice students collect courtroom knowledge during mock trial

The Career Academy students gave favorable verdicts to a fun class project that taught them about the American court system.
 
Courts and the Judicial System class members participated in a mock trial featuring witnesses under oath, detailed cross-examination questions and meticulous jury deliberations. TCA students handled all prosecutorial and defense roles during the springtime trial, which focused on whether a hypothetical defendant should be convicted of fictional drug possession and distribution charges. A jury of her peers then decided the question of innocence or guilt at the trial’s conclusion.
 
TCA juniors Lauren and Mattie were in the spotlight throughout the morning. Lauren served as lead prosecutor and Mattie opposed her as the top defense attorney. They said activities like the mock trial were helping them prepare for their future legal careers.
 
“Most people in this class want to go into law, and it’s really good practice for it,” Mattie said.
 
“It’s really good,” Lauren said. “It gets us out of our shell and it helps us to grow.”

 
TCA instructor Ronicka Schottel said the mock trial’s realistic format gave students like Mattie and Lauren a long list of learning opportunities. Class members pored over numerous legal documents contained in the fictional affidavit, and they relied on Nebraska case law to reinforce their arguments. They also used class and public sources to become familiar with job descriptions of paralegals, prosecutors and jury members.
 
“This is one of the times where they figure out how to use these resources effectively,” Schottel said.
 
Courts and the Judicial System class teaches students about many aspects of the American legal structure. They explore how local, state and national courtrooms operate. The students also studied the legal parameters for attorneys to follow and how judges oversee both civil and criminal complaints. The class, which is part of TCA’s criminal justice pathway, covers both juvenile and adult court cases. Students examine the similarities and differences between the two age groups.

 
The question before the mock TCA jury was whether a high school student was guilty of distributing drugs that she had stored in her school locker. The defendant was taking several medications because she had been diagnosed with acute leukemia five years ago. The list of drugs included fentanyl and clonazepam.
 
Prosecutors charged the high schooler with several offenses after a classmate took four pills from the defendant’s locker and ingested them. The classmate was later involved in a car accident that caused spinal and shoulder injuries.
 
Lauren began the mock trial by calling medical professionals, police officers and several of the defendant’s classmates to the stand. She quizzed them about the events surrounding the accident. She also asked if they felt the defendant bore responsibility for causing the serious injuries.
 
Mattie vigorously cross-examined each witness with a series of questions. She asked them if they had ever spoken to the defendant about her medical history or if they were getting their information through secondhand accounts. She also said the air bags had not deployed in the accident victim’s vehicle, which may have played a factor in her injuries.
 
Mattie and Lauren reversed the order during the remainder of the mock trial. Mattie called two defense witnesses to the stand and asked them what had happened at school. Lauren had her chance to cross-examine them and attempted to point out possible inconsistencies in their testimonies.
 
The jury members then went to an adjoining room to deliberate. They reviewed each charge and felt the defendant was guilty on all but one count. They returned to the courtroom and announced their verdict while both sides listened with nervous anticipation.
 
Lauren and Mattie spent several weeks preparing for the big day by researching case law and outlining their arguments. Both said they were impressed with how their friend and counterpart had performed as an attorney.
 
“I respected a lot of things she did and how prepared she was,” Lauren said.

 
Schottel said she was pleased with how the class performed in the mock trial. She felt it gave them more insight into the wide range of careers available in the legal realm.
 
“For me, it’s more about teaching the students that you can be part of law in various categories,” Schottel said.
 
Lauren said her grandmother, who was a prosecutor, inspired her to pursue law. She felt the mock trial gave her a better grasp of the complexity of judicial cases. She also learned why legal professionals must perform their duties with a high degree of mutual trust and understanding.
 
“It’s important that everybody in the court system works together,” Lauren said.
 
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Posted on May 12, 2026

Yankee Hill classes help Alijah step into successful future

Lincoln Public Schools senior Alijah has gained a strong foothold in life by taking many steps forward at Yankee Hill Education Center.
 
Alijah will leave Yankee Hill this spring with multiple accomplishments on his LPS resume. He recently became a member of student government, which is the highest possible achievement on the school’s behavior chart. He assisted fellow Yetis with their life challenges throughout his senior year, which allowed him to become a trustworthy voice on campus. He was selected to speak at Yankee Hill’s commencement ceremony as a reward for his hard work.
 
Alijah said he enjoys learning about other people’s personalities and figuring out how to best support them. He has discovered that those kind actions often have a boomerang effect of coming back to him.
 
“I like helping people a lot,” Alijah said. “If you help people, you get help back.”

 
Yankee Hill Principal Amanda Shonka-Shanahan said Alijah has made substantial growth in his prosocial learning knowledge over the past four years. He has gained many skills that have helped him in classrooms, hallways and other school environments.
 
“During his time as a Yankee Hill Yeti, through cultivating trusting relationships with staff, fostering self-confidence, making positive peer connections and consistent daily practice, he has developed into an independent, self-regulated learner,” Shonka-Shanahan said. “He now consistently applies effective strategies to successfully navigate challenges and complex feelings. He is a caring young man who is the first one to ask if he can help in every situation. He has such a wonderful sense of humor that positively impacts the entire building.”
 
Yankee Hill staff members Shannon Huertas and Ray Finley said they have also been encouraged with Alijah’s actions. Both have known him for four years in their school roles.
 
Finley first met Alijah in Reflect and Set (RAS) sessions as a ninth grader. Yankee Hill students make daily goals in their morning RAS classes and then reflect on them in the afternoon. They learn how to process information and gain self-confidence in their choices.
 
“The cool part is that over these four years, he now believes that he is the person that we knew he could be,” Finley said. “He’s grown into that and has slowly found the belief in himself that he can do the hard things and can work through those tough situations. He started out unsure in himself, and now he’s like, ‘I’ve got this and I know I can do this.’ It’s really cool to see that.”

 
Huertas regularly meets with Alijah each week. She said Alijah has used his sense of humor as a tool for diplomacy and problem-solving at Yankee Hill. She said his interactions with fellow Yetis have benefited everyone in the building.
 
“The big thing I’ve seen from him is that he helps other students,” Huertas said. “He’s practiced these skills so much and has done such a good job at them that he can recognize when other students might need a little help. He then reaches out to them and helps them along.”
 
Alijah said skilled LPS professionals like Huertas, Finley and Shonka-Shanahan have been crucial in his development. They have taught him how to believe in himself and cope with many types of events. They have also helped him plan for his future. Alijah will work at Food Bank of Lincoln next year and would eventually like to become a zoo employee.
 
“My time here has been pretty good,” Alijah said. “When I’m here, I learn a lot more skills.”
 
Finley said Alijah has implemented those newfound talents with a sense of purpose and meaning. He often discusses what he has discovered about himself and others with both Finley and Huertas. Those conversations have given him a road map for handling similar circumstances in the future.
 
“Alijah has always been really reflective about things,” Finley said. “Once he gets through those hard moments, he’s really good about realizing, ‘These are the other options I could have had.’ He’s worked through some hard situations with students that even adults struggle with sometimes, which has been great to see.”

 
Alijah said he is proud of what he has accomplished at Yankee Hill.
 
“Yankee Hill has been the best place for me, because I’m about to graduate and will be a senior speaker,” Alijah said. “It’s been good.”
 
Shonka-Shanahan said she believes Alijah will continue to take forward-leaning steps during his days as a Yankee Hill alum.
 
“Alijah has learned how to advocate for himself, which will help him find a successful career,” Shonka-Shanahan said. “The staff at Yankee Hill have every confidence that Alijah will go into the real world meeting one of our core missions to become a productive citizen who will make a positive impact on everyone!”
 
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Posted on May 11, 2026

Pound families sharpen life skills with STEM-based community projects

Pound Middle School students and their families achieved STEM victories exploring community issues with virtual reality technology this spring.
 
Three Pound groups relied on their science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) knowledge to complete projects about smartphone usage, stray animal advocacy and affordable housing in Lincoln. They teamed up with the National Center for Families Learning (NCFL), BrainSTEM Edtech and the Nebraska Statewide Family Engagement Center for their ventures, which lasted for several months during the school year. They presented their findings at an evening showcase in Pound’s auditorium and lobby.
 
Seventh grader Aries said it was fun working with friends Noah and Rowan on their project. They examined the effects of smartphone usage on social and physical well-being. They asked people about their smartphone habits and if they thought they could go 24 hours without viewing their device. They then developed a “Digital Detox Plan” that included the slogan “Disconnect to Reconnect.”
 
“I really enjoyed the technology part, because I’m into coding and a lot of the technological stuff,” Aries said. “I also really enjoyed the challenge of this. I’m very into trying to solve problems, so it was a really good mix of those things.”

 
Students on all three teams worked with parents and teachers on the multi-generational endeavors. Aries, Noah and Rowan spent ten weeks with parents Jami, Jared and Ian on the projects. They also partnered with Pound math teacher April Schermann for guidance and support.
 
Jami said it was meaningful to share educational moments with her daughter and other team members. The group met twice in person and then coordinated their work over Zoom. She said the adults and students learned a lot from their time together.
 
“I would have questions, and the students would jump in right away and say, ‘Try this. Try that,’” Jami said. “It was really cool to have that participation with the parents and students and teachers.”
 
Schermann said she was also pleased with the family-based partnership. Every age group presented ideas that other team members had not thought about, which strengthened the final product.
 
“I think working together to achieve a common goal was one of the most important things about this,” Schermann said. “I love the multi-generational concept of everybody working together to identify a community problem and figuring out how to solve it. Then, we’re all able to celebrate together at the showcase tonight, which is a great way to end everything.”

 
Kara Mason of BrainSTEM and Tina Marsteller of NCFL helped expand the scope of that community engagement outside of Nebraska. They both traveled from Louisville, Ky., to celebrate with Pound families at the showcase.
 
