Excellence in Education

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The North Platte Telegraph • Excellence In Education • September 28, 2013

NPCS Faculty Total Years of Service as of 1-2013

The North Platte Catholic Schools have been educating students in 1891.

Among the first students was Irma Cody, daughter of the famous Colonel William F. Cody, otherwise known as “Buffalo Bill.” Five young ladies were the first graduates of our school in the year 1895. A year later, the first boy to graduate was Thomas Jeffers. Members of his family have been enrolled almost continuously since that time.

The state accredited, North Platte Catholic Schools employs 35 Teachers.

80% of which have sought extra educational hours toward a higher degree. o 19 NPCS Faculty members hold Master’s Degrees. o 20 of 35 dedicated faculty members have over 10 years of service to NPCS. o 10 faculty members have logged more than 20 years of service to the North Platte Catholic Schools and 6 of those 10 have served over 30 years at NPCS. The generous and dedicated staff and administrators make it possible to exceed the state mandated number of instructional hours (elementary-1,032 / secondary-1,080) each year. The North Platte Catholic Schools anticipates the 2013-2014 instructional hours for McDaid Elementary students to reach 1,129 hours whereas St. Patrick’s Middle - Senior High School students will reach 1,217 hours.

The 2012-2013 McDaid Elementary students received 1,110 instructional hours while the St. Patrick’s Middle - High school students received 1,196.

This dedicated service instills success and high achievement in our students at all grade levels. This is verified yearly by the amount of college scholarships earned

by St. Patrick’s High School graduates. The Class of 2013 earned a combined total of $925,000 in college and tuition scholarships.

SECONDARY Bauer, Jim 31 Boerner, Sheila 23 Boyer, Kim 11 Byrn, Shelly 11 Fuller, Kevin 3 Braithwait, Brad 6 O’Neill, Tim 1 Holys, James 6 Giebler, Michael 3 O’Malley, Bill 21 Ostermeyer, Diane 40 Poston, Krissy 5 Thompson, Jackie 38 Vapenik, Seth 7 Weber, Steve 20 Wood, Kevin 25

ELEMENTARY Brosius, Marie 14 Carpenter, Rick 26 Epley, Diane 37 Ferguson, Diane 17 Fleck, Sheena 5 Braithwait, Cheryl 2 Kennedy, Traci 2 Granger, Jill 12 Younghans, Robyn 1 West, Audra 3 McCarthy-Garth, Therese 29 Moorhous, Janelle 10 Ryland, Tracy 15 Skillstad, Raegan 22 Stienike, Nathan 12.5 Wiezorek, Kasia 8 Wood, Pam 24

SPECIAL SERVICES Ellis, Mary 34 O’Neill, Judy 24 ADMINISTRATORS Skillstad, Mark 33 Elsasser, Rick 34 Dodson, Kevin 18

Myah Ramos St. Patrick’s Junior High

Gracie Rippen 7th grade, St. Patrick’s Junior High

Someone who has positively influenced me is my softball coach Jason Sommer. He is a fun, strict, and awesome coach.

He always makes things fair unless we need to do what’s best for the team. He always goes to our pitching and catching practices and tells us what we need to improve on. He is a very strict coach when it comes to softball, but after the game he is so much fun! He’s always excited for practices and tournaments.

We always have a great time. Our record this year is 43-11. I think that’s pretty good for a 12 and under team. He brings us all together as a team which is really important as a coach.

I think it’s important for every coach to have a little fun and bond or you won’t play as welL This year was my first year with him as a coach. It was probably the best year yet. He always jokes around during practice too. Our practices are about 3 hours on Sundays during winter and about 2 hours on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays during preseason which is pretty hard as a coach. I picked my softball coach Jason because he’s a hard worker. I hope our team goes all the way to 18 and under together. We are going into 14 and under this year and it will be a lot of fun. I can’t wait until next softball season.

Cassie Brown 7th grade, St. Patrick’s Junior High

When I was in 6th grade my teacher, Mrs. Skillstad taught me discipline and how to be organized. I remember my first assignment (top ten things you like about 6th grade). She taught me how to write properly and how to fix important grammar skills. During journal, it took her for ever to beat the proper way to spell certain words into my head, but sure enough she eventually did. The moral of that story is never give up.

As the year went by I still was struggling, and finally I began to progress. A little at a time my skills got better and so did my handwriting. I was getting better grades in writing class and moving up in my studies. Then as the school year was coming to an end every thing started to slow down. Eventually school was over and summer just begun. I was happy knowing I had a great school year.

My 6th grade teacher Mrs. Skillstad has inspired me to keep trying hard in everything I do. She told me to follow my dreams and try my best in everything I do. When I moved back here to North Platte, Mrs. Skillstad made sure that I knew how everything worked and that everyone was nice to me.

She helped me when I needed it. I am thankful that I had Mrs. Skillstad for my 6th grade year.

Mrs. Skillstad was a very nice teacher but she also disciplined us when we needed to be. She also let us have parties during holidays if we were good. She is now a very good friend of mine. I don’t know what I would have done without her. She is now very important to me and is, and forever will be in my prayers.

Mrs. Skillstad is very brave, kind, caring, loving, smart, funny, and a wonderful friend. I will never forget her concern about my well-being. She always asked how I was or if anything was wrong. She has inspired me to be just like her. I hope I will be as smart as she is. Mrs. Skillstad has encouraged me throughout the time I have known her, to pursue whatever career I wanted to have. She is very encouraging and encourages all of her students to be happy and work hard.

Mrs. Skillstad always tries to make everyone laugh, and she always does. She has inspired me to never give up. I hope everyone gets an experience with a teacher like I had with Mrs. Skillstad. She is the best teacher that I have ever had!

I’ll sure try not to give up on my dreams!

Ally Hasenauer 7th grade, St. Patrick’s Junior High

Abbi Allberry St. Patrick’s Junior High

Colton Hewgley 7th grade, St. Patrick’s Junior High

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The North Platte Telegraph • Excellence In Education • September 28, 2013

I was positively influenced by coach West and Coach Fleck; they influenced me by telling me to do better, and helping me to be stronger. When I look at the 8th grade girls I look at my coaches; my coaches improved them. They always push me to make me stronger. I know that they want me to do better at things. They push me to try harder at things. They want me to be prepared for high school volleyball, so I know what to do there when I get there. They are nice and great coaches. They make me feel confident in myself and want to make me do better. They want our team to get in shape for this season! GO IRISH!

I have been positively influenced by my soccer coach in many ways...I have been on a travel soccer team for 4 yrs.

My coach, Grant Creager, is such an amazing influence. He always says he “coaches to teach not to win”. He never yells at us or says anything negative to us and he is always helping us learn and telling us the positive out of every situation.

One way out of the many, he has influenced me is by always seeing the positive. We lose a game and instead of him being upset he will talk to us about how this team was on their 53rd game of the season and we were on our 3 rd game of the season. Or sometimes he will say, “Hey, they only won us by 3 and this was an elite team!” He always, always tells us what good we did, then goes into how we can do better and what to do as a team to improve.

Grant always puts God first, then family, school and then soccer. I love that about him. There have been two times I have had to miss practice for homework and he always understands and if I continue to work hard, I will still get all my playing time.

Or when my Great Grandfather died, I missed a couple of practices and once again, Grant told me not to worry about a thing. He told me to just take the time I needed.

I do my best, work hard and try to make it to all the practices I can. I even stay after for an hour to work with our assistant coach, Zach. He helps me on my kicks. I am serious when it comes to practices and even more serious when it’s game time.

I try to eat right and get good sleep and rest in between games.

Yet, I make mistakes, and one in particular I remember...It was an intense game. Tournaments go by a points system and not by a goal win. This game in particular we just needed to score, not to win just to score to play in the championship. I play defender, so that means I defend our goal. The ball was coming at me. There were 3 to 4 girls on me and we were battling for the ball right in front of the goal box. I panicked and kicked the ball back to our goalie thinking she could pick it up. Yet knowing all along she couldn’t pick it up, because I was on her team!

I just had panicked and wasn’t thinking clearly. So, the other team got a goal because when Emma, our goalie, couldn’t pick the ball up the other team kicked it and it ended up going in. I finished the game till half time and then of course was upset as I was walking off the field. My coach took me off to the side put his hands on my shoulders said words of encouragement so I would know he believed in me, gave me a hug and walked me back to my teammates.

To top this all off as we lost our last tournament championship game of the season, Grant said to our team,” I let you guys down and I’m sorry. I should have had you more conditioned for this tournament. It is my fault you lost this game and I’m sorry,” I could not believe what I was hearing. It was one of the proudest moments I have had as a Stinger, our team’s name.

I end this paper with these words...I have been immensely influenced by my coach, Grant Creager because now a days you never find a coach who only coaches with pure positive words, thoughts and actions. You never see or hear a coach now a days hug and support his team through actions and words. You sure don’t ever hear of a coach now a days take any sort of responsibility of a loss. He truly is an inspiration to me and my soccer success. I love my team win or lose and it’s because my coach has taught me that winning is truly not all about winning!

My fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Brosius, was a positive influence on my life. Her classroom always had a positive atmosphere. Whenever someone was being unkind, she put an end to it. If any of us had a problem, we could always count on her to assist us. She was very kind and willing to help. If someone was struggling, she spent extra time with them during the day and after school. She also helped us think of ways in which we could improve. Mrs. Brosius was very encouraging and supportive. She always wanted us to do the best that we could do.

Mrs. Brosius let us talk to one another until she was ready to teach. She changed the seating arrangement often so that it stayed interesting. Mrs. Brosius always had music playing and she sometimes told us stories. She read to us from a novel, usually a Golden-Sower Nominee, every day after lunch.

When she read, she used a different voice for each character, so it was more fun to listen to and easier to understand. We had many class discussions that were totally off-topic, but she always got us back on track.

My whole class liked Mrs. Brosius and we learned a lot from her. She had a certain way of teaching that made the information click with us. Mrs. Brosius was then, and still is now, a great teacher. I consider myself very lucky to have been in her class.

The North Platte Telegraph • Excellence In Education • September 28, 2013

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I have always had an inspiring teacher that I could count on who would never let me down and made sure I’d never let myself down. He’d make my day positive and would know if I was having a bad or good day. That would be Mr. Middleton, my fifth grade teacher. He was so nice and caring. I could always count on him for anything. I had problems in math for a couple years but he helped me get my grades up and made me a better math student. I could even sometimes call him a friend instead of a teacher sometimes. I felt like I could always trust him and counton him whenever. I think Mr. Middleton is one of my best inspirers because he told me be positive and to just focus on what I’m doing. He taught me the importance in life, to be responsible, to get up off our feet when we fall. He said that when we make a mistake is, that’s that’s the past and the future is a new beginning in our lives.l’ll never forget Mr. Middleton because he taught me new things in my life that I can tell others in the future. I’m so glad I had him as a teacher because if I hadn’t I’d never be where I’m at today trying new beginnings and understanding new things. I’ve under stood more from what he taught me and I know more about what I have learned. Ever since he’s been my teacher I’ve improved more on what I have done and have a great attitude. He has made me feel more positive every day I live and I will keep that in mind when ever I’m in trouble. I will never forget Mr. Middleton because he has changed my life and I owe him a big thank you for being there for me when I’ve needed him the most.

