Governor Pete Ricketts signed a proclamation designating Monday, May 16, 2016 as Hannah Huston Day in Nebraska in honor of the Arnold Elementary preschool teacher who has gained fame for her successful performances on the reality television show The Voice. Today, Huston will compete for a spot in the show’s finale.

“Throughout the competition, Hannah has been an outstanding ambassador for our state,” said Governor Pete Ricketts. “As she takes the stage on Monday to compete for a spot in the finale, Nebraska will be rooting for her. On Hannah Huston Day, we urge all Nebraskans to consider watching her next performance, which will determine whether she earns a spot in the finale.”

At the news conference, members of Huston’s family, fellow educators, and friends joined the Governor to celebrate her success and talk about the impact she has had on them and Nebraska.

For the last couple years, Huston has taught preschool, most recently at Arnold Elementary School in Lincoln. Arnold Elementary School Principal J.J. Wilkins and Associate Superintendent for Instruction at Lincoln Public Schools Jane Stavem attended the ceremony.

“She clearly has two passions in her life,”said Arnold Elementary School Principal Wilkins. “She has that passion for singing that we are all seeing on ‘The Voice,’ but she also has that passion for teaching and that passion for education, and that passion for student learning...She wanted me to share that she loves teaching, she loves being at Arnold Elementary School, and she loves being part of Lincoln Public Schools.”

Stavem added, “I think it’s clearly evident that Hannah has exemplified three things that are important for people to really notice. She has learned how to prepare...She has also learned that perseverance is a big part of success...And finally, she is experiencing the joy of performing.”

This week, eight contestants will perform in the semifinals on Monday. Four will be eliminated and four will advance to the finale. The results show will be aired on Tuesday. For more information about the show, please visit www.nbc.com/the-voice.