Marsteller, a training specialist with NCFL, told the audience she was impressed with the initiative the Pound teams displayed. She also said the interaction between the group members enhanced the educational value.
 
“Family-based learning isn’t just about STEM, it’s actually something more,” Marsteller said. “As they work together, they discover things about themselves, they discover things about their parents, and they discover things about their educators. Some of the things that the students and educators said about what they learned about building relationships with one another were very profound. They really gained a lot from doing this.”
 
Mason is the chief operating officer of BrainSTEM Edtech, which helps K-12 schools develop immersive STEM curriculum and technology programs. She specializes in virtual reality and augmented reality integration projects, which fit perfectly with Pound’s goals. The VR architect turned the data she received from all three teams into computer-generated landscapes.
 
Aries, Noah and Rowan were excited when they saw a VR room including tables with people staring down at their smartphones. The second room featured people talking with each other after going through the “Digital Detox Plan” steps.
 
Mason said the Squires sharpened their research, teamwork, problem solving and communication skills by working together. Gus and Amirria joined forces with parents Calli and Jane and teacher Kelsey Wiemer to design small animal shelters for spots across Lincoln. Owab, Simon and Gunner partnered with parents Abdalrazig, Corey and Jamie and teacher Brian Berry on their project. They investigated architectural and systemic ways to create affordable housing options for Lincoln residents.
 
“This is just the tip of the iceberg,” Mason said. “All of these teams have put so much work into their research. They’ve worked outside of school and during lunch hours, so they were really passionate about these community challenges. Virtual reality is just a new and innovative way to show what they’ve learned.”

 
Schermann said the Squires also found out how to overcome challenges one step at a time.
 
“I think it’s been a good lesson for the students, because things didn’t always go right the first time they tried it,” Schermann said. “They’ve learned a little bit of patience and perseverance. They’ve discovered that when things don’t go right the first try, you keep working and you don’t give up.”
 
Marsteller said Pound provided a prime example of the impact STEM victories can have on everyone involved.
 
“When we think about family-based learning, we think about something that not only helps our schools, but it really carries over into the community,” Marsteller said. “The learning that they have done and the creativity that they have put into it has been very evident.”
 
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Posted on May 08, 2026

LPS students rely on research talents to excel at state science competition

Eight Science Focus Program students received sterling recognition for their research talents this spring at a state science competition.
 
Science Focus Program (SFP) seniors Avery J, Cara, Elise and Elena and juniors Avery E, Washburn, Leyton and Judie took part in the Nebraska Junior Academy of Sciences (NJAS) State Science Fair. They spoke with judges about their in-depth investigations at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln East Campus Union. Their projects ranged from polymer identification of microplastics along Salt Creek to the impact of air quality on public health in Nebraska metropolitan areas.
 
Avery E and Elena both said it was rewarding to conduct research that followed the entire scientific process timeline. Avery explored how much carbon different tree species were storing in the Oak Hills neighborhood of Lincoln. Elena examined the long-term effects of a pesticide called rotenone on macroinvertebrate populations in Wagon Train Lake, which is located east of Hickman, Neb.
 
“The thing I enjoyed most about my research project was the real-world application and the importance behind my results,” Avery said. “I really enjoyed looking at my results and being able to determine what would help our environment in the long run. Storing carbon in organic matter like trees is very important to combating climate change, so being a part of a possible solution was really inspiring for me.”

“I would typically identify 300 to 400 macroinvertebrates at each lake, which took several hours, but looking back at all the hard work I put in, it was worth it,” Elena said. “When presenting at NJAS, seeing all your hard work come together was very fulfilling and makes you feel proud of yourself.”

 
SFP Administrator Lindsey Roy said those types of projects are a major piece of the focus program’s college preparation efforts. Students hop into the driver’s seat by developing ideas, gathering their own data and partnering with scientists for advice and consultation. SFP teachers guide the process and help with the analysis, but students are at the helm of each investigation.
 
“This gives students great opportunities to develop the skills of undergrad- and grad-level research throughout their high school experience,” Roy said.
 
SFP students learn about research fundamentals in their first two years at the focus program. They then delve into yearlong independent projects that are designed to build critical thinking and scientific inquiry talents. They write papers about their results, create professional-level posters and gain confidence by presenting their findings to others.

 
Avery’s project was one example of the comprehensive nature of each student’s work. She picked eight tree species to study – pine, oak, walnut, elm, maple, locust, poplar and ash – to see if Oak Hills residents had been planting the best carbon-storing varieties. She took physical measurements of 12 trees of each species before plugging those values into a series of biomass equations. The formulas helped her determine the average amount of carbon each tree species could contain.
 
Avery discovered that nearly 125 maple trees had been planted in the Oak Hills neighborhood. Elm was the only other species that had more than 25 trees take root in the area. However, maple ranked sixth on the list of average carbon-storing capacity. The most effective tree was poplar, which was one of the least-planted varieties in the area.
 
“I found a clear disconnect in the results, as the trees that were the most abundant did not store much carbon, and the ones that did store a lot of carbon were not as present in our urban landscape,” Avery said.
 
Avery said she was fascinated by both the outcome and the overall data collection work. She began working on the topic in August and wrapped up her research in February.
 
“Through this process, not only did I learn a lot about trees and carbon, but I also learned a lot about graphs, scientific processes and what it really takes for a project to come together in a paper,” Avery said. “All of the different aspects and pieces that go into the paper itself were interesting to see, and I was able to learn how to conduct a field study that proved or disproved a hypothesis.”

 
Elena also incorporated a meticulous data gathering system. She learned that Wagon Train Lake had been treated with rotenone in 2022 to remove invasive fish. She was curious how those waters compared with Stagecoach Lake, which had not been treated with the pesticide. Stagecoach is located south of Hickman.
 
After collecting species like snails, mayflies and beetles with kick-net sampling, Elena analyzed the biodiversity of both lakes with multiple measurement tools. She found that pollution-sensitive species had begun to recover in Wagon Train, but the overall ecosystem was less diverse than Stagecoach. This meant Wagon Train had not yet fully recovered from the pesticide application.
 
Elena said it was fun to see her efforts produce academic fruit in the form of a 76-page paper. She said her SFP background would be a major asset for her in her scientific career.
 
“I want to be a wildlife biologist and potentially become a professor one day,” Elena said. “I believe all the research skills, like how to write a research paper, read peer-reviewed articles, present research, come up with a question, etc., will all benefit me and help me feel more confident in conducting research in the future. Whether through research or education, I want to make an impact, and this is a step toward that goal.”
 
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Posted on May 07, 2026

Buffaloes bring home safety knowledge through fun bicycle, pedestrian lessons

Brownell Elementary School students discovered how to make streets and sidewalks safer for everyone during a special afternoon of activities this spring.
 
Hundreds of Buffaloes participated in Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Day lessons inside and outside the school building. Students from all grades learned how to safely navigate crosswalks, wear bicycle helmets, approach large vehicles and ride electric bikes. Representatives from Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD), Lincoln Transportation and Utilities (LTU), Safe Kids Lincoln-Lancaster County (SKLLC), Lincoln Parks and Recreation and Black Hills Energy partnered with Brownell on the project.
 
Fifth graders Quinci and Leah felt the four safety lessons were filled with valuable information. They said the stations would help them feel more secure while walking or biking near the school building.
 
“I learned that you have to look both ways,” Quinci said. “You have to be aware of where you’re going.”
 
“I think it can help you when there are cars in the street, because then you can stay safe,” Leah said.

 
Brian Baker said he was encouraged by similar responses he heard from students throughout the day. Baker, a public health educator at LLCHD, spoke about the importance of wearing a helmet while bicycling or rollerblading. He used a mannequin head to show the Buffaloes how to properly fit on a helmet, and he emphasized how helmets protect people from serious injury.
 
Baker said he was pleased with the attention everyone displayed during his lessons. He said that reflected well on the school as a whole.
 
“It’s been wonderful,” Baker said. “If you help them understand why it’s important to be safe and why it’s important to wear a helmet, then they’re all ears. They truly grasp the reasons behind the things they’re hearing today.”
 
Brownell Principal Nikosia Kruse was also happy with the day’s outcome. She felt students had been considerate and thoughtful while they listened to each presentation. Groups of kindergarteners and second graders kicked off the event, and first and third graders followed suit soon after. The day ended with classes of fourth and fifth graders rotating through the activities.
 
“The kids have done a great job today,” Kruse said as she walked to Baker’s station. “I’ve been really happy with the way they’ve been paying attention.”

Kruse said LTU selected Brownell as this year’s recipient of a bike and pedestrian safety grant. Bethany Neighborhood Association President Kyle McLaughlin advocated for the grant after two accidents in the neighborhood happened within a six-month span. 
 
Kruse met with Brownell team members Ben Esters, Emily Pokorny and Trey Meyer once the grant was approved. They coordinated events with the community partners and planned participation times for each grade level. It took approximately 50 minutes for students to complete all four stations with the assistance of their library, computer, music and physical education teachers.

 
Quinci and Leah shared their excitement after participating in a large vehicle safety demonstration. Black Hills Energy employees parked two cars on Aylesworth Avenue and let the Buffaloes climb into the front seat. They realized how hard it was for truck drivers to see anyone who might be walking or biking in the road by the vehicles. This gave them a better understanding of why it is so critical to remain visible at all times.
 
“I especially liked being in the truck and seeing everything,” Quinci said. “It just helped me to know what to do when I’m walking. If I’m walking, I know I have to look both ways and look where I’m going.”
 
Rachel Redepenning of LLCHD and Alex Duryea of Lincoln Parks and Recreation gave students key information about e-bikes on the other side of the school building. They used a series of traffic cones to illustrate the distance it would take for riders to stop their bikes or e-bikes on a street or sidewalk. The Buffaloes learned it would take longer for e-bikes to stop because the batteries make the vehicles heavier.
 