Vanessa Schwartz 7th grade, St. Patrick’s Junior High

When I was in the sixth grade, I had wonderful teachers.

The ones that stuck out the most were Mrs. Skillstad and Mr. Stienike. Mrs. Skillstad was my homeroom teacher and Mr.Steinike was my science teacher. On the first day of school I remember Mr. Stienike said, “I have two rules, don’t be a class clown, and get your work in on time. If you do both of those things we will get along great.” In Mr. Stienike’s class you work hard but he also jokes around with you. Like when I was in fifth grade we were reading about pink flamingoes. My friends and I all burst out laughing because pink flamingo in a weird name for a bird. From now on we will always be his flock and I will remember that day for the rest of my life.

Mrs. Skillstad loves to joke around but there is also a time to be serious. If you did not get your homework done it was not a very fun morning. She makes you work hard but her projects are very cool such as the book project, red ribbon week and art projects. My favorite project had to be red ribbon week. I love speaking in front of big crowds. Mrs. Skillstad makes you feel different in a great way. You love to be you when you’re with Mrs. Skillstad.

I also had an amazing teacher in fourth grade. His name is Mr. Carpenter. He loves his job. That’s a great thing because he is amazing at it. He taught me all the math facts. He makes everything fun and tries his hardest. He loves kids and is very dedicated.

I loved all my teachers but these ones work especially hard and I believe they should be recognized for their effort. Thank you all my teachers!

Ashytn Winder 7th grade, St. Patrick’s Junior High

When I started school, I went to Public School and they didn’t teach me a lot for me to learn. Then, I came to Catholic School. All the teachers took their time to work with me but, there was one teacher that really inspired me. That teacher was Mrs. Volesky.

Mrs. Volesky is the reason I still go to this school. She once told me to be myself and never change who I was. Those words have always stayed in my mind and that’s why I am who I am today. She helped me learn more about God and how to read, write, and count She also showed me how to respect others and to enjoy school and its activities. One day, I will finish school and go on to college to become a teacher. I would come back to this same school and help the students just like Mrs. Volesky helped me. I give thanks to Mrs. Volesky from the bottom of my heart for teaching me how to be myself and to believe in myself.

When I become a teacher, I hope to inspire many children just like Mrs. Volesky inspired my life. Thank you, Mrs. Volesky; for changing my life and encouraging me to be who I am today.

All teachers are a gift from God. As students, we need to show them respect, kindness and appreciation for all they do for us.

Mercades Mendoza 7th grade, St. Patrick’s Junior High

I am a junior high student at St.Patricks High School.

And my mom is a second grade teacher in a high poverty school and she is very inspiring to never be judgmental because you never know what different kids have been through.

She is such a gifted teacher and her classroom is a magical place. She is such a gifted teacher and there is always a smile on every child’s face and there is always creativity and energy everywhere. She is such a gifted teacher and she is always that teacher that genuinely cares. She always finds time to help each child even though they are not always mild. She is and always will be my inspiration. She is very trustworthy and always helps kids with their difficulties. Also, she has mentored a student or two and I am so grateful that that student has come into my life. It has made a big impact on me and especially that student. My mom is always so caring and loving and she is like an angel watching over them and protecting them. Her students are very challenged in everyday life and she helps them in every way she can and that’s why I absolutely love her with all my heart and especially all my soul. And I really believe she has been blessed by the Lord on what to do in these situations and how to care for these students. I am so proud of my mom and I hope I become like her someday and I hope she keeps touching every little kid’s heart with her personality.

Jaedyn Leisy St. Patrick’s Junior High

“May my teaching drop like the rain, my speech condense like the dew; like gentle rain on grass, like showers on new growth.”

Bible: Hebrew, Deuteronomy 32:2

Bailee King 7th grade, St. Patrick’s Junior High

I was positively influenced by Mr. Stienike. He was a great teacher he also coached my basketball team. He always gave us plenty of time to get our work done. He had awesome science experiments like balloon races and what organisms lived in pond water plus a bunch of other cool experiments.

He did not stop teaching till every one understood.

When he coached he brought us to tons of tournaments and gave us all a chance to play basketball. He would manage coaching ST.PATS girls basketball and coaching us.

He never gave up on someone if it was someone in class or on the basketball court. If you were not organized he would help you get organized. He would tell funny jokes and make awesome drawings. He always gave good advice and corrective criticism.

If I had any home work after school he would help me with it and tell me what I was doing wrong. He would also make the lessons fun in some sort of way. Some times I would not get what he was saying so he would stop and help. He would always tell the class what to study for days before the test. He treated me the same as the other students even though I am his son. Sometimes I got a little too loud and he would have to take me out in the hall and tell me to act like I would in any other class. That is how I was positively influenced by a teacher and my dad.

Jalen Stienike 7th grade, St. Patrick’s Junior High

I am positively influenced by my volleyball coaches, Ms. Fleck and Mrs. West. Ms. Fleck is a first grade teacher at McDaid Elementary. Mrs. West is a third grade teacher at McDaid Elementary. Ms. Fleck coaches us on our passing and spiking, and Mrs. West coaches us on setting and serving.

They explain the directions or what we are supposed to do and are nice and easy going coaches. When they tell us to do something, they help us out. If we do not get it or if we do it wrong, they tell us how to do it right. They push us harder and harder until we cannot play anymore. They make us work to be the best we can at volleyball and can get the hang of it.

My coaches are nice, and caring, and I hope to be like that someday too. I want to be some type of coach and a teacher someday, and I want to work for the same school too. My coaches make practice fun when we work on our passing, serving, setting, and spiking. Even though we run a lot and do our workouts, it is still fun because I know that I am getting better and better at volleyball every day at practice with my team and coaches.

Kaleigh Kummer St. Patrick’s Junior High

I have been inspired by many teachers, but the one I remember the most is Mrs. Arensdorf. It may be that she made up fun rhymes for each multiplication problem, or that she would huddle with all the third grade girls on cold, snowy days, but I think it was the way that it seemed like teaching was her main hobby instead of her job. After twenty-seven years though, I can understand why she wanted to retire and relax.

She was a teacher who was patient, kind, and caring to everybody I loved the way she treated every student with respect, even if they didn’t show respect towards her.

Multiplication is a BIG thing to learn. She made it fun and easy to remember. I still recall the day she bragged to ALL the grade school teachers once we learned long division. She would always remind each and every one of us about how proud of us she was.

I wish she could have stayed longer, but it is not my decision who stays and who does not. She had fun with every student of hers, and made them feel welcomed. She gave the classroom a comfortable vibe, and turned subjects students did not like into fun activities.

Even though she was my teacher for one year only, I will remember her dedication forever and always.

I am sure all of her past students would agree, and speak just as highly of her as I have in this paper. Hopefully, some of my St. Pat’s teachers will leave the same effect on me as Mrs. Arensdorf did at McDaid. She will always be an inspiration to me, and I strive to find a job and love it as she did hers. I only hope that teachers around the world can make learning not a dread for students, but instead something they enjoy just as Mrs. Arensdorf did for her students.

Kelsey Folchert 7th grade, St. Patrick’s Junior High

Mr. Carpenter helped me a lot in 4th grade. He was an awesome teacher. He was funny, nice and very helpful in everything 1 did. He had two pets in the classroom a fish to be exact a sucker fish. Also a yellow spotted gecko. He always had fun with our work, but he kept us busy. I always remember in the morning when we had religion he would tell us stories about religion in his life. They were usually really funny. We were his first 4th grade class at McDaid because he was a principal, so that was kind of cool. He lives by me. He is the football coach too and when I am in the parade dancing he waves at me. He likes the Wyoming Cowboys because he is from Wyoming. He always tries to make Wyoming and Husker games or at least watch them. When he does he wears his Husker t-shirt with his Wyoming sweatshirt on top. He told us that because he cheers for both teams. He is a good role model to a lot of people. He has a lot of cats but in our class we asked him how many but he wouldn’t tell us, all he said was it is less than ten, but more than six. 1 always enjoyed being in his class. They were really fun and so cool. 1 really liked him as a principal but he was also an awesome teacher. I enjoyed his class a lot. He was always fun and nice. My brother also had him and really liked Mr. Carpenter. I enjoyed all of his stories.

He was an awesome teacher and 1 had a really fun year.

Makenzie Davies 7th grade, St. Patrick’s Junior High

Through out my life many educators have changed my point of view, but biggest and best influence came from Mrs. Skillstad. Mrs. Skillstad was my sixth grade teacher. She helped me learn how to be a leader and how to teach Others. I even had to opportunity to tutor a first grade student while I was in her class. During the time that I was tutoring, not only were they learning from me but I was also learning from them.

Mrs. Skillstad was so nice and she also explained our assignments. She was always funny, like the time she broke out singing in class. I enjoyed the book that we wrote during her class. I enjoyed many of the fantastic books she read to us along and I also enjoyed many of the great art projects she had planned for us. She taught me that even though you are a teacher you can still learn from the students. I remember a time in Math when we had to teach her the assignment. I love how forgiving and happy she was. She let us watch fun and educating videos eveiyday called CNN student news. I have to thank Mrs. Skillstad for my love of helping others, reading and having a sense of humor. I liked how she had us do partner work, it helped us learn two different point of views. I also enjoyed the reading corner with the bean bags pillows and a lot of books.

I love how she had an area. I enjoyed too when she had a librarian come and read to us over our lunch on Mondays.

Mrs. Skillstad has influenced my life very much; she has helped me to appreciate education, books and friendship.

Hannah Cook 7th grade, St. Patrick’s Junior High

An educator that positively influenced me is my Sixth Grade teacher Mrs. Skillstad. I appreciate how she challenged and led me in a positive manner. Mrs. Skillstad is patient, funny and kind. I really enjoyed my Sixth Grade year because of her.

Although at times it can be frustrating to me when I am challenged Mrs. Skillstad was able to challenge me in a patient and positive way. Her encouragement and belief in me made me do my very best. When I asked for her help on an assignment she wouldn’t just tell me the answer, instead she helped me work through the question and come up with the correct answer. Mrs. Skillstad wasn’t a serious teacher all the time she was funny and nice. We had a lot of fun in the classroom and learned a lot at the same time.

In Sixth Grade our class wrote a book. Our book was titled Zoo School All Stars. It is about different countries and animals that live there. I was honored that Mrs. Skillstad chose me to be a Project Leader on the Sixth Grade book project.

This experience helped me learn how to stay organized, communicate with and motivate my classmates.

I love the fact that Mrs. Skillstad believed in me. She even nominated me for the Citizenship Award at McDaid and I won! This was probably the highlight to my year. I am honored that my teachers and the McDaid students saw me as a leader and as a good citizen.

