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

April 21, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Congratulations, Jace!

We wish you the best in your future endeavors.

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

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