Redepenning and Duryea also asked older students to share bicycle safety tips they had learned. One group of fourth and fifth graders suggested checking the tire pressure, making sure the bicycle seat was secure and adjusting handlebars before riding.
 
“This is really good!” Redepenning said. “I’m impressed by this.”

 
Baker said events like Brownell’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Day would make a difference in overall public safety. Lincoln Public Schools sponsors multiple activities throughout the year at elementary schools to ensure everyone has the safety knowledge they need.
 
“It’s important that we reach them with this information at this stage of their lives,” Baker said. “We want them to stay safe. That’s why we’re all here helping out with this.”
 
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Posted on May 06, 2026

Lytle honored for leadership talents with school nurse administrator award

Nebraska school nurses paid tribute to Megan Lytle this spring for her talented and trustworthy work at Lincoln Public Schools.
 
Lytle received the Nebraska School Nurses Association (NSNA) School Nurse Administrator of the Year Award. She earned the statewide honor for her expertise in health services management, health education, professional learning and community involvement. She is responsible for many administrative and leadership duties as a health services coordinator at LPS.
 
Lytle said her career is rewarding because of the opportunities to help others.
 
“There is a lot to enjoy!” Lytle said. “I enjoy mentoring other school nurses and health services staff to grow their practice, I love working with teams to problem solve, and I love working with our district teams to improve existing systems or build better systems to serve the students of LPS.”

 
LPS Director of Health Services Wendy Rau said Lytle has become a trusted voice for school nurses both in Nebraska and beyond. She works with more than 60 LPS school nurses on everything from performance appraisals to Heart Safe School initiatives, and she shapes district standards through the development of high-impact courses.
 
“Megan’s commitment to lifelong learning and professional service establishes her as a pre-eminent voice in school nursing, not just within Nebraska, but on a national stage,” Rau said. “She does not merely participate in the professional community, she actively shapes its future through leadership and the dissemination of specialized knowledge.”
 
Sara Stoner works with Lytle as a fellow health services coordinator at LPS. She said Lytle is an exceptional school nurse administrator because of her student-centered focus and visionary leadership style.
 
“She is a powerhouse advocate for the profession at both the state and national levels, yet she remains deeply rooted in her love for Lincoln and LPS,” Stoner said. “Megan’s approach is uniquely balanced. She utilizes a data-driven, quality-improvement lens to ensure excellence, while simultaneously prioritizing staff wellness and mentorship.”
 
Lytle began her nursing career intending to work in pediatrics. She initially thought a hospital was the only place that was possible, but a trip to a local school changed her life’s pathway.
 
“During nursing school clinicals, I was given the opportunity to work in a school, and as soon as I was in the building, I just knew that this was a place that I wanted to be,” Lytle said. “I loved being able to support students to be successful at school.”

 
Lytle joined LPS in 2015 and made an immediate impact at Huntington Elementary School. She earned the Nebraska School Nurse of the Year Award in 2020 for her work with students, teachers and families. She said her time at Huntington strengthened her nursing and leadership skills.
 
“As one of the only health care professionals in the building, you can offer valuable insight and health education to students, families and school staff,” Lytle said. “As the school nurse, you have lots of opportunities for communication, and sometimes that can come with conflict resolution or reaching mutual understanding. You work with many people as part of a multidisciplinary approach and develop a better understanding of everyone’s roles and viewpoints.”
 
One of Lytle’s main responsibilities is staff oversight and education. She has guided smooth rollouts of training materials, introduced digital services and led dozens of professional learning sessions.
 
“Megan serves as a primary architect of professional growth within the district, acting as a vital bridge between clinical health and holistic student wellness,” Rau said. “Her influence extends far beyond her immediate role, as she translates complex medical and psychological concepts into actionable strategies for school nurses and health staff alike.”

 
Those achievements have overflowed beyond Lincoln, like sharing professional expertise with other school nurses. NSNA Past President Jessica Truman said she has enjoyed working with Lytle on many statewide projects.
 
“During the time Megan and I have served together on the NSNA Board of Directors, I have had the opportunity to witness her strong work ethic, thoughtful decision-making and passion for advancing the profession of school nursing,” Truman said. “While many people are comfortable continuing processes simply because ‘that’s how they’ve always been done,’ Megan is not afraid to question current practices and advocate for improvements that better support school nurses and students alike.”
 
Lytle often presents at National Association of School Nurses (NASN) conferences, and those networking opportunities have paid dividends back home. She has returned with many ideas for improving health services for Nebraska students.
 
“Through her dual role as a high-level administrator and a national presenter, Megan ensures that the latest evidence-based practices flow directly from national conferences back to local school health offices,” Rau said. “Her service to professional organizations ensures that Nebraska’s school nurses have a seat at the table in national health policy and educational reform conversations.”
 
“Megan is highly organized, forward-thinking and able to see the bigger picture while still paying attention to important details,” Truman said. “Megan has been a wonderful thought partner for me whether we are discussing items for NSNA or ways to improve health services processes within our school districts.”
 
Stoner said Lytle’s caring personality has instilled both trust and confidence throughout the LPS school nurse community.
 
“What I enjoy most about working with her each day is her genuine investment in professional growth,” Stoner said. “She ensures that all staff are thoroughly prepared for any task through dedicated education, and her infectious positive attitude turns even the most challenging days into opportunities for progress.”
 
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Posted on May 06, 2026

LPS seniors share success stories from time with Lincoln TeamMates

More than 100 Lincoln TeamMates will mark their graduation this school year, and they will have a medal to prove it when they walk down the aisle to receive their diplomas. Thirty-four of them will also have a financial boost from one or more TeamMates scholarships.

“When I started at TeamMates, I had no idea how much it would mean to place those medals around students’ necks,” Lincoln TeamMates Coordinator Jim Bennett said. “The looks of pride and surprise on mentees’ faces – and their mentors too – is something I look forward to every year.”

That pride, surprise and joy was on full display at the 2026 Lincoln TeamMates Graduation Celebration. Graduates rose to receive their medals before a crowd of 235 made up of students, mentors, families, donors and other TeamMates stakeholders. The morning event was held April 24 in the Red Cloud Room of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Willa Cather Dining Complex.

The celebration featured three student speakers. They were chosen based on their TeamMates experiences and the recommendation of their mentor.

“I wish we could hear every single student tell their story,” Bennett said.

Excerpts from the speeches of the students chosen give just a hint of their stories.

Kabeh is someone who “believes deeply in what is right and isn’t afraid to speak up,” said her mentor Madina. Kabeh shared what a mentor is.

“When I got a mentor in third grade, I had no idea that decision was going to change my life,” Kabeh said. “A mentor is not just someone you meet with. It’s someone who sees you, understands you, and supports you, even when things get hard.”

Ryn is “resilient, hilarious and deeply compassionate,” said his mentor Olivia. Ryn talked about the edge having a TeamMate has given him.

“We live in a weird, complicated and scary world, but I think I’m at an advantage because of my TeamMate,” Ryn said. “I’ve gotten to see how she’s made it through challenges that I’m going to face. I've learned to put care into my life, whether that’s care for myself, or people around me.”

Hannah gets credit for “making me a better counselor and mentor,” said her mentor Eileen. Hannah valued most the chance to be heard.

“I never had to pretend things were okay when they weren’t, and instead of trying to fix it or brush it off, she listened,” Hannah said. “She made it feel okay to not be okay. That’s my TeamMate – someone who stays when things are difficult. Someone who reminds you who you are when you forget.”

Posted on May 05, 2026

Excellent Endeavors: East senior Gisele writes turnaround story at school

East High School senior Gisele is creating an environment of excellence in her life by walking on a promising academic pathway.
 
Gisele has changed the direction of her future with a renewed sense of confidence and self-esteem over the past two years. The chapters of her uplifting life novel have included stronger connections with family and friends, increased classroom success and a clear vision of her upcoming scientific career.
 
Gisele said teachers, administrators, school counselors and friends have formed a backbone of support for her at East. She said their encouragement is what she will remember most about her time on campus.
 
“It’s definitely the people and the connections I’ve built here,” Gisele said. “It’s how eager everyone is to help you and be by your side and support you.”

 
Leandra London and Kristin Murphy have been key partners in that transformational journey. London is East’s assistant building coordinator and Murphy is Gisele’s school counselor. Both said they have felt overflowing joy from watching her become a role model for many people.
 
“Gisele is the epitome of a turnaround story,” London said. “When I think of where Gisele was, seeing how much she has grown in the time that I’ve been her administrator genuinely just makes me want to cry.”
 
“The ninth and tenth grade Gisele is completely different from the 11th and 12th grade Gisele, and that is something that you write about in an essay or a letter of recommendation,” Murphy said. “She truly learned what she could become throughout her time in high school. It’s amazing.”

 
Gisele grew up in Lincoln and encountered several obstacles during her elementary and middle school years. She began to lose confidence in herself because of those experiences, which caused her life to slowly spiral downwards.
 
The breakthrough moment came midway through her sophomore year. Gisele said she had struggled with feelings of inadequacy before then, but she began to understand that she was capable of anything she put her mind to. That realization vaulted her life skyward in both academic and social settings.
 
“Ever since I was little, people have told me that I’m passionate, creative and hardworking, but as I grew up, I kind of began to think that people were really telling me that I wasn’t smart,” Gisele said. “It was like, ‘Oh, she’s hardworking, but she’s not smart.’ I never really believed in myself. But then that light bulb switched on and it was like, ‘Yes, I am hardworking. I am smart. I can do this.’ It really was a turning point in my life to start to believe that.”

 
Gisele began to take full advantage of school resources throughout the building. She talked more with her teachers, visited with mentors like London and Murphy and sought out every opportunity to improve her grades. She ended that semester with A and B+ results in every class.
 