Mrs. Skillstad taught me how to be a good student and also gave me the confidence that I know will make me successful in Junior High and High School.

Ben Vyzourek 7th grade, St. Patrick’s Junior High

Today I will talk about Mr. Weber who has positively influenced me to be organized and help me get to class to class over the past few weeks. Mr. Weber has also helped me with being welcomed here at St. Patrick’s Catholic school. Mr. Weber has also helped me make new friends at St. Pats. I have made a lot of friends because of all the teachers and some high school students. To me Mr. Weber is a great homeroom and study hall teacher. I really enjoy having Mr. Weber for a social studies teacher. Without Mr. Weber positively influencing me, my transition between schools would be much more difficult. When I first came to St. Pats I was really nervous and Mr. Weber was one of the people who made me feel more comfortable here at St. Pats. I am excited for this school year and to get to know everyone in my class.

The person who influenced me was my 6th grade teacher Mrs. Skillstad. She showed and taught me to say “It’s not just work it helps you so you can get smarter”. She taught me not to give up on my school work if it was hard, instead she suggested to skip the difficult problems and then ask for help.

Mrs. Skillstad influenced me to read more so that I would get better at reading books. She taught me to not just do it to get it done but to make sure it was done well. That is why I like to read more now. She never did give up on me, and that is when I realized that I didn’t have a choice and needed to just do it.

That is why I feel that Mrs. Skillstad positively influenced my education and life.

Clayton Glos 7th grade, St. Patrick’s Junior High

Keo Wever 7th grade, St. Patrick’s Junior High

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The North Platte Telegraph • Excellence In Education • September 28, 2013

The person that influenced me is Mrs. Skillstad. She was my 6th grade teacher. She has picked me up when I get down on myself. She has helped me through the good times and the bad times. She has been like another mother to me because when I was little my family used to live a block away from her.

My sister Cortney used to babysit their kids so I would go over to her house and play with their kids. She helped me when I needed it. I love her. She is my favorite teacher yet. She is the sweetest most caring person you could ever ask for. I could have fun in her classroom and we could joke around. She is also nice and loving to one another. She is really helpful. She kind of helped me become successful in life because I didn’t get good grades and so I would stay after school and I stayed until she knew that I knew how to do it. She gave us treats. She influences me because she’s loving and kind. I can go to her any time I need her. She was a really fun social studies teacher.

She could help me when I was stressed out and just needed someone to talk to. Now that she has helped and prepped me I am getting better grades and getting my work done and in on time. She is very creative .We did a lot of fun stuff in her class.

The North Platte Telegraph • Excellence In Education • September 28, 2013

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I’m inspired by my favorite teacher Mr. Carpenter. He was a really fun teacher. He inspires me because he’s really smart and likes to teach science. Science is my favorite subject so I like him being my teacher. He made it easy to learn and understand. Most days we would come back from lunch and he would read to us then sometimes he would talk about his childhood and when he was a kid. I loved his stories they were so interesting. Every time he would tell us a story I wanted him to tell more. He was so funny most the time he would joke around with us. He wasn’t the best artist but we still managed to get though art. For one of our science projects we got assigned a planet I got Venus. So I went home that night and started on it so we got a Styrofoam ball the size of a softball and I spray painted it pink and purple. It was a messy project but it turned out really good. Third grade was a tough year for me with my grades and I was really nervous about fourth grade.

I was shaking and I was so scared but we started doing work.

He explained everything so clearly and I understood what he said. My grades went up and since then my grades have been great. I’m thankful that I had him for a teacher because if it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t have good grades. Mr. Carpenter taught me how to study and I will use these skills throughout my life.

Hannah Krummer 7th grade, St. Patrick’s Junior High

A teacher that has influenced me was my Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Volesky. For starters she was my Kindergarten teacher, and everyone looks up to their kindergarten teacher.

She has always been there for me. When I was in the 3rd and 4th grade, I was having a hard time, I was being bullied, and it was very hard for me. She was very kind and understanding about it. She stayed with me through the whole thing. At one point the bullying got so bad, I refused to go to school.

She gave me the courage to go to school and she was very supportive. When she left McDaid it was very hard for me. She was the only teacher I would come to for advice. She was one of the many people who helped me get through the toughest part of my life. We were very close. But as you can see I made it. I am glad she is doing what she loves. I still get to see her sometimes at D1 Tournaments, and sometimes even at practices.

I actually rode with her and her family on the way home from D1 state. We placed 12th by the way. She still gets to teach, Kindergarten actually, which is obviously what she taught at McDaid. She was and still is a very important person in my life. In time the bullying got better and by 6th grade it vanished almost completely, when my bully left the school.

After that I got a major confidence boost. It feels good not to be bullied anymore. So, I can thank Mrs. Volesky for helping me getting through that. Mrs.Volesky is the teacher who has influenced my life.

Megan Jarvis 7th grade, St. Patrick’s Junior High

There have been many positive influences in my life such as teachers, coaches, and friends. It is hard to choose just a couple of people, but these are the people I have chosen... Megan White, Grant Creager, Peyton Irish, and Katie Montgomery.

My club volleyball coach, Megan White is a positive influence on me when I play volleyball. When I make a mistake, she tells me how I can fix it or do a better job at it. She keeps our team confident even when we lose a game. She teaches us how to be serious and still have fun at the same time. When we are playing in our games, she yells positive remarks at the team to help us. I love having Megan as a coach because she makes me like the sport even more.

My traveling soccer coach, Grant Creager is a positive influence on me when I play soccer. He makes sure we are comfortable with what we are doing and he makes sure we understand. He doesn’t make us practice if he thinks it’s too hot outside. When we lose games he always tells us the positive things we did during the game. He is a great coach after all, and is thoughtful of his team.

Peyton Irish is a positive influence on me because she will help me with anything I need help with. She is like one of my many big sisters that I never had. She is nice to everyone she knows, and always has a smile on her face. Peyton works hard and sets goals in everything she does. She pushes me to work hard in everything I do.

Katie Montgomery is a positive influence on me because she is like another one of my big sisters that I never had. She buys me gifts for holidays and my birthday, and I do the same to her. She lives right across the street from me so I know if something is going on or I need help with something she will be right there for me. She works hard in school, and she is a good athlete.

My life is better because of these people. They make me try harder, be stronger, never give up, love others, and show me how to be a good person.

Kateri Noffsinger 7th grade, St. Patrick’s Junior High

Mr. Carpenter is my favorite teacher because he is always equal to everyone in all of his classes. He is also funny and he always takes the time to teach you everything he can. He makes assignments easy when in other classes they’re hard.

He is my favorite teacher. He is very smart and a good football coach. If you’re smart or not he’ll take the time to teach you.

He would never let anyone bully even if you were new like I was. My first day he helped me through and did a lot of stuff for me that he really didn’t have to do. He’s a follower of God and speaks the word of God very well. He also coaches basketball, football, and track so he gives a lot of time to our school. I came from another school and he was my first teacher at McDaid. He was also so nice he helped me with all the work I need help on and gave me confidents so I got better and did well. That is why I choose the best teacher Mr. Carpenter.

I chose Mr. Stienike as the teacher/coach who has positively influenced me in my education. He was my 6th grade teacher at McDaid. He also teaches science. He was a great teacher and rarely yelled. One of the best parts of his class was we had a weekly competition to see if we could guess the score of the Nebraska football games. I won once. He made learning fun and exciting.

Mr. Stienike was also my basketball coach for two years.

The first year was in 4th grade and that was a good year for me. His drills weren’t very hard if I look back at them now. He was also my coach in 6th grade. I had a really fun time with him as my coach. We went to two tournaments after our first 8 league games. We were undefeated! We did well in those tournaments. Even though we didn’t win any tournaments, this was still the greatest year of basketball I’ve ever had and I owe it all to Mr. Stienike. He taught me a lot about basketball and he showed me how to do things I never knew I could. He taught me how to be the best at my position.

I chose Mr.Stienike as the teacher/coach who has been a positive influence on me because he was the best teacher and coach I’ve ever had. He helped give me confidence in myself as a basketball player and student. He was encouraging as well as pushing me to be better.

Patrick O’Neill 7th grade, St. Patrick’s Junior High

Mr. Carpenter inspired me in a lot of ways, even when he was a principal, because he knew everybody from grade school and he even knew everybody from high school. Mr. Carpenter always helps with driving the school bus. Also Mr. Carpenter helps run the whole school and that is a very hard thing to do. He also helps at mass with the serving.

When Mr. Carpenter became the fourth grade teacher it was really cool because we were the first fourth graders to have Mr. Carpenter as a teacher. It was also scary because we didn’t know what he was like as a teacher; we only knew him as a principal. So the first day was kind of hard, because of the different schedule and the different teachers. The next week got easier because we were used to it.

Mr. Carpenter helped me in a lot of different things. The first thing Mr. Carpenter helped me on was being organized.

I was not that organized in second and third grade, and Mr. Carpenter helped me by putting reminders in my notebooks.

Mr. Carpenter also inspires me because Mr. Carpenter works a lot and so he inspires me to work hard in everything including sports because if I don’t work hard in school then I can’t play sports like volleyball. Then I let my team down, I let my coaches down, I even let my teachers and me down, so Mr. Carpenter always inspired me to work hard in everything I do and to stay organized.

Tia Hanna 7th grade, St. Patrick’s Junior High

James Roberts 7th grade, St. Patrick’s Junior High I was positively influenced by my 6th grade teacher last year. Her name is Mrs. Skillstad. She positively influenced me to always try my hardest at everything. For example, I learned how to be more expressive when I was reading which also helped me understand what I was reading much better! She made sure to take enough time when she was teaching so that I and my classmates understood what to do. Mrs. Skillstad also did a great job preparing me and everyone else in my class for 7th grade. She helped me become organized in my schoolwork and feel confident in my abilities. Mrs. Skillstad was always a fun and nice teacher.

By doing all these helpful things for everyone in our class she definitely influenced me to be the best person that I can be, and to always try my hardest on all my homework and school activities. Mrs. Skillstad was a great influencer and teacher. I am so glad I got to have her as a teacher!

Isabel Roberg 7th grade, St. Patrick’s Junior High

Nicholas Niesen 7th grade, St. Patrick’s Junior High

I was influenced by my sixth grade teacher, Mrs. Skillstad.

Mrs. Skillstad influenced me to become a better and more organized student. She got me to be more organized with a few tips like: keeping everything in my planner, having folders for all my subjects, and doing desk and cubby cleanups. When I got more organized, my grades really improved because I could find my papers and not get late grades.

Mrs. Skillstad always made school fun by adding amusing sayings to help us remember things and cracking hilarious jokes. A fun saying she told us was about Christopher Columbus and his three ships.

She was always very patient with me. There was a time at the sixth grade book project where I was having trouble making a hippo. I had tried and failed three times, but after she sat down with me, told me what was wrong, and gave me a few tips about what I should do, I finished and my hippo looked great. I was really helped by Mrs. Skillstad, and I don’t think I would have finished my page in the book until Mrs. Skillstad assisted me with it.

Mrs. Skillstad is a big part of my life. She really influenced me to do my best and never quit.

Mikee de Villa 7th grade, St. Patrick’s Junior High

I think the person who has inspired me the most is my softball coach of three years, Dwaine Coleman or “Coach D”, or as a matter of fact we call him “Big D”. He gets his nickname for being 6’6” and probably pushing 300 pounds.

In all honesty, I think he gets his nickname from the size of his heart. It must be pretty big to fit 12 of us in there. Coming in to coaching he knew very little about softball, but through all his hard work, clinics, studying, and meetings he pushed himself to be the best coach he could be and also pushed us to the best of our abilities as players and as people.

One might think “Big D” is a mean and tough guy due to his low, raspy voice, but “Big D” isn’t always the tough guy he thinks he is. We also have a lot of fun. For example, at the Aloha Tournament in Lincoln, Nebraska, he dressed up in a coconut bra and a grass skirt to coach us for the first game on Saturday. When we were in Boulder, Colorado, he photo bombed our team picture! We also have some rules on our team. The Golden Rule on our team is to have fun. There is nothing better than having fun when competing! I think “Big D” has taught me how to have fun, be who I want to be, and to be the person God wants me to be!

I am in junior high at St. Patrick’s High School. The teacher I am writing about is Mrs. Volesky, my old kindergarten teacher.

I am writing about her because she has influenced my life so much since then. She is so nice, patient, loving, forgiving, and so much more. In kindergarten she was a great teacher.

She helped me learn my abc’s, how to count to one hundred, and how to hold a pencil. Then when I was in first grade every day I would go back to her classroom after school to go talk to her, and every time I went there she would always tell me stories about when I was in her class. She helped my sister with DI for a long time, maybe about 10 years. Mrs. Volesky loves to do DI with Macy, Nicholas, and Gilbert. Mrs. Volesky has always coached their team and loves going to tournaments to watch them. She even watches my team compete. She teaches for Lincoln Public School now, still in kindergarten. Their classrooms are really big, and she shares the classroom with the other kindergarten teacher. She really loves Lincoln School, but she also misses St. Patrick’s High School. Mrs. Volesky still loves to see me. We even like to go to garage sales together and find some good deals. I will always cherish our time together, and I miss her.

Calli Groseth 7th grade, St. Patrick’s Junior High

Ellie Granger St. Patrick’s Junior High

The people who influence me to work my hardest are my coaches Mrs. West and Mrs. Fleck. They told us to work our hardest in school so we can come to practice and work our hardest there. They inspired me to do my work and give it my best like I do in sports. If I do my best in school then 111 do my best in sports. If I don’t do my best in school then I’ll be in a bad mood and I won’t do my best because I’m focused on my bad school work. If I’m failing some of my classes in school I won’t be able to practice or play with my team. I want and need to do my best in school and my coaches want me to do my best in school too. Mrs. West and Mrs. Fleck are great teachers too. They help us fix our mistakes and teach us new things at practice and that’s what teachers and coaches do to help us learn. They inspire and influence me to do my best in school and sports. They are great role models for me because I plan to try and get into a great college on a sport scholarship so I can learn what I need to and also do what I love in college so I’m glad I have coaches who inspire me to work my hardest.

A teacher that I have admired and is my favorite teacher is Mrs. Pam Wood. Back when I was a second grader I didn’t really like all of the homework. I complained a lot. Now, I understand that the whole time Mrs. Wood was preparing me for where I am now in my education. I can see that all of my teachers have been preparing me for my future. They are always trying to help us and prepare us so we can go to college and get a good job.

Mrs. Wood was always there for her students, no matter what! It didn’t matter what problem I had, I could always talk to Mrs. Wood and she would always make things better. The best memory I have of 2nd grade is Stone Soup. My class made Stone Soup with a giant stone and other ingredients.

Everyone in the class was happy when they got to try the soup.

It is a memory I will always remember. Mrs. Wood was a great role model to us and probably to other teachers. Some of the things she modeled for us was to have your shirt tucked in, we needed to participate and sing at mass, and to be kind to each other. Mrs. Wood always helped us and she helped prepare us for our First Reconciliation and First Communion. We also had a talent show that year.

Second grade was very fun! It taught us a lot about what to do and how to act when we get older. Mrs. Wood always believed in us. She always said “You can be whatever you want to be!” As I write this and remember her saying those words to me, I know that it really pushed me to believe in myself and to do just that. She is a very inspiring and encouraging teacher! Mrs. Wood will always be a teacher I admire through my years in school.

Sabrina Torrez 7th grade, St. Patrick’s Junior High My favorite teacher is Mrs. Froman. She is my favorite teacher because she really helped me through fifth grade. She really answered my questions very clearly but not giving away the answer. She really helped me in Math. I had to ask a lot of questions because I wasn’t very good in math. She helped me in English by answering all my questions without giving out the answers. She helped me out in all my classes. She also gave us animal crackers so we could refresh our minds. I also like Mrs. Froman because we had a class blog.

On the class blog everyone got to write a paragraph about how we liked fifth grade and how we liked the school. We each got an account for the blog so we could comment about the paragraph someone else wrote. I liked her because we also took turns on different jobs. Some Jobs were cleaning the whiteboard at the end of the week and writing the assignments on the board. I really liked writing the assignments on the board because everyone got to see what happened that day.

I liked how we got to go out for extra recesses some days if we were good. Mrs. Froman also had my brother in her class too so she knew me pretty good. I also got really good grades in her class because she helped me with my questions. I had a lot of questions in class because some of the things I didn’t understand, so she helped me out with my questions so I got good grades. She was a really good teacher because she helped me out a lot and that is why she is my favorite teacher.

Kade Lawrence St. Patrick’s Junior High

I am influenced by my new volleyball coaches. They are really nice and helpful. It’s fun at practice. On our first practice we did some stretches and we did some running. It was kind of fun when we ran. Our coaches are really good at teaching us. I learned not to swing when I bump the ball. When we hit they showed us where to put our arms, and where our feet should go. I learned some new stuff, and some old stuff. When I get older I want to be a coach. It sounds fun, because what I learned I could teach my students, and show them what to do. I want to be either a volleyball coach or a basketball coach. Being a coach to me is like being a role model to the kids that you’re teaching it too. My cousin Mrs. West is one of my coaches, and she is really good at volleyball. Miss Fleck is really good at volleyball too. They are very hard working teachers; they both have another job teaching. Mrs. West is a third grade teacher J didn’t have her as a teacher but I know she is a good one. Miss Fleck is a first grade teacher and I didn’t have her either but she is a good teacher. They both push us to do the best. I think it’s nice how they take time after school to help and teach us how to be better at volleyball.

Hayley Homan St. Patrick’s Junior High

Tyler Gerguson St. Patrick’s Junior High

“People may talk about intellectual teaching, but what we principally want is the moral teaching.”

7

The North Platte Telegraph • Excellence In Education • September 28, 2013

Someone who has influenced me as an educator and a coach is Mr. Stienike . How he influenced me was by making me work hard and do things the right way and to do your best. He never took it easy on us and he always made sure we did our best. He influenced me on trying new things, like doing sports, joining band, and all kinds of different things. In school he taught me lots of skills of all kinds. Mr. Stienike has always been fair but he has been tough and he has always been a good example to us in the classroom and on the basketball court.

He has not just taught me in classroom but on the court.

He has always taught me skills in basketball the right way. He has Taught me basketball for two years and he been a good coach for both of them. That is why Mr. Stienike has influenced me so much.

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The North Platte Telegraph • Excellence In Education • September 28, 2013

McKinley Education Center

Marty Bassett Superintendent

Tami Eshleman Assoc. Superintendent

Buffalo Elementary

Cody Elementary

Einsenhower Elementary

Linda Clavel Principal

Kim Flanders Principal

Mary Derby Principal

I am a native of North Platte and attended school kindergarten through high school in the North Platte Public School System. I am currently the principal at Buffalo Elementary and have held positions with North Platte Public Schools as a high school language arts teacher, high school guidance counselor and elementary counselor.

I am beginning my third year as principal of Eisenhower Elementary in North Platte. I have been a building administrator for the NP Public schools for 16 years also serving as Principal at McDonald Elementary and Adams Middle School.

Linda Clavel Buffalo Elementary Principal

I received a BS in education with endorsements in early childhood and reading from the University of North Texas. I completed a Master’s program in elementary reading at University of Nebraska in Kearney. I completed a principal leadership program at the the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs and received an endorsement in assessment leadership from the University of Nebraska in Lincoln.

This school year marks the 20th anniversary of Mrs. Kim Flanders’ passion and dedication to the teaching profession. Before assuming the role of building principal at Cody Elementary School last fall, Mrs. Flanders had the privilege of teaching 3rd and 4th grade students, as well as serving as an instructional coach for North Platte Public Schools.

Mrs. Kim Flanders Cody Elementary Principal

As I begin my 29th year in education I still have a passion for teaching and learning. Being an elementary is the best job in the world. Every day I get to work with wonderful, dedicated teachers and staff, amazing students, and supportive parents!

Prior to becoming a Principal I taught in the classroom and worked as a reading specialist for 12 years in Nebraska, Colorado, and Texas.

Mary Derby Eisenhower Elementary Principal

Hall Elementary

Jefferson Elementary

Lake Elementary

Lincoln Elementary

McDonald Elementary

Denise DiGiovanni Principal

George Schere Principal

Dr. Midge Mougey Principal

Matt Irish Principal

Tim Vanderheiden Principal

Mrs. DiGiovanni or Mrs.“D” as she is known by students and families, has been teaching in North Platte since 1999. She taught fourth grade at McDonald Elementary before assuming the role as High Ability Learner (HAL) Director in 2008. This is her second year as elementary principal. Her mission is to live passionately, learn endlessly, and lead honorably.

Denise DiGiovanni Hall Elementary Principal High Ability Learner Director

I was born and raised on a ranch in North Dakota and moved to Nebraska after college graduation . This is my 35th year in education and 16th year as an administrator. My husband of 39 years, Charlie, and children Heidi, Genevieve, Kati, and Joel are my most valued treasures. I have been blessed.

Dr. Midge Mougey Lake Elementary Principal Osgoos Elementary Principal

Mr. Vanderheiden is beginning his 27th year in public education, with this being his 14th year serving as administrator with North Platte Public Schools. He holds degrees and certifications from both the University of Nebraska –Lincoln and Kearney. Prior to being an administrator, Mr. Vanderheiden was a Music Director and Music Theory teacher.

Tim Vanderheiden McDonald Elementary Principal

9 Washington Elementary

Adams Middle School

Adams Middle School

Madison Middle School

Dr. Midge Mougey Principal

Greg Fruhwirth Principal

Jeff Steinbeck Principal

Vikki Carlson Assoc. Principal

Danny McMurtry Principal

I grew up in North Dakota; moved to Fowler, Colorado to start a Learning Disabilities classroom.