Those inspiring achievements continued in her junior and senior years. She took online classes and enrolled in summer school to catch up on credits for graduation, and she began to explore all of her postsecondary options. She is planning to continue her studies at Southeast Community College before majoring in zoology and wildlife conservation at Colorado State University. Her long-term goal is to earn her doctorate degree and become a university professor and lecturer.
 
“It feels really good,” Gisele said. “I feel more confident overall both in my abilities and just in general. I feel more trusted as well, which is a big thing for me.”
 
Gisele has also poured out her energy into the community. She volunteered at a local charitable organization for a class assignment this past year, and the experience went so well that they asked her to help customers at the front desk. She is currently working three jobs during the afternoons and evenings to save extra money for her collegiate goals.
 
“This girl is such a hard worker,” London said. “She wants to do well.”

 
Gisele is also spreading hope to others at school. She has been willing to share her history with students who may currently be in a position she once was in. She said it is important for her to lend a helping hand to others in need.
 
“I always try to speak out about my experiences to other people who might be struggling with the same things, because it is really hard for people to get out by themselves,” Gisele said. “I was honestly one of the lucky ones. I understand you can’t make anyone make those decisions, because they have to do it for themselves, but you can tell them that they need to do it. You need to make them realize that what they’re doing is not a good path to be on.”
 
Gisele said the environment of excellence she has forged at East will remain with her long after she receives her diploma this spring.
 
“I think that people’s pasts are something you really shouldn’t hide and you should be open about them, because they’re always lessons to learn from,” Gisele said. “I really believe that. It’s just part of life. You go through things and you grow and you become who you’re truly meant to be.”
 
Are you the proud family of a graduating LPS senior? Find everything you need to prepare for the big day, including ceremony dates, times and venue locations. View the 2026 Graduation Schedule and Details.
 
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Posted on May 04, 2026

Famous author Sandra Cisneros inspires students during Arts and Humanities visit

A world-famous author helped local students learn how the worlds of arts and humanities share strong academic links this spring.
 
Sandra Cisneros spoke about her lifetime of creative achievements during a visit to the Arts and Humanities (A&H) Focus Program campus. She provided insights about the way she designs stories and poems to students, who read her best-selling novel “The House on Mango Street” beforehand. Cisneros also illustrated how art and humanities topics can work together to form powerful lessons for people.
 
A&H students Gracyn and Cadence said they were impressed by what they heard. Cisneros explained how she refines her literature by applying different life experiences to it. Gracyn, a junior at Standing Bear High School, and Cadence, a sophomore at East High School, said that gave them confidence to continue pursuing their writing and artistic goals.

 
“Being able to hear someone that has a similar story was really inspiring,” Gracyn said. “And it kind of reassured me that what I was doing was the right thing for me to do, even if there were some people that would call it, like, unrealistic. So, it just felt really reassuring.”

“I feel like just the way that she writes in her beliefs are kind of, they all speak to everyone at A&H,” Cadence said. “We all relate to them in some way.”
 
A&H teachers Maggie Elsener and Tara Moore said it was important for students to learn how all arts and humanities topics are intertwined. Sophomores and juniors read “The House on Mango Street” in its entirety this semester, while the other two grades explored story excerpts as part of their broader English curriculum. They then wrote vignettes, created bookmarks and made experimental videos and films about the storyline.

 
“We really want students to understand that the world is not a siloed experience,” Elsener said. “One subject affects another throughout human experience.”
 
“One of the greatest opportunities our students receive in focus programs is experiential learning,” Moore said. “Engaging with visiting writers, filmmakers and artists allows students to see the creative process firsthand and recognize that meaningful work is shaped by real experiences and intentional time devoted to the craft.”
 
Moore and Elsener said they were excited when they received word about Cisneros’ visit, which was made possible through a partnership between Lincoln Public Schools and the Lincoln-based Linked2Literacy non-profit program. Cisneros has written multiple novels, stories, poetry collections, picture books and personal essays that have been translated into 25 languages.
 
One of her most famous works is “The House on Mango Street,” which was first published in 1984. It has sold more than eight million copies and has recently been turned into an opera.

 
Cadence said Cisneros helped her become more aware of the similarities between penning stories and producing visual artworks. Writers transform texts with their pencils and keyboards many times before the final version is ready to publish. The same is true for artists, who often go through multiple attempts before displaying their work to the public.
 
“There was so much behind it that I didn’t understand before, because I was just looking at it as, ‘Oh, this is perfect writing’ and things like that,” Cadence said. “And so, it’s that art, like humans, isn’t perfect. There’s always going to be a stumble. There’s always going to be drafts, no matter how many drafts.”
 
Students also discovered how humanities subjects like history and culture can impact pieces of art. Cisneros based “The House on Mango Street” both on her own childhood experiences in Chicago and later stories from her Chicago students.
 
She relied on her personal history again when the opportunity arose to adapt the book into an opera. Her mother had borrowed opera records from the Chicago Public Library to play at home while she was growing up, and Cisneros remembered how much joy they brought to everyone listening.
 
“The arts are inextricably linked, as the arts are part of the humanities, and art is often created based on what is happening currently, what has happened in history, philosophy, literature, etc.,” Elsener said. “They are not separate entities and we emphasize this as part of our program.”
 
Gracyn said Cisneros gave her a valuable long-term perspective as well. She told students that life, like all forms of art, is a continual journey.
 
“At this point in my life, I feel like I kind of worry sometimes that I’m supposed to have it all figured out, you know?” Gracyn said. “But to be able to sit there and hear her talk about, ‘I’m 71 and I’m still figuring out who I want to be, and I’m not, like, the exact person I want to be, not the exact writer I want to be.’ That was, I don’t know, I’m doing this hand to my heart thing a lot, because it really just hit where I needed to hear it.”
 
Moore said those uplifting moments reinforced why arts and humanities lessons are so essential for students to explore.
 
“It was incredibly meaningful to watch students make authentic connections between her words, her creative process and their own lives,” Moore said. “There was a real sense of curiosity and wonder in the room as they engaged with her ideas and asked thoughtful questions. I know this is an experience that will stay with them.”
 
Explore how to customize your high school experience with the Arts and Humanities Focus Program.
 
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Posted on May 04, 2026

Lexie channels creativity into future entrepreneurship at Bay High

Bay High Focus Program’s creative approach to education is helping Lexie brush up on all of her artistic talents at school.
 
The Lincoln Public Schools senior is blossoming into a multi-skilled entrepreneur through her experiences at Bay High. She has developed fast-action photography skills, fashioned an array of tattoo designs and sold multiple t-shirts with her own bleached-style images.
 
Lexie said she has enjoyed every minute of her time in Bay High’s building. She has used the focus program’s project-based learning model to build a strong resume that will help her future broadcasting, advertising and marketing dreams.
 
“If you have an interest in anything at all here, they can help out,” Lexie said. “There’s resources here and you can build a family, and they’ll give you connections for your future. So, it’s a really good stepping stone to your path.”

 
Bay High Focus Program Administrator Brenna Alonso has been impressed with Lexie’s work ethic and desire to learn. She said Lexie’s enthusiastic outlook on life has helped her expand her knowledge of subjects ranging from photojournalism to video production.
 
“Lexie’s skills have grown exponentially,” Alonso said. “She is willing to take risks and put herself out there when it comes to projects. She has fully embraced being a part of a focus program and taking part in the extra opportunities that are available.”
 
Bay High students learn about content creation and emerging digital technologies through a curriculum that blends student passions and technical skills. Juniors and seniors take multiple classes that concentrate on marketing, journalism and entrepreneurship subjects. They combine those academic disciplines with topics such as music, fashion and art throughout the school day.
 
Lexie, who attends morning classes at Southeast High School, said her first impression of Bay High was a winning one. She knew she wanted to pursue a wide range of artistic interests during her final two years of high school, and she was intrigued by Bay High’s assortment of interactive courses. Her older brother had previously attended the program, and he encouraged her to consider applying for a spot on campus.
 
That decision was rewarded soon after stepping through Bay High’s front doors.
 
“My first day here as a junior, I was obviously nervous, and it was a lot of people to talk to on the first day,” Lexie said. “But once I got to know everyone, it was like, I felt so in with everybody. I felt like friends with everybody on the first day. It’s like, I wasn’t excluded anywhere.”

 
That strong sense of community has given Lexie additional confidence to explore her passions. One afternoon, she sat at a table with friends, working on a new project that included video interviews. The uplifting conversations reassured everyone that they would succeed in their new tasks.
 
“Lexie is always a supporter of her peers and willing to dive into any challenge,” Alonso said.
 
Lexie has focused her attention on photography, tattoo design and t-shirt art this school year. She integrated pictures with her original tattoo designs for a senior passion project showcase in the first semester. She then jump-started a t-shirt business this winter that features intricate designs made with bleach. She has already sold several pieces of custom-made clothing and is looking to expand this spring.
 
Lexie said she has enjoyed the opportunity to embrace all of her hobbies at Bay High.
 
“I do like the blending of photography and art and how you can turn a photo of something into a painting or tattoo,” Lexie said. “And that’s kind of what I’m doing with the shirts I’m bleaching right now. And I think that’s something that I want to stick with for a while.”
 
Bay High teachers Brent Jarosz and Ethan Carlson have also made valuable contributions to Lexie’s career goals. They have offered advice on business-related topics, such as compiling spreadsheets and tracking inventory, and have praised her willingness to take risks and try innovative ideas.
 
Alonso said Lexie is joining a long list of students who have benefited from Bay High’s mentoring environment. The focus program’s ties to creative communities in both Lincoln and Omaha have helped many people build promising career starts.
 
“Lexie has really grown as a person, honing in on her ability to think through graphic design, videography and photography,” Alonso said. “She was unsure about what she wanted to pursue and now has a clear idea of what options she has at her disposal.”

 
Lexie said she has become more independent because of Bay High’s casual-yet-challenging format. She said it has provided a firm foundation for all of her blossoming prospects.
 
“With the stuff that we’re learning here at The Bay with the entrepreneur class, the marketing class, I’ve learned to be able to do all of that on my own,” Lexie said. “And in the future, these skills that we’re building here right now are probably the most important that I’ll have.”
 
Do you feel Bay High could be a good fit for your future goals? Take the first step and explore the Bay High Focus Program. 
 
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Posted on May 01, 2026

Nourishing Knowledge: East food service workers boost academic success with meals

East High School food service workers are fueling the futures of hundreds of Spartans one nutritious meal at a time.
 
A dozen East employees help students succeed in their classes with their food management and preparation talents. They assemble food items like meat, bread, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and desserts multiple hours each morning for everyone to enjoy. They are part of a 390-person districtwide team that serves nearly 35,000 daily meals at LPS buildings.
 
Susan Zander has a front-row seat to that hard work every day. Zander is East’s kitchen manager and oversees a group that produces a vast amount of food. She praised her staff as she placed tomatoes and onions into a new slicing machine. She then brought full containers of fresh vegetable pieces to a counter for employees to include in handmade sub sandwiches.
 
“They’re all such hardworking people,” Zander said. “They’re all on time and they all have the same goal. We want to support the students during their academic day. That’s the most important thing we do. We want to provide something that they want to eat and they’re looking forward to eating.”

 
The same amount of care happens across the school district each day. LPS Director of Nutrition Services Andrew Ashelford said food service workers directly influence the health, learning and overall well-being of students. They order food and supplies, schedule menus, maintain equipment, examine federal food guidelines and requirements, coordinate special dietary needs, review free and reduced meal applications, prepare business invoices and make meals with their culinary knowledge.
 
“Students who eat a well-balanced meal focus and perform better in class,” Ashelford said. “Nutrition staff also support emotional and social well-being by providing a consistent and welcoming cafeteria environment that allows students to feel safe and cared for. I am proud of the nutrition services staff at LPS for the work they put into feeding the students on a daily basis.”
 
LPS serves approximately 1.5 million breakfasts, 4.3 million lunches and 208,000 snacks each year. That process begins at the Nutrition Services Distribution Center, which features a warehouse of food products and materials. Workers then transport items to eight LPS central kitchens and dozens of smaller production kitchens. The school district plans meals based on historical data, current food dietary guidelines and product availability.
 
Employees like Ana Wood, Ramiza Mujkic and Terry Mylander take it from there. Mujkic, who is East’s head cook, has been with LPS for 12 years. She spent part of one morning working with containers full of carrots, corn and broccoli for students to eat. She said it is rewarding to know that the team’s many hours of work are well worth it.
 
“You see those kids from their first day of ninth grade to the day before they go to college, and you get to know them,” Mujkic said. “I feel really super being able to give them food that I know is going to help them. I love food and I love being in the kitchen, so this is a great place for me to be to help out.”

 
While Mujkic was working in the kitchen, Ana Wood staffed a spot by a large conveyor belt oven. She placed trays of breaded chicken pieces on the conveyor belt for a 13-minute cooking trip through the oven. After the pieces were ready, she took the trays to a counter where she created chicken sandwiches. She then individually wrapped each sandwich for students to pick up for lunch.
 
Wood said it is meaningful to watch students react with delight as they explore their menu choices. That day’s options included chicken sandwiches and tenders, salads, pears, cheeseburgers, corn, broccoli, carrots, Jello salad and supreme pizza. There were also more than 100 turkey breast sub sandwiches filled with lettuce, cheese, tomatoes and onions.
 
“I love to see the faces of the students coming through the line,” Wood said. “It’s a good feeling to know that you’re helping them.”

 
Back in the main kitchen, Mylander concentrated on assembling breads and pastries for the Spartans. He began his role as head baker at East this past November and said he has enjoyed the position. He bakes 250 dinner rolls on a typical day, and he makes dozens of desserts like chocolate cake, cookies and blueberry crisp.
 
“I really like being around the kids,” Mylander said. “They bring a lot of energy here. I really enjoy making food for them.”

 
Additional jobs like packaging salads, loading soft drinks into refrigerators and processing a full bushel of cucumbers take place before any Spartan reaches the cafeteria. The team then moves into the meal portion of the day. Employees serve items to students, monitor how much food is being used and restock trays and bins as needed. The first lunch period at East begins at 10:35 a.m. and the final lunch gate closes at 1:02 p.m.
 
Mujkic said she is proud to be part of a group that is fueling the futures of so many people.
 
“Every single plate of food is important for someone,” Mujkic said. “That’s the way I look at it. Every single person needs a good meal during their day, and that’s what we can provide them. It feels really good to know that.”
 
Discover how LPS Nutrition Services is impacting the lives of thousands of students each day.
 
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Posted on April 30, 2026

Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence: Join Us for the Ruth Hill Elementary Golden Anniversary

For half a century, Ruth Hill Elementary School has proudly committed to helping students and families soar in South Lincoln from the first bell in 1976 to the present day.

We invite students past and present, dedicated staff and the community to join us as we honor this historical moment with a special open house celebration on Sunday, May 3, 2026. 

Event Details

• When: Sunday, May 3
• Time: 2 - 4 p.m.
• Where: Hill Elementary School, 5230 Tipperary Trail
• Who: Current and past Hill Hawks 

A Special Anniversary Program

We will kick off our celebratory open house at 2 p.m. with a DJ, then a short program starting at 2:15 p.m. in our outdoor classroom, including: 

• Roscoe Hill, son of our school’s namesake, Ruth Hill.
• Marilyn Johnson Farr, Ph.D, Lincoln Board of Education member.
• Emily Wiebeck, Hill Elementary School Principal.

Explore the Legacy: Community Open House

Following the presentation, stay and walk down memory lane in our building, where you can:

• Reconnect with former teachers, classmates, and colleagues with some treats. 
• Travel through decades of school memorabilia and vintage photos.
• See how our classrooms have evolved to serve today’s scholars.

 
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Posted on April 30, 2026

LPS American Indian students learn about robotics at engaging workshop

Lincoln Public Schools students like Dean and ZenDaya learned how robots can strengthen both culture and community at an interactive workshop this spring.
 
The LPS fifth graders joined more than 20 fellow American Indian students at a workshop hosted by youth robotics inventor Danielle Boyer. She inspired them by incorporating themes of teamwork, friendship and entrepreneurship into a presentation about the benefits of technology. She helped them create plans for robots that could assist their elders with activities such as walking, gardening or picking things up.
 
ZenDaya, who attends Elliott Elementary School, designed a robot to help ease her grandmother’s grocery shopping. It included four baskets that provided space for her groceries and wallet. The machine also featured a bodyguard who would protect her grandmother while she was at the store.
 
ZenDaya said she would remember the workshop’s lessons in all of her LPS activities.
 
“It’s pushing me to my limit to learn how to be a respectful, safe and honorable student at Elliott,” ZenDaya said.

Dean, who attends Cavett Elementary School, displayed the same type of compassion as he sketched his robot at another table. He brainstormed a machine that could grab items for people from shelves with Spiderman-like webs. His spider bot also featured suction cups that would allow it to access hard-to-reach places with ease.
 
Dean said Boyer’s message of perseverance and triumph made him feel more confident in his ideas.
 
“Even though if people don’t believe you, you should always believe in yourself,” Dean said.
 
Joe Rousseau said those reactions are why he was excited to have students attend the workshop. Rousseau, the LPS American Indian education demonstration grant coordinator, received an e-mail this past fall from Dominique Ellis at the Center for Great Plains Studies. She told him about an opportunity to meet Boyer and learn about her groundbreaking work with American Indian languages and science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) topics.
 
“Danielle encouraged our youth to learn our languages, to follow our dreams as she did, to use our strengths towards improving our communities, and to empower ourselves with education so we have the tools needed to craft the future we want,” Rousseau said.
 
Boyer, who is Anishnaabe from the Sault Tribe, shared her story of growing up below the poverty line with her family. She did not have as many opportunities for science and technology classes as a youth, which has motivated her to make education accessible for everyone. She is the founder of The STEAM Connection, a youth-led charity that has reached hundreds of thousands of children across the world.
 
Boyer began her presentation by showcasing the positive effects of technology in villages and cities. She wanted to plant the seeds of high-tech interest for American Indian students and encourage them to consider the career field.
 
“I feel like tech is used in a lot of harmful ways, and I wanted to show ways that we can leverage it for good,” Boyer said. “I think that when we use technology for positive uses in our communities, it can create a lot of change.”
 
Boyer’s most recent invention is doing exactly that. She has created the SkoBot, which is an interactive American Indian language revitalization robot. Her grandmother is the last fluent speaker of Anishinaabemowin in her family, and Boyer wanted to ensure her heritage would be preserved for many future generations. The SkoBot is shaped in the form of a toy for kids. The device is also designed to bridge the gap between language learning and documentation in a family-based way.

 
Boyer said she was happy to watch students like ZenDaya and Dean come up with creative ideas during the morning. She felt they had the potential to turn their inventions into high-tech reality one day.
 
“I hope they’re excited by STEM,” Boyer said. “I think a lot of the time, it’s the first time people are being exposed to that, like what Indigenous tech could look like, and so I always hope that kids want to pursue that themselves.”
 
Dean said he was impressed by how the workshop introduced new ideas to him.
 
“It talked about how robots could help scientists and people,” Dean said. “So, I think I want to start building robots to help people.”

 
Rousseau felt the event also sparked an increased sense of belonging for everyone who attended.
 
“Students see for themselves they are not the only American Indian at their school, as we are in every classroom, in every school building,” Rousseau said. “We are still here.”
 