Stayed there 25 years (also taught 4th and 6th Grade) and moved to Wray, Colorado to be an elementary principal. Lived in Wray for 8 years and then took the job at Washington Elementary.

Greg Fruhwirth Washington Elementary Principal

North Platte High School

North Platte High School

“As with all great teachers, his curriculum was an insignificant part of what he communicated. From him you didn’t learn a subject, but a life... Tolerance and justice, fearlessness and pride, reverence and pity, and learned in a course on long division if the teacher has those qualities....”

North Platte High School

William Alexander Percy

Mike Brownawell Principal

James Ayres Assoc. Principal

I graduated from University of Nebraska at Kearney with a degree in Physical Science Education. Went to Mitchell, Nebraska to teach for 13 years (1991-2004), while at Mitchell, attended Chadron State College for a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration (2003). In fall of 2004, became Principal at Burns High School, Burns Wyoming. In the fall of 2011, moved to Adams Middle School to take the position of Assistant Principal, and worked there until the fall of 2013 where I am the Principal at North Platte High School. I am married to Cari, a math teacher at Madison Middle School, and the proud father of three girls, Baylee, Carlee, and Michalee.

Mike Brownawell Principal at North Platte High School

Peggy Bourge Assoc. Principal James has been in education for the past fifteen years. James has spent the last ten years as an administrator in the North Platte Public School District. His wife Angie, is a first grade teacher at Eisenhower Elementary. He has three children, Madilyn (11), Brooklyn (8) and Jaxon (4).

My name is Peggy Bourge. I grew up on a farm south of Brady, where my parents still live today. I am a 1988 graduate of Brady High School. I attended Doane College, graduating with a BA in International Studies. Later, attended Texas A&M-Corpus Christi where I earned my teacher certification in 6-12 Social Studies, Masters of Curriculum and Instruction, and Administration certification. This is my 14th year as an educator. I’m very excited to be at North Platte High School and back close to my family.

James Ayres Associate Principal North Platte High School

Peggy Bourge Associate Principal North Platte High School

The North Platte Telegraph • Excellence In Education • September 28, 2013

Osgood Elementary

The North Platte Telegraph • Excellence In Education • September 28, 2013

10

That old saying “Everything I learned in Life, I learned in kindergarten,” is pretty true in my life - starting out with teacher Gladys Banker at Thedford Grade School. I can still very plainly remember my first day of school, walking to the front door at school with my Mom, when she said I was on my own! Mrs. Bankers was an excellent teacher to prepare me for the next years - first and second grade (in same room) were together.

Florence Danekas was my teacher for both grades, and a great influence those early years as we learned the Basic 3 “R’s”, reading, ‘riting, and ‘rithemetic. And I learned the good old penmanship of writing so you could read it! Florence was a big influence not only in my Grade School years, but later on my life with the BPO Does organization; with our husbands Stan and Bueford trapshooting in our travels; and life in general.

Mrs. Danekas was “a very neat” lady (not teacher) and I can still remember today so many things I learned when she was my teacher in early Grade School!

Linda J (Buechler) Bailey now of North Platte 1965 Graduate of Thedford High School

I am writing to say “thank you” to Coach Sally Thalken who I admire and respect as an educator, coach, and person.

I played volleyball and basketball for Coach Thalken nearly 20 years ago and have known her quite well since then. As an educator and coach myself, I have attended many classes and clinics that encourage you to say “thanks” to that special, influential individual who has positively impacted your life.

Your Telegraph salute seemed like the PERFECT opportunity to do just that!!!

Sally has been an inspiration and role model to hundreds of young women in her career and I, truly, believe that the largest majority of the individuals that she has taught and/or coached still think of her as a positive and influential person in their lives. A few years ago Coach Thalken reached a milestone in her coaching career and nearly 30 past players arrange to be there to surprise her on that accomplishment.

It took about 2 days and several phone calls to have past players arrange to attend from not only this area, but out of state as well. There were many responses like, “wow, this is short notice – let me check and I will get back to you”. In many cases, that return phone call came within minutes or hours with the following message, “I am in”!! After the game Coach and several of those athletes went to dinner and then gathered to reminisce about “the good ole days”!! This, vividly, confirmed to me the tremendous love and appreciation we all had for our past coach!

As a current teacher and coach, I strongly encourage my student/athletes to play for Sally if they plan to pursue their career in college. She, genuinely, cares about and for the individuals that she works with. It has been said many times, “Kids do not care how much you know, unless they know how much you care”!! Those who have played for Coach Thalken have been fortunate because she focuses on developing better people rather than simply building a quality team.

I, personally, would like to say “Thank you so much, Coach, for all you have done for me and my family! You are truly a class act that so many have been blessed to have encountered. You inspire and demonstrate love and respect for everyone you meet. What a wonderful person you have been to so many!!!

P.S. – “Put this in your “warm fuzzies” drawer!!!!

Love, Coach Amy Beyer

I am now 80 years old but my time in the North Platte Schools is well remembered. I retired about 7 years ago with nearly 40 years in education myself. The basis for my success in life and in an educational career was established with the fine education that I received in North Platte.

I do not remember there being any poor teachers and I don’t remember any of my classmates having trouble with ready that we often see today. I do remember two elementary teachers that were outstanding. One was Miss Krapenhoff - 1st grade teacher who had a reputation for the excellent teaching of reading. I never was privileged to have her. I do remember Miss Swan, a fourth grade teacher, who really made you tow the line. Both of these teachers were at McKinley School.

In high school, again, there were many fine teachers.

Erma Grill, typing teacher, was a no-nonsense teacher and, under her tutelage, I became an expert typist. I owe to her the several office jobs I had that provided money to me as I pursued a higher education. In fact, when I was in college in Los Angeles, because of these skills, I had the highest paying job of any girls or boys in the college - the sum of $1.50 per hour for an Executive Secretary.

Another high school jewel was Wilma Shavlik. I actually was her Student Assistant in the 12th grade. She taught Senior English - not everyone even wanted to tackle that subject. She made writing and literature come to life. I also performed in many school plays and solo, drama events with her supervision.

All of these teachers, Swan, Grill, and Shavlik were serious no-nonsense teachers. They were hard taskmasters but from them I learned perseverance, stick-to-itiveness, being bold and taking risks. They were dedicated, hard working people. As with most teachers I have worked, they wanted the very best for their students. I hope, as an educator myself, that I made an impact on the students I taught, the teachers I supervised, and the parents I supported.

I do need to add that parent support for students is critical.

My mother and dad were the mainstay in all of my education.

Charlene Baumbach Berg

Throughout my life the importance of education was discussed and stressed almost daily, but as any normal teenager I thought I was “smarter” than my parents and of course I enjoyed slacking off during my high school years.

At the age of 26 I decided it was time to “grow up” and get a college education and this is where my journey began of being a non-traditional student, juggling family, work and school all at once. When I enrolled in my classes at Mid Plains Community College, like all students I had to take the compass test, little did I know but my slacking in math class in high school was about to catch up to me. I was hit with the reality of I did not know that much about math and had to start at the bottom of learning math.

My first math class was a pre-algebra class that I did not get credit for, but I had to take this class in order to take the rest of the math classes to I needed to in order to full fill my math requirements. In my pre-algebra class I was blessed with the most understanding, kind, knowledgeable teacher Chad Swanson. Mr. Swanson broke down algebra step by step and in a way I could understand. Rather than dreading math class like I did in high school I enjoyed going to my pre-algebra class and learning from Mr. Swanson. Mr. Swanson encouraged me to learn the basics of math and when I would sign up for classes for each semester and had to take yet another math class I ensured I was enrolled in Mr. Swanson’s math class. I think in all I took a total of 4 math classes with Mr. Swanson and passed College Algebra and earned my math credits. I honestly believe I would not have passed college algebra if it had not been for Mr. Swanson.

I am very thankful to Mr. Swanson for his patience and dedication to his student’s. With the education I received from Mr. Swanson, I am able to utilize the knowledge and his teaching skills to assist my children with math in their high school careers. I am no longer fearful of math and have confidence if I took the compass test again I would pass.

Tricia A. Jepsen

When I first saw the advertisement, ‘’Excellence in Education’’ to nominate teachers and school staff who exemplify the quality of education of North Platte public schools, I wanted to add my praise. I should be a poster child for all the opportunities that came my way in classrooms across North Platte.

I started my education journey as a kindergarten in Cody School in 1955. You will see how my education led me to become a teacher and writer.

It was in the second grade at Cody School that I first learned how to spell from Mrs. Sexton. For a second grader to spell antidisestablishmentarianism seems like and over the top impossibility. But, she taught me to break it down by syllables.

It was easy. I give credit to all my teachers for instilling in me a love for words. I really am a word nerd. I have noticed that I often find myself referring too many of the principles taught to me.

In the eighth grade at Adams Junior High, Mrs. Ethel Beggs taught me how to diagram sentences until I was blue in the face. I must have complained, but I also loved it just the same.

My tapestry is not complete with out mentioning the lunch staff at Adams Junior High including Mrs. Milby, Ida Ruff, and my Aunt Alta Mae Huffman.

Moving on to High School, Larry Fauss inspired me to become the journalist that I have grown to be. After graduation in 1968, I worked part time at the Telegraph and attended North Platte College. Thanks to the staff I accomplished all per-requisites before attending University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

I graduated in 1972 from teachers college able to teach or pursue journalism.

When Larry Fauss was leaving his teaching job at Lincoln South East High School, he encouraged me to apply for his job. Although I was working at the Des Moines Register at the time, I applied and got the job. There were 100 applicants. I am glad that I had the education degree.

Thanks to the North Platte Education system, I have been able to teach high school and college in the United States and Canada, work in communications and writing from Washington DC to North Platte. For the last 18 years, I have been blessed to write a column on the Religion page of the North Platte Telegraph.

I could not have accomplished my success thanks to the ground work laid by wonderful instructors. My life really has been a tapestry. Need I say more?

Mary Huffman Hepburn

Mary Salcetti, geography teacher at North Platte Junior High, was my mentor, teacher, and friend. I was in her class in about 1960. She was stern but had a kindness about her. She made learning interesting .

During our friendship over the years, she took care of her parents during their extended illnesses. When they were deceased she found the love of her life and married him. A short time later it was time for him to take care of her. She was dying of cancer. As a cancer survivor I wanted to do something for her. I took a soft cuddly teddy bear to Kearney hospital for her. I was so surprised, she cried. When she stopped she told me she had never had a teddy bear in all her years. She continued to teach me to be kind, considerate, and caring. I shall remember her with a smile and when someone asks me about my favorite teacher, she is the one. She taught me to learn.

Sandra Meyer

“Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.”

John F. Kennedy

Willow Kelley Madison Middle School

The teacher that most positively influenced me is Mr. Brunz.

He is the 7th grade science teacher at Madison Middle School.

He also coaches track and football.