Rousseau said the opportunity for students to meet Boyer would have a long-lasting impact in academic, social and cultural ways.
 
“It is important for our students to see for themselves that LPS values our community and our understanding,” Rousseau said. “When LPS provides us with the space to celebrate our culture, the bridge is strengthened between our community and our schools, deepening the trust amongst our community for the public education our children receive.”
 
Learn more about American Indian educational opportunities at LPS.
 
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Posted on April 29, 2026

Eden ensures excellent memories for Grizzlies as yearbook leader

Eden is ensuring that all of Standing Bear’s success stories will be told in memorable ways this school year.
 
The Standing Bear High School senior is using her journalism talents to produce top-notch copy for the yearbook. She has been on staff all three years of the school’s existence and is currently vice-editor-in-chief of the Standing Bear Kodiak. She is responsible for overseeing yearbook spreads, proofreading copy, generating story ideas and covering events with her words and photos.
 
Eden said she enjoys publishing the first drafts of school history with her fellow staff members.
 
“I like being able to put words together to make people feel like they’re in the moment,” Eden said. “That’s my biggest goal. I want to be able to make a time capsule for everybody to be able to look back on.”

 
Standing Bear teacher Brianna Knoell has watched Eden thrive with her camera, computer and creative mindset. Knoell leads English, yearbook and broadcast journalism classes and has helped students advance to state journalism competitions. She said Eden’s intelligent and hardworking personality has made her a vital part of the Standing Bear team.
 
“There are so many things I love about having Eden in class, but something that stands out is her creativity,” Knoell said. “Eden always has the best ideas and she never backs down from a challenge. Whenever I’m unsure about what to do on a certain page in the yearbook or how to use certain elements, Eden always figures it out in a way that looks stunning. She has been a pivotal part of all three yearbook themes and covers thus far.”
 
Eden began her high school career at Southwest and came to Standing Bear when it opened in the 2023-24 academic year. She made a seamless transition by joining the softball team, attending Hope Squad meetings and working on yearbook pages. She said the community spirit at Standing Bear has been a source of pride for all of the Grizzlies.
 
“I feel like it’s different than what you think the average high school community would be,” Eden said. “We were able to start everything ourselves. We started new traditions and built our community and were able to be the foundation for the school. It’s really neat to be a part of something like that.”

 
That list of new beginnings included the yearbook, which chronicled the achievements of two grades in its first edition. This year’s publication has increased to approximately 200 pages with stories about four grades.
 
Knoell said Eden has become a trusted mentor for many people in the building. She has passed along her knowledge to younger staff members who have relied on her judgment and expertise. She qualified for this year’s state journalism contest in the layout design category, and she helped the Kodiak staff earn a state bid in theme development.
 
“Eden is a role model in her dedication to achieving and maintaining a high standard for our yearbook,” Knoell said. “Other staffers look to Eden for inspiration, and Eden is always willing to lend a helping hand.”
 
Knoell said Eden’s strong academic resume has also played a factor in her success. She is planning to major in pre-veterinary medicine at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln after she graduates from Standing Bear. She has met people from across campus because of her willingness to take many types of courses, which has expanded the number of story possibilities for the yearbook.
 
“Our staff knows that we want to produce a yearbook that students want to have on their shelves, and accomplishing that takes the leadership of editors like Eden,” Knoell said. “Whether it’s coming up with new ideas or giving feedback to existing ones, our Kodiak Krew looks to Eden for guidance.”

 
Eden said she has felt like an honorary member of every school group because of her yearbook role. She has taken her camera to the sidelines of Standing Bear games, written about academic activities and composed spreads about social events. She said it has been fun watching fellow Grizzlies enjoy bright moments in all types of settings.
 
“There are so many things that I’m interested in,” Eden said. “It was hard to pick one thing that I wanted to focus on, but being on yearbook has given me an opportunity to explore everything. I love being a part of all of those things.”
 
Eden said her time with her Kodiak co-workers has been a memorable part of her Standing Bear career. She said it has been meaningful to tell stories about her fellow Grizzlies in a time-capsule format.
 
“It makes me feel like I have a purpose,” Eden said. “It makes me feel like I’ve accomplished things for the good of others.”
 
Learn how English Language Arts courses like journalism are preparing LPS students to become successful members of society.
 
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Posted on April 29, 2026

Clinton marks century of success during celebration of school building

Whenever Rose Jurica Hitz looks out her kitchen window, she sees evidence of Clinton Elementary School’s widespread impact on the Lincoln community.
 
Hitz joined numerous visitors this spring at the centennial celebration of the school building. She moved to Lincoln with her family in 1945 and began taking kindergarten classes on the historic campus that year. In the eight decades afterwards, she has sent three children through Clinton’s doors, been a member of the school’s parent-teacher association and remained in the same neighborhood house she and her husband bought in 1959.
 
Hitz said her connection to Clinton remains as strong as the day she first came to Lancaster County. She was grateful for the galaxies of energy that the current Comets bring with them to school.
 
“I love to see the excitement in the kids,” Hitz said. “I like to see that what’s going on with them, that there is still hope out there for us.”

 
Hitz’s daughter, Rochelle, holds the same type of warm memories from her time at Clinton. She smiled as she remembered having Mrs. Lake for kindergarten, Mrs. Givener for fourth grade and Mr. Roscoe in fifth grade. She said the school was the focal point of a joyful childhood on 29th Street.
 
“What I say makes Clinton special is the neighborhood, the people, the caring, the friendships,” Rochelle said. “It was just special. It was a happy time.”
 
Thousands of other Lincoln Public Schools students have shared those sentiments over the years. The original Clinton Elementary School building was constructed in 1890 and 1891 for $22,000. Located at 29th and Clinton, the school was named in honor of DeWitt Clinton, who served as a state senator, lieutenant governor and governor of New York in the early 1800s. The first classes took place on Sept. 14, 1891.
 
LPS leaders decided to make a new stone structure at 30th and Holdrege in the 1920s. The school formally opened to the public on Nov. 18, 1926, and it has been the site of many light-bulb learning moments ever since.
 
Principal Angee Luedtke said the building’s 100th anniversary has made for a fun trip down memory lane. She has spent her entire 30-year LPS career at Clinton, including the past ten as school principal. She taught second, third and fourth grades for 14 years before working as an assistant principal for the next six years. She now leads more than 60 staff members in their daily educational duties.
 
Luedtke said the celebration felt like a large family reunion. She struck up conversations with many former and current students throughout the late afternoon, and she smiled with former co-workers, current teachers and many local residents.
 
“I just think that it’s a really special place,” Luedtke said. “It’s a place that people gravitate to. It really is a sense of family.”

 
Clinton second grader Yeva agreed with Luedtke as she walked with her friends in one of the hallways. She said she is happy to be at Clinton because of the strong connections she has made with fellow Comets.
 
“I like how everybody’s nice,” Yeva said.
 
Hitz remembers having those same feelings when she attended school in the 1940s. What was one of her favorite memories of being at Clinton?
 
“Probably the teachers being so dedicated and showing you, because I came from a poor background, that there was opportunity for you to learn,” Hitz said. “The excitement of learning books and things, what you could learn.”
 
Hitz remained attached to the school throughout the following decades. She joined Clinton’s Parent-Teacher Association when her three children became Comets, and she participated in many activities that benefited students. She vividly recalls PTA members preparing for Clinton Fun Night each year by making potato salad. The group would boil 100 pounds of potatoes before adding eggs, mustard and mayonnaise for everyone to enjoy.
 
“We mothers were very, very involved in that school at that time, so I do remember those years,” Hitz said.

The 2026 version of Clinton’s building includes many technological items that could never have been imagined 100 years ago. The campus also features a new synthetic turf playground that was installed in 2024. Hundreds of students enjoy recess on the field during school days and outdoor activities on the weekends.
 
“The use of that playground, it just warms my heart,” Hitz said. “I can look out my kitchen window on a Sunday morning or Saturday morning and see them out there playing soccer. The neighbor gal says her boy used to come in the house and play games. Now he’s out playing soccer.”
 
Luedtke said scenes like that happen at Clinton because of the trust that the school and neighborhood have built with each other. She said those bonds would continue to remain strong as Clinton steps into its next century of educational success.
 
“I just love the community that we serve,” Luedtke said. “I love the students. I love the diversity. I love the people that teach here, and the passion that they have for teaching and learning.”

The future of LPS is collaborative. Check out our 2024-29 Strategic Plan to see how we’re strengthening family and community engagement in our schools.
 
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Posted on April 29, 2026

Grizzlies gain robotics knowledge with new high-tech tools

Standing Bear High School students like Michal are programming bright futures with new high-tech tools.
 
Members of Standing Bear’s Robotics 2 class are among the first Lincoln Public Schools students to use the VEX CTE 6-Axis Robotic Arm. The product teaches them how to code robots to perform precise movements and commonplace tasks in agricultural and manufacturing settings. The device includes six rotational joints that allow the Grizzlies to freely manipulate the arm in many directions.
 
Michal said it is exciting to step into a new frontier of robotics education in Lincoln. He said the cutting-edge technology is giving him skills that will directly transfer into the workplace.
 
“Being a high school senior, it really gets me stoked to know that these are things that I’m learning now, and these could be potential jobs for me in the future as well,” Michal said.

 
Alex Flamme said those reactions are why she is passionate about incorporating technology into her skilled and technical sciences (STS) classrooms. She spent five years as a manufacturing automation engineer before deciding to become a teacher. She said it is essential for her Standing Bear students to learn about STS careers through instruments like the robotic arm.
 
“I think the industry we are preparing students for is a hidden one,” Flamme said. “Even if a student has a family member in the field, they often have no idea what they do because their work is done in a facility that you can’t visit, like a doctor’s office or a Wal-Mart. But the industry is critical. The top two industries in Nebraska are agriculture and manufacturing. Robotics and automation have a role in both.”
 