He positively influences me because he makes us think about the future. He also influences me by pushing me to work hard and do my best. Mr. Brunz had us watch Channel One News in homeroom so we would know about what is going on in the world. Brunz is also a very good teacher. Brunz also asks us what we did over the weekend.

He has high expectations for all his students. When he is teaching the class something I can understand it clearly and know what he is talking about. He treats all of his students the same. Mr. Brunz is one of the teachers I’ve know the longest at Madison. Mr. Brunz also tells us to believe in what you want and say you can. He also tells us to believe in ourselves.

I was lucky to get to have Mr. Brunz as a teacher, and whoever has him in the future will be very lucky too.

Ashley Houser Madison Middle School

The person who had the most positive influence on me would be Mister Brunz. He always had a good outlook on things. He was my seventh grade science teacher.

Mister Brunz was never negative. He always had a good attitude toward everyone. He never treated anyone unfairly or was rude to anyone. One day a student walked into class with a very negative attitude, by the end of class he was laughing and having fun. Mister Brunz was interactive with us too, he always made you feel important to class. Mister Brunz always enjoyed a good joke too. He wasn’t offended at every little thing.

So as a result of everything that he did, I want to be positive too. Mister Brunz was everyone’s favorite so I want to be like him.

Jake Oseka Madison Middle School

The person who influenced me in my school is Mr. Brunz.

He keeps class fun by making jokes. He teaches at Madison Middle School for 7th grade. Some of the things he did are: watch interesting movies and play jeopardy once in a while.

We usually worked in partners when we did projects.

Mr. Brunz liked to do a mixture of video experiments and worksheets. We would usually watch videos on Wednesday and we did experiments once a week about. We did worksheets 2-3 days a week. When we did experiments we would work in groups of 2 or 3. If we wanted we could work alone sometimes. We did some power points in partners or alone. Another experiment we did was look at organisms under a microscope. Some of the things we did were hard but some were easier.

Mr. Brunz influenced me to have fun while in school. Also he influenced me that if you work hard you can succeed. In his class he has a para. The para would help the students with questions. There were two people to a desk. That’s why Mr. Brunz has influenced me and other students.

The teacher who has positively influenced me the most is Mr. Whitney. He is currently teaching at Madison Middle School in 8th grade. Mr. Whitney has influenced me, he is so funny and nice and kind. As a result he has influenced me to be nicer to my peers.

Another reason why I think Mr. Whitney is the best because, even when he’s having a bad day, he will get over it.

Like his favorite saying, which is “Keep Calm and Carry On”.

And he’s never boring. And is so goofy. In his class he will make sure you smile.

Finally, the last reason why I love Mr. Whitney because he will always be there when you need someone to talk to. On a bad day he’ll notice you’re having a rough time, so you might have a chat and you will feel much better afterwards. And that’s why I think Mr. Whitney positively influenced me.

Jayson Scott Madison Middle School

Jazmyn Keup Madison Middle School

Mr. Brunz has influenced my life by being a positive role model, and being an amazing science teacher and an even amazing track and football coach.

First of all, I chose Mr. Brunz because he is a person that I can look up to. He is a type of guy that can brighten up your day when you are either feeling lost or even when you are feeling down.

Second, he became a successful science teacher. Ever since I started science in 4th grade I was very impress and interested by it. When I came to 7th grade science, all I though about was “Of God, please make this the end!” Since he made us take so much notes until we did experiments that made me remember why I loved science and ever since then, I started doing science at my house for fun. Thanks to Mr. Brunz science is my favorite class.

Third, Mr. Brunz is very friends to others. Mr. Brunz always has a smile on his face even if he has his “moody” days. When he doesn’t have to work, he enjoys playing golf with Mr. Hammond, my Algebra teacher. He’s very playful and joyful to be around so it’s good if you get on his good side, but get on his bad side... we let’s just say it’s World War II all over again!

When you get to know Mr. Brunz he’s pretty awesome when you get a hang of him.

These are the reasons why my science teacher, Mr. Brunz, is chosen to be in this essay that I wrote on 8/27/13. If I had never met Mr. Brunz I wouldn’t have been so interested in science, and have a person I can rely on. I am going to miss him when I go to high school, but I will remember Mr. Brunz as a coach, teacher, and a friend.

Princess Saguban Madison Middle School

The person that influenced me is Mrs. Brownawell. She is nice and she can be fun if we are all working hard.

Mrs. Brownawell made me want to do better in math.

I didn’t care much for math but she got me to start liking it.

I’m getting better in math more and more everyday because Mrs. Brownawell influenced me to want to get better. Mrs. Brownawell always wants us to get our work done. She challenges us to do our best. She also challenges us so we will get better. I wasn’t good in math last year but I am this year so far. She had a lot of fun activities for us last year. I think this year I’ll get better grades that last year.

To Mrs. Brownawell it wasn’t alway about math, it was also about improving and to not give up. She gave us math mates every Monday. I really enjoyed math but I had some troubles alot but Mrs. Brownawell helped me with it. I like how Mrs. Brownawell wasn’t to hard on us or wasn’t to easy on us. I like our teacher now, but Mrs. Brownawell was my math teacher in 6th and 7th grade. She really pushed me to do my best and I did. That’s why Mrs. Brownawell influenced me.

Taylor Brittenham Madison Middle School

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The North Platte Telegraph • Excellence In Education • September 28, 2013

My teacher who has positively influenced me is Mr. Brunz.

Mr. Brunz was my 7th grade science teacher, and also my coach for long jump in track.

Mr. Brunz is such a good and positive person. It didn’t matter whether it was in the classroom or during track, he always made me feel good about myself. Sometime in track I doubted myself, and questioned my jumping ability, and he always made it a point to tell me, and even my friends, that if we tried, it was always good enough. Also his inspirational words and acts of kindness helped inspire me to be the person of whom I want to be, and who I am now. He is a very fun guy to be around, but also very serious when he needs or wants to be. Also, if we had problems in class we just had to ask questions and he would help. However confusion was hardly an issue in Mr. Brunz’s class because he always explained it good and in detail the first time.

Mr. Brunz is such a good teacher/coach because he teaches us from his owne experiences. The best thing that I like about him is that he really helped me improve my performance in class and in track when he told me stories about himself. He told stories about his past experiences in life. Sometimes they were serious, and sometimes they were super funny. Another thing my friends and I know about Mr. Brunz is if he gives you a hard time, that just means he likes you, and you’re a good student. When we play dodgeball on Fridays Mr. Brunz is always one to play it with us and act like one big kid. When I have to leave Madison, he’s one of the many teachers I’ll miss because of the big impressions he’s made on me.

Lastly, Mr. Brunz inspired me to want to be a science teacher when I grow up and a better athlete and student now.

He really inspired me to be a science teacher, not only because he was a good one, but also because his good teaching got me interested in science. When I’m really underestimating myself, I just replay Mr. Brunz’s inspirational words in my head.

The North Platte Telegraph • Excellence In Education • September 28, 2013

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My music teacher, Mr. Hienzen, has made a change in my life. He has been my music teacher since 7th grade. Mr. Hienzen is amazing and I’m glad he came here.

Mr. Hienzen is a teacher you can trust with anything. He’s always there to help you when you’re down. Last year in 7th grade he asked me to join band. I’ve never plays in band before, but I’m glad I joined. Mr. Hienzen always tells you to do your best and to never get yourself down.

I know I wouldn’t have done alot of the things I did last year if it wasn’t for him. There’s this thing called “Youth Sing Across Nebraska” and I’ve never done it until last year. Mr. Hienzen told me it would help with my singing and I would have a lot of fun. I’m glad I did it, it was a lot of fun to learn all the different songs. Another thing about Mr. Hienzen is when you’re having a bad day, all you have to do is go to his room and he will help you with anything.

I’m very glad to have a teacher like Mr. Hienzen. This year will be a very good year. Sing choir and band also maybe orchestra, and will be traveling this year.

Brianna Callendar Madison Middle School

The person I’m writing about is Mr. Spiehs. Mr. Spiehs works at Madison Middle School. I chose Mr. Spiehs because he has positively influenced me.

I chose Mr. Spiehs because he’s a role model to me and others. Like one time he helped some kid that was on crutches carry his books to class. He’s always encouraging me to do what’s right and to never to what’s wrong. When I need to talk to someone, I always go to him. I chose Mr. Spiehs because he’s a great guy. He’s always nice. He always gives everyone great advice.

When someone needs encouragement, he’s the one to go to. He is a really vivacious person.

He’s also so full of energy. One time I needed some encouragement so I went to him. He told me to keep going forward and that is was okay to look back every once in a while.

Mr. Spiehs is an all around positive, funny, kind and a very nice teacher. That’s why out of all the years of going to school I choose Mr. Spiehs.

Sadie Fries Madison Middle School

“It is greater work to educate a child, in the true and larger sense of the world, than to rule a state.”

William Ellery Channing A teacher that influenced my life is David Burns. He’s a 6th grade literacy teacher at Madison Middle School. He teaches us kids that being ourselves is amazing. He’s not afraid to show his feminine side. Most of the kids at school think he’s weird because he wears pink and earrings, but he is just showing kids that being you is everything you need to be.

He makes learning fun and cares about his students, but most of all he’s been a good friend to me. We pen pal back and fourth and talk about school and homework. When we pen pal it helps me learn to write better.

Now I’m in 7th grade but we will still pen pal each other. Every day I go say “Hi” to him after school! My 6th grade year went great having him as teacher. He’s taught me to just be me, and Mr. Burns if you are reading this, Thank You for teaching me and my classmates to just be ourselves.

So he influenced my life and made me a better person, and that’s all you could ask of a teacher.

Kali Griesfeller 7th grade, Madison Middle School

NORTH PLATTE PUBLIC SCHOOLS Faculty Total Years of Service

Years of Service Position ADAMS/LAKE./OSGOOD/CODY Dianna Hokanson 6 Speech Pathologist

Speech Patholigist

ADAMS Jeffrey Allen Brent Aufdenkamp Jessica Boyd Thomas Callaghan Vikki Carlson Emily Christen Ruth Christensen Bobbi Dehr Richard Deutschman Kyle Drake Mary Elmshaeuser Jana Evans Dawn Fickel Denise (Georgia) Flanders Denise Frey

BD Consultant Social Studies Math PE Assistant Principal Math Social Studies Math 7th Science Science Literacy Literacy Orchestra Math 6th Science

4 15 8 22 6 0 2 4 33 1 23 16 9 27.5 9

Years of Service

Position

Marie Gertsch JoAnne Greene Dale Hall Carey Harder Linda Hazledine Jeff Henne Neil Hokanson Roberta Isom Teresa Johnston-Deterding Jannean Kinder Barb Klimek Rochelle Krull Nashea Meduna Jodi Miller Steven Miller Jennifer Nielsen Jolene Pettera Sandra Pospisil Teresa Rinehart Gwen Srock Jeffrey Steinbeck Adam Sterup Samantha Stoetzel Jennifer Teets Rashida Vaziri Deloris (Dee) Ward James Whitney Claudette Wielechowski Mary Wright Kathy Wroot

12 12 4 0 8 8 6 19 16 9 7 16 8 2 4 14 9 0 3 10 4 4 0 6 4 11 0.5 7 15 31

Science Literacy PE Language Arts Literacy Industrial Tech Social Studies Social Studies PE Resource Resource Science 8th Literacy Nurse Science Art Guidance Math Resource Resource Principal Social Studies 7th Business Resource Business/Computer Fam & Consumer Science Social Studies Library Media Specialist Math Art

ADAMS/MADISON Heidi Fessler Stacey Hansen Lenore Weatherly

14 5 8

Guidance Fam & Cons Science Vocal Music

BUFFALO Krysten Andre-Henn Doris Chevalier Linda Clavei Robin Deutschman Julie Eckel Susan Furrow Doreen Goentzel Adam Hoatson Amy Jacobsen Lanelle Janicek Tiffany LeToumeau Amanda Lott Brooke Odean Whitney Petska Melissa Pratt

25 13 36 33 2 20 5 0 3 1 2 2 6 2.5 5

5th 2nd Principal 3rd Title 3rd Preschool PE Resource 5th 4th K K 4th 1st

13

The North Platte Telegraph • Excellence In Education • September 28, 2013

McDONALD/McDAID/EISENHOWER Gem Damico 3

14

Years of Service

The North Platte Telegraph • Excellence In Education • September 28, 2013

Kristie Waiz Susan Wessiund

25 31

Position

2nd 1st

EISENHOWER Angela Ayres Yvonne Bailey Christi Boyle Emily Cooper Mary Derby Pamela Froman Clancy Hammond Andrea Hayes Katherine McClain Michael McGuire Ashley Milton Laura Poe Shawna Rowley Jami Tatman

BUFFALO/LAKE/EISENHOWER Margo Hirschfeld 24

Library Media

BUFFALO/McDONALD Marta Hoischer-Nelson

14

EL Music

CODY Thomas Allberry Weston Andre-Henn Makenzie Carstens Amanda Condon Cindy Delp Kimberly Flanders Dawn Folchert Linda Guenin Janet Henne Susan Johnson Melanie Lehmkuhler Betsy McCrone Tammy Michaels Meagan Ross Melissa Schere Megan Schimek Marcia Serrato Hannah Walters Jill Waiters

18 35 6 4 3 17 21 33 8 32 30 6 15 0 4 4 24 7 14

PE 4th 5th 1st Resource Principal 3rd Title Resource 2nd 2nd Resource K 3rd 1st 5th Resource K 4th

CODY/LINCOLN Rebecca DeBoard Allison O’Neill

0 9

Counselor El Music

CODY/MADISON/BUFFALO Karen Bush 2

Speech Pathologist

CODY/McDONALD/LAKE Amy Black

8

Library/Media

DISTRICT Brian Jahnke

18

Adaptive P.E.

ECP Deborah Armstrong Sarah Brown Marcia Keele

19 0 0

Resource Resource Resource

ECP/LINCOLN Niki Ruda Linda Hansen

14 34

Speech Pathologist Speech Pathologist

Years of Service

Position

9 27 22.5 6 15 31.5 2 12 2 32 4 4 0 4

1st 2nd 1st 2nd Principal 5th 3rd 3rd 4th PE K 5th Kdg 5th

EISENHOWER/BUFFALO Margaret Ziegler

33

Guidance

EISENHOWER/HALL Laurie Hatch

8

Resource

EISENHOWER/WASHINGTON Janette Kammerer 0

El Music

HIGH SCHOOL Sasha Andersen Julie Anderson Raegan Anderson Todd Ascherl James Ayres Emily Bargell Brett Berry Patricia Birch Alice Boyer Wendy Brown Joshua Bruck Cathy Brunz Dennis Burkle Dan Chromy Coleen Clark David Cooper Jason Drake Pam Drake Cynthia Elliott Dennis Fornander Tiffany Foster Traci Foster Kelly Hanson James Harms Tamina Hartman Jesse Harts

Math Business Math Physics Associate Principal Spanish Language Arts Library/Media Resource Math Social Studies Guidance Language Arts Science Language Arts Math Business Counselor Business Social Studies Resource Fam & Cons Science Spanish Science Spanish Art

5.5 32 0 4 7 0 1 15 4 7 6 7 24 7 21.75 7 4 4 7 19 8 7 18 20 0 3

2.5 2 23 2 3 7 16 38 14.5 29 5 6 8 9 3 17 25 4 0 6 7.5 8 0 0 6 3 6 29 3 1 41 9 0 9 16 4 2 15 11.5 0 11 0 15 12 11 14 7 7 0 10.5

Position Math Resource Science Social Studies Guidance PE Assistant Activities Director Industrial Arts Math Resource Math Fam & Cons Science Transition Coordinator Language Arts Language Arts Industrial Arts Social Studies PE Language Arts Science Language Arts PE Math Activities Director Resource Math Fam & Cons Science Biology Social Studies Alternative Education Industrial Arts Business Social Studies Vocal Music Industrial Arts Fam & Cons Science Language Arts Guidance Nurse Resource Language Arts Social Studies Biology Resource Resource Science Art Social Studies Language Arts Industrial Technology

Years of Service

Position

HIGH SCHOOL (DISTRICT) Rebekah States

18

ELL

HIGH SCHOOL/ADAMS Brett Bradley Karen Marsh

17 19

Music Music

HIGH SCHOOL/MADISON Joyce Kimzey

15

Secondary SpEd Coordinator

HALL Kendra Burkholder Barbara Fruhwirth Becky Hergenrader Monica Miller-Carter Melinda Roehrs Kelley Stahl

6 0 10 1 4 22

2nd 1st Grade 4th K 5th 1st

HALL/JEFFERSON Sarah McDiarmid

0

Speech Pathologist

HALL/HAL Denise DiGiovanni

14

Principal/Hal/Tech

HALL/JEFFERSON Daniel (Alex) Lowther

0

P.E.

HIGH SCHOOL Jami Allen Peggy Bourge Mike Brownawell Tessa Matuszczak

0 0 1 0

Language Arts Assistant Principal Principal Resource

JEFFERSON Kimberly Aden Johnna Arensdorf Kathy Beisner Meredith Christiansen Kathryn Deitz Lyndsey Douglas Amy Hansen Heather Harvey Trisha Hasty Colleen Hodges Melissa Hohnholt Monica Kramer Melissa Licking Maddison Lister Jackie Mikoloyck Angela Morris

25 1 8 0 0 5 5 5 2 4 0 15 4 0 34.5 12

1st 2nd 1st Resource 4th Grade 2nd 1st 3rd Preschool 3rd 4th Guidance K 2nd Grade 4th K

15

The North Platte Telegraph • Excellence In Education • September 28, 2013

Emily Hasenauer Kaitlin Herstedt Jeff Hess Micheline Hoatson Mary Lynn Horst Darrell Howitt Brett Joneson William Kalblinger Sarah Kaminski Kelley Klemptner Deb Kramer Veronica Kulp Cortney Larsen Lori Larson Stacy Laue Alan Lehmkuhler Kirk Livingston Bernie Madison Brittany McDaniel Tammy Menghini Jean Miller Laura Miller Kyie Milton Marcus Mroczek Tiffany Negley Joshua Oberg Anne O’Connor James Orcutt Jimmie Pack Arttie Parker Gordon Peeks Brandon Petersen Andrew Placke Leah Purdy Jason Reed Patricia Saner Tuyet-Van Sansone Jennifer Schlager Nancy Schmitz Annie Seamann Terry Sodawasser Jeremy Stevens Renee Tatman Patricia Thompson Margaret (Dee) Tuenge Steven Van Boening Denise Wendeiin Casey Werkmeister Philep Willey Will Winchester

Years of Service

The North Platte Telegraph • Excellence In Education • September 28, 2013

16

Jennifer Paul Debra Perry George Schere JoAnn Shotkoski Kayla Star Michelle Strickland Stevie Swedberg Danielle Tuepker Linsey Weaver Mark Woodhead Teresa Young

Years of Service 5 12.5 4 31 0 9 2 1 8 29 0

Position

Years of Service

Position

K Title Principal El Media 5th Grade 5th 3rd 2nd Resource PE Resource

Laurie Maline Mary McKain-Dymond Jamie Moore Brenda Votcek Teresa Volesky Stacy Wells

2 34 1 29 2 1

4th 1st 5th 5th K K

LINCOLN/HALL Jane McCarthy

2

Speech Pathologist

4 2 8 40 11 0 13 15 15 8 1 23 27 17 2 8 0 0 6 5 14 PE 1 9

Library/Media Math 6th Science Literacy 6th Dean/Indus Tech Resource Resource PE Resource Math Music/Band/Orchestra Language Arts Social Studies Language Arts Resource Social Studies 6th Science Principal Reading Specialist Resource Math

JEFFERSON/HALL Sheryl Heaton

8

El Music

JEFFERSON/McDAID Renae Sexson

22

Title

JEFFERSON/ORLS Sara Wiike

3

Speech Pathologist

LAKE Jonelle Chapman Cathy Christmann Tara Foster Patricia McNitt Michelle Mroczek Pam Tillman

25 14 8 17 1 7

K 1st 4th 5th 2nd 3rd

LAKE/McDAID Harmoni Wagner

7

Resource

LAKE/OSGOOD Sarah Douglas Matt Kaminski Midge Mougey

1 5 15

El Music Guidance Principal

MADISON Sharon Axthelm Cari Brownawell Eric Brunz David Bums John Byrn LilaJo Childs Christie Copper Cory Dosland Bonnie Feeney Tyson Hammond Robert Heinzen Dawn Hess Peter Johnson Tiffany Johnson Codi Lorensen Susan Maassen Kandi McFadden Daniel McMurtry David Milleson Jacqueline Mraz Camille Oberg Joan Perry 7 Jacqueline Proctor Daniel Whitney

LAKE/OSGOOD/HALL Kristy Voientine

13

PE

MADISON/HALL Stephen Spiehs

12

Guidance

LINCOLN Katie Allen Kimberly Aurich Veronica Bryant Shelly Chromy Heather Hupfer Matthew Irish Kristine Jochum Cassandra Kubes Jodi Leisy Jeanene Lusk Philip Macke

9 20 8 5 4 8 14 5 5 0 1

Title 3rd 3rd Preschool 2nd Principal Resource 1st 2nd 4th Grade PE

McDONALD Autumn Alberts Allen Furlong Dimis Harr Charity Hill Carla Holmes Kim Mertens Rebecca Payne Collette Sauer Courtney Simants Linda Stengle Timothy Vanderheiden