LPS Career and Technical Education Curriculum Specialist Jason Thomsen said the school district wants to prepare students for those expanding careers. Many companies have designed robots that can perform tasks like harvesting fragile crops such as lettuce and strawberries, and others use machines to complete tasks in greenhouses. There are also agricultural robots that can seed and fertilize crops, weed fields and herd cattle.
 
“It’s exciting anytime we can bring relevant content to students as part of our curriculum,” Thomsen said. “The VEX robotic arms provide students with the opportunity for a hands-on experience that mirrors real-world industrial automation, while also developing problem-solving skills needed for future careers.”
 
Michal began learning about the profession in the Robotics 1 class. He and other Grizzlies used VEX V5 kits to engineer and design robots to perform various tasks. Robotics 2 students are relying on that knowledge to work on more advanced projects this semester. They are incorporating subjects such as physics, math and computer science into their daily assignments.
 
The Grizzlies began working with the VEX CTE 6-Axis Robotic Arm curriculum earlier this winter. They moved through assignments such as coding the robot’s movements and teaching it how to transport and palletize objects. They will finish the eight-step unit with a capstone project that focuses on an engineering design process.
 
Flamme said she has been pleased with the progress in her class. Students have learned that the robotic arm has inputs and outputs that allow programmers to control the jobs it performs.
 
“You’re moving the robot to a position, and you’re telling it that position that it can then repeat and go to over and over again,” Flamme said.

 
The class has also discovered new ways to solve problems. The kit includes parts such as a signal tower and base, pen holder tool, dry erase markers and magnetic pickup tool. Students can experiment with different resources and aim to accomplish jobs quickly and efficiently.
 
Michal said his firsthand experiences with robots have shown him how beneficial they can be. If he had free rein to design an android, what would he want it to do?
 
“I would want it to solve everyday problems that I have, and I’d want it to do it as fast and best as possible,” Michal said.

 
In addition to providing technical information about the robotics world, the class is also inspiring students to explore new career paths. The Grizzlies have taken field trips to local manufacturing plants and talked about available opportunities in college robotics courses.
 
Students have also learned about the growing prospects in computer science fields. For example, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics projects more than 160,000 new jobs in the software development industry by 2033.
 
“I would love to be the person that puts (robots) together and especially install them and run programs and run things that they need for desired companies,” Michal said.
 
Flamme said the new robotic arm is an important tool that the Grizzlies can use to reach those types of educational and occupational goals.
 
“I feel really excited about robotics because it feels like a problem to tackle,” Flamme said. “So many times you think about the outcome of what a robot does and that it’s cool to look at, but really, when you’re the one trying to make it happen and make it do that, it’s just so many layers of problems for you to solve. There’s a lot of satisfaction when you get to actually make something and make it work.”
 
Did you know that LPS offers nearly 100 career and technical education courses? Discover more about these learning opportunities.
 
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Posted on April 28, 2026

Sidar navigates language journey to become role model at North Star

North Star High School senior Sidar is a shining example of how hard work can lead to heartwarming results.
 
Sidar has become a role model for many Navigators with his efforts in both the classroom and community. He has spent the past four years learning the English language, studying aviation mechanics and earning money for his family. Along the way, he has gained an aircraft-sized amount of friends, confidence and respect in North Star’s hallways.
 
Sidar said he has treasured his time at Lincoln Public Schools because of the opportunities he has gained here. He began his first year at North Star in the English Learners (EL) 1 program with a limited English vocabulary. He is now able to speak the language fluently at his school, workplace and social activities.
 
“This means a lot to me,” Sidar said. “When you come from another country, you have to work hard to get here, and I’m proud of how much I’ve improved.”

 
North Star Associate Principal Doug Weatherholt said it has been an honor to watch Sidar become an important part of the North Star family. He said Sidar’s story is inspiring because it reflects how much time he has poured into studying English words, sentences and phrases.
 
“These kids work so hard to try to learn the language and to try to acclimate themselves to the culture, so it’s awesome to see someone like Sidar, who exemplifies the work ethic and the attitude and the kind of things that make us proud to have an EL program at North Star,” Weatherholt said. “We’re proud of our EL students across the district, but in particular the ones who we see put in the hard work that some other students who’ve known English all their lives might take for granted.”
 
Sidar and his family came to Lincoln from the city of Erbil, which is the capital of the Kurdistan region of Iraq. Erbil has an estimated population of 960,000 and is an industrial and cultural hub of the area.
 
Sidar said he was impressed by the welcoming smiles that North Star teachers and students showered on him when he first arrived. He and his twin brother were unfamiliar with the campus, but the kind actions of fellow Navigators made him realize that he was in a good place.
 
“As a freshman, I was pretty young and didn’t know where anything was in the school building,” Sidar said. “But everyone was really nice. When I was looking for a class, people would be there to help out.”

 
Sidar said staff members rallied around him as he increased his English skills. In addition to the practice he received in EL settings, he also earned opportunities to improve in math, science and social studies courses.
 
“This school helped me to learn English and become more confident in it,” Sidar said. “In classes, teachers would always give me a chance to practice speaking, and over that time, I got better.”
 
Weatherholt said many teachers have noticed Sidar’s bright outlook on life. He said that has opened doors of mutual understanding and respect.
 
“You just appreciate when kids are willing to talk to adults and show that level of maturity, especially when he doesn’t have as much experience with English as other kids,” Weatherholt said. “He’s always had a great smile on his face and a tremendous attitude.”
 
North Star’s supportive academic environment has also helped Sidar thrive. One of his favorite classes has been Power Mechanics in the Aviation and Technical Education Focus Program. He has practiced flying and landing airplanes in simulators and is exploring possible aviation-based business careers.
 
“I enjoy working with my hands,” Sidar said. “I really liked the mechanical class. We built machines and a lot of really neat things.”

 
Sidar’s industrious attitude is benefiting those closest to him. He currently works at a large commercial store in town to bring in extra income. He beamed as Weatherholt shared a story about interacting with him at the business one day.
 
“When I saw him working there, I said to myself that the amount of work ethic this kid has is amazing,” Weatherholt said. “It looked like you were enjoying it as much there as you do here in the hallways. Your smile was the same and your energy was the same. ‘They’re lucky to have you,’ is what I thought.”
 
Sidar has been accepted into Southeast Community College and will major in business next year. He said he will miss many people at North Star who have made him feel welcomed and respected over the past four years.
 
“My friends. My teachers,” Sidar said. “There are a lot of good people here.”
 
Are you the proud family of a graduating LPS senior? Find everything you need to prepare for the big day, including ceremony dates, times and venue locations. View the 2026 Graduation Schedule and Details.
 
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Posted on April 27, 2026

Food Philanthropy: Southeast alumni give back by helping Knights at food market

Southeast High School alumni are providing nourishing encouragement for students five decades after earning their own black-and-gold diplomas.
 
Southeast graduates from 1976 and 1977 are serving as volunteers for the Southeast Food Market. They unpack food from pallets, arrange items on tables and help students collect needed household meals each month. They also offer reassuring smiles to current Knights who are supporting their families with food.
 
Julie Smith and Susan Dinsmore said they and other members of the group have enjoyed giving back to their alma mater. Smith graduated from Southeast in 1976 and Dinsmore appeared in her commencement ceremony one year later. They said the 90 minutes they spend together at the food market each month have become cherished moments for everyone.
 
“We’re all retired, so we have the time to do it, and we know it’s meaningful work,” Smith said. “We’re all graduates of Southeast, and we work hard and have fun together. We’re all driven by the mission.”
 
“Clearly, there’s a need for food bank services at Southeast,” Dinsmore said. “A lot of families are struggling, and we all need to help out in whatever way we can. This is just a very small thing we can do to help.”

 
Gretchen Baker said the alumni have made notable differences for the Southeast community. Baker is a school social worker who has organized food markets on campus for many years. She has been thrilled with the life-changing connections the veteran Knights have made with high schoolers.
 
“They are invested in our community and our kids,” Baker said. “So, they are very respectful of our students but also are not afraid to interact with them as they fill their bags of food.”
 
The food market is the result of a partnership between Southeast and Food Bank of Lincoln, which is a member of the national Feeding America organization. Southeast alum Doug Ganz served as a board member on the Food Bank of Lincoln Foundation, and he was approached one day by Food Bank of Lincoln representative John Mabry. Ganz spoke about his desire to give back to his alma mater, and they came up with a plan to launch the food market at Southeast.
 
Each year, Food Bank of Lincoln distributes approximately 10 million meals to people struggling with food insecurity in 16 Nebraska counties. Feeding America estimated that approximately 32,000 Lancaster County residents face food insecurity.
 
Food Bank of Lincoln employees transport multiple pallets to Southeast for the monthly food markets. They then hand over the reins to the alumni, who empty the contents of each container with enthusiasm. They bring fresh supplies of fruits and vegetables, packages of pasta and mashed potatoes and dozens of cereal boxes to tables set up in the lower commons.
 
Students can obtain food at no cost during the events, and there is no application or pre-approval process. They simply show up, sign in and pick up fresh produce, bakery items and non-perishable food.

 
John Ritze and Rose Haberlan said they have enjoyed bridging the generational gap with food market visitors. Many alumni have volunteered at Southeast for three years, which has helped them form bonds with students who regularly come to the lower commons area.
 
“It’s pretty consistent who shows up, so when the kids come, they’re able to recognize us,” Ritze said. “I think the students who do come feel comfortable talking with us.”
 
“We’ll tell them that, no, you can take two cans. You don’t have to limit it to one,” Haberlan said. “We’ll tell them that somebody will eat it at your house.”
 
Smith and Dinsmore said it has also given the group a chance to maintain longtime friendships. Many volunteers have known each other for more than 60 years. They shared updates about their families, talked about community news and traded heartfelt laughs as they organized food one afternoon.
 
“I love the camaraderie and the fellowship,” Dinsmore said. “It’s fun to see my old buddies from high school and be able to work with them. They’re just a fun group.”
 
“We all graduated in the 1970s, and we’ve been friends ever since,” Smith said. “Some of us have been friends since kindergarten.”

One of the group’s top goals is to meet even more students. The final food market of the school year will run from 2:45-3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 13. There will be a summer break before the food market events resume in September.
 
“We’re always wanting to get more kids in here,” Smith said. “We normally get about 125, and there are hundreds who could use the food.”
 
“We’d like to double our numbers if we could,” Haberlan said. “That would be nice. We just need to get the word out that this is available.”
 
All the Southeast alumni said they would like to continue volunteering for as long as they can. Smith said she hoped similar food markets could provide nourishing encouragement for students at other Lincoln Public Schools buildings.
 
“I feel like every school should be able to come up with a group of alums who are passionate about their school and helping the families that are there,” Smith said.
 
Want to be a difference maker like these Southeast alums? Discover how to become a Lincoln Public Schools volunteer. 
 
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Posted on April 24, 2026

Rockets generate energy knowledge from series of solar power lessons

Northeast High School students charged up their energy knowledge this spring by learning how solar electricity affects all of the Rockets.
 
Members of the Environmental Studies class spent three days examining details about the school’s new solar panels. Northeast science teacher Kristi Puls and John Hay of Nebraska Extension of Lancaster County led activities that showcased how sunlight is converted into electricity. Students toured the solar panel field, learned about energy distribution and consumption and calculated how many solar panels would power the entire campus.
 
Northeast senior Kwame joined his classmates for the indoor and outdoor activities. He said it was fun to discover more information about solar energy.
 
“I’ve learned a lot about how electricity is generated,” Kwame said. “It’s been really good.”

 
Hay said he enjoyed sharing his knowledge with the Rockets during the sustainability unit. He informs many residents about energy topics through his Nebraska Extension work. He also teaches an Energy Systems and Sustainability course to University of Nebraska-Lincoln students.
 
“I do think energy literacy is important, and it’s a building process for them,” Hay said. “They might not be purchasing their own electricity yet, but they will in a short number of years. As they drive vehicles, they’re going to be buying fuel. I think understanding energy terminology and how energy works is going to be essential for them.”
 
Puls said she was excited to watch students become engaged with the material. They learned about key electrical terms such as generation, transmission, distribution and load, and they found out that having a mix of energy sources helps power become more reliable. They also realized how vital the subject is in an age of 24/7 electrical consumption.
 
“I could see some of them really connecting with what was going on,” Puls said. “That was good to see.”

 
Puls said it is valuable for students like Kwame to learn more about new energy technologies. Data from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) ranks Nebraska 13th in the nation in terms of the greatest energy potential from solar power. More than three dozen Nebraska counties or cities have constructed solar facilities that generate at least 950 kilowatts of power.
 
Lincoln joined that list in 2016 when Lincoln Electric System built the Holdrege Solar Center. Located at Northwest 75th and West Holdrege streets, the facility includes 15,333 solar panels that generate five megawatts of solar energy. It produces enough energy to power 900 typical homes in Lincoln.
 
The Rockets began their project by inspecting a series of new solar panels located next to Northeast’s tennis courts. Lincoln Public Schools installed its first solar arrays at Standing Bear and Northwest high schools in 2023. LPS expanded its solar capacity by adding Northeast’s panels in 2025. The school district also placed panels at Scott and Lux middle schools the same year.

LPS Sustainability Coordinator Brittney Wees said the solar panels have helped students in many ways. All five LPS solar arrays are located on the ground next to their schools, which has made them more accessible for educational lessons like those at Northeast.

“It is really great to see opportunities for students to connect with renewable energy generation expand across the district,” Wees said. “One of the benefits of having our arrays be ground-mounted instead of roof-mounted is the ability to have these classroom activities for students to get hands-on experience with them.”

 
Hay first gave students background information about the mechanics of solar generation and distribution. The class then looked at how the panels are slanted to best capture the sun’s rays in different seasons of the year. They also learned about live dashboards that provide real-time updates on how much daily energy the solar panels produce.
 
“I think they have a better sense of how the solar panels turn that sunlight into electricity,” Hay said. “We started with that, and then we explored where that electricity goes.”
 
The Rockets spent their second day calculating how much land would be needed to power Northeast’s entire campus from solar energy. They determined LPS would need to fill six acres with solar panels to accomplish that goal.
 
“I think that was a good visual for them to think about,” Puls said. “We’d need six football fields to make it happen.”
 
The class played a board game called Microgrid Mastermind on day three. Several of Hay’s college students created the game to show players how grids move electricity from power plants to home outlets. The Rockets bought fuel distribution lines, expanded electrical substations and determined which power sources would work best for their city.
 
Puls said Microgrid Mastermind showed students why it is critical to have multiple ways of providing energy to the public. Players picked up action cards each round that introduced either positive or negative twists to the game’s storyline. The Rockets learned how natural events such as droughts, cold temperatures and severe weather can put stress on the power grid. They also discovered that squirrels are the top reason for power outages in Nebraska.

 
“I loved this game because they could see all different types of power, and they knew how they needed to make those connections,” Puls said. “I think with this game, they were able to put it all together.”
 
Hay said he hoped the activities gave students a better grasp of a topic that impacts everyone in Lincoln.
 
“Energy is something that we interact with all our lives, so it’s important to start learning about it as soon as we can,” Hay said. “It’s important to understand what energy we use and how we can save and be efficient with it. This is something they will use throughout their lives.”
 
Track daily electrical usage of the five LPS solar sites through this LPS Sustainability webpage.
 
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Posted on April 22, 2026

LPS students gain global skills at UNL World Language Fair

Dana, Eman and Mohammed provided powerful illustrations this spring of how Lincoln Public Schools classes are boosting their global prospects.
 
The Northeast High School trio joined a large LPS delegation at the 2026 University of Nebraska-Lincoln World Language Fair. The three Rockets were among 20 students who represented the school in Arabic language activities. Music, poetry, drama, film, folk dancing and poster art contests also took place in German, Chinese, Japanese, French and Spanish languages.
 
Eman felt the fair gave her a world-sized educational value. She was part of a nine-person group that won first place in the Arabic film contest for a production called “Under the Table.” The junior also created a poster that combined embroidery and painting. Her artwork featured 11 flowers next to a city scene contained within the outline of the country of Syria.
 
“Last year I came to see what was happening, and it gave me a lot of really good ideas,” Eman said. “This year, I’m here competing and I’m really enjoying it.”

 
Many other students in Arabic, Chinese and Japanese classes shared those wide smiles at the fair. The three programs are among the smaller LPS world language offerings in terms of enrollment, but they have consistently produced shining results at statewide events. More than a dozen students in each language showcased their talents in contests held at the Nebraska City Campus Union and other UNL locations.
 
Mohammed and Dana each won individual honors for their academic work. Mohammed earned first place in the Arabic poster contest for his painting called “The Beauty of Adventures.” The sophomore drew a sailor standing on a wooden ship with birds flying nearby in the sunset. He said it was fulfilling to come up with the idea and work through a learning curve.
 
“I messed up a few times, so it was fun for me to restart and see what I did wrong in the first two tries,” Mohammed said. “The third one worked out because I learned from my mistakes. I learned what colors I should have and how I needed to redraw it. It was fun to go through that trial-and-error process and come out with a better artwork.”

 
Dana defended her state title in the Arabic poetry competition. The junior said she enjoyed the event because it helped her become more familiar with different words, phrases and expressions. She was also able to meet fellow students who are considering similar postsecondary options in world languages.
 
“It’s a good experience to grow my Arabic language and see the college for the future,” Dana said.
 
Southwest High School teammates Espree and Alivia also gained language treasures in their Japanese music contest. They performed a Japanese song in front of judges and multiple rows of students from across Nebraska. They wore traditional dresses as they sang several verses of the tune in the Chimney Rock Room.

 
Espree said the activity made a major impression on her. She felt learning and performing the song would help her retain more of the Japanese language.
 
“I really liked doing this,” Espree said. “The music was good to learn, and I think it made for deeper memories of the whole day.”
 
Alivia said she had pocketed a wealth of life skills from preparing for the day with her friend. The ninth grader beamed as applause spilled across the room after she and Espree finished their song.
 
“Doing this has really helped with my public speaking skills,” Alivia said. “Before this, I was a little more scared about getting in front of a group, but now I’m a lot more comfortable with it.”
 
North Star High School teacher Chun-Yi Coral Su brought 14 Chinese language students with her to campus. The majority of the Navigators participated in Level 1 poetry and poster events, and one group took part in the Chinese film category. North Star also had one entrant in the Chinese music contest.
 
The Chinese posters featured a wide range of cultural scenes. Uyen created a drawing of a dragon soaring above a mountainous rural town, and Chau produced a picture of a woman standing next to a cherry blossom tree in the sunlight. Genesis sketched several colorful flowers beneath Chinese text that talked about fresh petals covered with morning dew.

LPS students also participated in mini-lessons about holidays and celebrations from countries in Europe and Asia. Northeast students Rana, Mohammed, Lina and Hamzeh joined Arabic teacher Nael Hijjo in one of the presentations in Burnett Hall. They spoke about their cultural experiences with the Eid al-Fitr holiday, which marks the end of Ramadan.
 
Mohammed said he enjoyed discovering facts about many global customs and traditions during the day. He said participating in the fair would help him boost his educational prospects for years to come.
 
“I feel like it will help me moving forward because doing a project like this helps you learn, and getting experiences like this helps you grow as a person,” Mohammed said. “You’re able to see and know more things.”
 
Discover how world language classes are helping LPS students become informed global citizens.
 
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Posted on April 20, 2026