1 7 33 29 11 8 6 10 1 13 12

K 3rd 2nd 1st 4th K 2nd 4th 1st PE Principal

Art Social Studies 8th

Dawn Wheeler Eva White Teresa Wrenn

Years of Service 8 0 5

5th 3rd Grade 5th

ST. PAT’S Marion Reinholdt

10

Resource

TLC Lisa Barkley Joan Davis

6 32

Alt H.S. TLC

WASHINGTON Tana Ambrose Nicole Bruck Kristi Burford Joyce Delgado DaNesa Fleck Ginger Foust Greg Fruhwirth Darlene Hazen-Rhodes Josh Hiatt Arliss Hraban Julie Kinnaman Kay Mohr Mindee Mohr Lynnette Powers Elyssa Sack Kristan Strosnider Diana Woodill Katrina Wright-Henderson

18 9 17 7 2 30 0 7 2.5 16 20 2 23 6 6 1 23 9

5th 3rd 2nd Resource K Resource Principal K PE Title 2nd Speech Pathologist 4th 1st 3rd 4th 5th 1st

McDONALD/WASHINGTON Kara Dike 13

Guidance

McKINLEY Marty Bassett 1 Angela Bay 8 Kristi Chessmore 3 Tami Eshleman 17 Robyn Henke 5 Dolly Mroczek 23 Gayle Sharkey 2

Stuart Simpson 7 Tonya Townsend 6 Christine Vieyra 14

Superintendent BD Consultant Psychologist Associate Superintendent Psychologist Ed. Diagnostician Director Curriculum, Instr., Assmnt Business Manager Psychologist Dir. of Student Services

OSGOOD Jill Hansen Susan Horne Brenda Malmkar Shaylyn Miller Shaylyn Miller Jennifer Nekuda Jamalee O’Rourke

3rd 1st K 5th Grade 5th Grade 4th 2nd

14 8 2 0 0 6 19

Years of Service

WASHINGTON/LINCOLN/HALL Nicole Coviello 5

Position

Library Media

“One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched our human feelings. The curriculum is so much necessary warm material, but warmth is a vital element for the growing plant and for the soul of the child.”

Carl Jung

17

The North Platte Telegraph • Excellence In Education • September 28, 2013

Position

The North Platte Telegraph • Excellence In Education • September 28, 2013

18

Mid-Plains Community College Faculty Years of Service

Ryan Purdy President Mid-Plains Community College

Dr. Jody Tomanek Area Vice President for Instruction

Marcus Garstecki Vice President of North Platte Community College

Andrew Long Vice President of McCook Community College

Michael Steele Area Business Officer

Chuck Salestom Area Associate Vice President of Pubic Information, Marketing & Development

Years Position Facility Albrecht-Watson, Lana 2.03 Nurse Educator NPCC Al-Jumaily, Walid 9.03 Biology Instructor NPCC Allen, Jessie 6.04 English Instructor NPCC Alred, Kenneth 0.80 Custodian MCC Alred, Natalie 2.10 Director of Housing/

Volleyball Coach NPCC Arensdorf, Berva 11.98 Area Career Specialist NPCC Axtell, Ron 42.07 Director of Physical Resources NPCC Barenberg, Don 3.36 Custodian MCC Barner, Becky 4.82 Area Career Specialist MCC Beel, Kent 25.05 Diesel Technology Instructor NPCC Bergman, Bruce 9.80 Area Director of Accounting

And Human Resources NPCC Blagdon, Joshua 11.77 Area Systems Administrator NPCC Blake, Casey 4.93 Area Technology Helpdesk Coordinator NPCC Bodeen, Carol 0.73 Area Director of Development NPCC Bogardus, Rob 4.03 Biology Instructor MCC Bolles, Merwyn 13.74 Area Technology Specialist MCC Bowlin, Karen 8.74 Ems/Cpr Coordinator NPCC Briley, Jackie 4.42 Receptionist NPCC Brown, Dale 3.61 Area Director of Financial Aid MCC Brown, Randy 8.80 Area Network Administrator NPCC Brown, Sharon 36.86 Area Accounts Payable Technician NPCC Burks, Amanda 0.94 Custodian NPCC Burks, Pamela 15.31 Physical Resources NPCC

Adminsitrative Assistant Calvin, Peggy 8.74 Area Human Resources, NPCC

Payroll/Benefits Specialist Chambers, Randall 0.02 Welding Instructor MCC Chittick, Angie 26.91 Business/Business Technology NPCC Instructor Clouatre, Douglas 10.03 Political Science Instructor NPCC Condon, Jean 24.02 Business/Business Technology NPCC Instructor Conrad, Terri 1.02 Area Outreach & Training/ NPCC

Center For Enterprise Assistant Crumly, Nadyne 22.02 Human Relations/Speech Instructor NPCC Cudzilo, Gregg 4.03 Bulding Construction Instructor NPCC Cumming, Deb 21.13 Financial Aid Admin. Assistant MCC Curl, Susanne 19.01 Mathematics Instructor MCC Czarnick, Juanita 18.56 Area Associate Director of NPCC

Financial Aid Daily, Jared 6.04 Physics/Engineering Instructor NPCC Daniels, Jack 7.04 Bulding Construction Instructor NPCC Delahunty, Tom 25.21 Grounds And Maint. Technician NPCC Dernovich, Kathy 25.16 Health Occupations Instructor MCC Devaughn, Chester 18.02 Geography/History/Political MCC

Science Instructor Dickinson, Summer 1.02 English Instructor MCC Dolph, Winifred 16.16 Nurse Educator NPCC

Years Position

Facility

Years Position

Facility

Jacoby, Liz 4.03 English Instructor MCC Janecek, Michael 12.03 Automotive Technology Instructor NPCC Johnson, Kaci 1.16 Extended Campus Coordinator B Bow Johnson, Peter 13.03 Psychology Instructor NPCC Johnson, Richard 9.03 Art Instructor MCC Johnson, Steve 10.44 Lead Maintenance Technician NPCC Jonckheere, Michael 2.03 Mathematics Instructor MCC Kemp, Rex 9.03 Hvac Instructor NPCC Kircher, Sharon 13.78 Area Program Director Center For Enterprise MCC Kissinger, Nicole 4.64 Nurse Educator NPCC Knott, Gail 1.16 Extended Campus Coordinator Ogallala Koebel, Lena 2.78 Area Account Manager Center For Enterprise MCC Koss, Jerry 1.92 Hvac/Electrical Technician NPCC Kouba, Marge 8.16 Nurse Educator NPCC Kramer, Steve 0.44 Diesel Technology Instructor NPCC Krisciunas, Diana 10.03 English Instructor NPCC Kruse, Bonnie 0.89 Area Grants Coordinator NPCC Lange,Bridget 0.81 Area Admissions Specialist NPCC Larson, Jerry 22.27 Lead Maintenance Technician MCC Ledall, Brenda 1.16 Extended Campus Coordinator Imperial Leibrandt, Michael 1.00 Custodian NPCC Leitner, Laney 7.08 General Maintenance Technician NPCC Lenhart, Brandon 6.15 Area Career Specialist/

Men’s Basketball Coach MCC Lieber, Erica 0.54 NPCC Assistant Director of Housing NPCC Lister, Mary 9.35 Area Blackboard Coordinator NPCC Litz, Cindy 12.00 Nurse Educator NPCC Long, Andrew 0.14 Vice President of MCCook

Community College MCC Lovette, Cynthia 13.32 Nursing Department Administrative Assistant NPCC Maciejewski, Kim 1.31 Area Purchasing/Student Accounts

Administrative Assistant NPCC Makovicka, Marina 5.16 Nurse Educator NPCC Maxwell, Dee 16.97 Supervisor of Custodial Services NPCC MCCune, Kathy 9.02 Business/Business Technology Instructor NPCC Mclean, Aaron 4.03 Chemistry Instructor NPCC Mcneel, Patricia 0.86 Area Technology Specialist NPCC Meyers, Becky 6.04 Graphic Design Instructor MCC Michaelsen, Rick 22.16 Area Student Advisor MCC Mihel, Sherry 8.23 Area Student Advisor NPCC Molcyk, Bob 4.99 Area Accelerated Emt/Paramedic

Program Coordinator MCC Morgan, Darin 3.65 Director of Physical Resources MCC Morgan, Jennifer 1.07 Area Events Coordinator MCC Morris, K. Sara 8.03 Biology Instructor NPCC Mowry, Lorrie 9.83 Business Instructor MCC Newman, Nancy 25.18 Administrative Assistant to the

Vice President of NPCC NPCC Newport, Kathy 2.38 Custodian NPCC Nutt, Cathy 6.04 Business Instructor NPCC

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The North Platte Telegraph • Excellence In Education • September 28, 2013

Douty, Wilma 25.68 Administrative Assistant to the

Vice President of Instruction NPCC Dowse, Bruce 28.91 Area Dean of Outreach & Training NPCC Driskell, Michael 8.65 Area Recruiter NPCC Duncan, Jeffrey 1.86 Area Technology Specialist NPCC Eakins, William 28.57 Area Dean of Career Services NPCC Ehlers, Darwin 34.95 Supervisor of Maintenance Services NPCC Eilenberger, Norm 0.79 Custodian MCC Eisele, Nancy 4.56 Custodian NPCC Elmshaeuser, Jacob 2.03 Electrical Technology Instructor NPCC Epting, Jessica 0.48 Area Lead Graphic Designer NPCC Esch, Tyler 22.02 Family & Consumer Science Instructor MCC Evans, Crystal 2.03 Business Instructor MCC Fager, April 12.19 Area Database Technician NPCC Fickenscher, Kathy 15.80 Area Career Center Coordinator Evaluator NPCC Fisher, Peggy 12.11 Area Advising/

Registration Assistant NPCC Froelich, Jon 0.23 Area Coordinator of Student

Success & Retention MCC Galvan, Ritch 8.03 Theater/Speech Instructor NPCC Garretson, Jim 32.64 Chemistry Instructor MCC Garrison, Carol 12.84 Area Registration/Student

Records Assistant NPCC Garstecki, Marcus 5.82 Vice President of North Platte

Community College NPCC Golden, Tim 33.03 Welding Instructor NPCC Green, Charles 10.95 Custodian MCC Grizzle, Clay 0.02 Theater/Speech Instructor MCC Hall, Jim 37.01 Biology Instructor MCC Hall, Tim 16.28 Area Director of Information Services NPCC Haller, Karen 14.09 Executive Assistant to the President NPCC Haneline, Dik 6.04 Art Instructor NPCC Harrison, Kathy 10.60 Nurse Educator MCC Hartzer, Janell 10.97 Business Office Assistant MCC Harvie, Heather 23.92 Administrative Assistant to the

Vice President of McCook

Commmunity College MCC Hauxwell, Loretta 15.66 Psychology/Family & Consumer

Science Instructor MCC Heathers, Keith 2.07 General Maintenance Technician MCC Hendricks, Mike 18.63 Criminal Justice/Sociology Instructor MCC Herrick, Bryan 15.04 Automotive Technology Instructor NPCC Higgins, Janelle 3.10 NPCC Dean of Student Life NPCC Hinrichs, Jessica 1.09 Area Student Activities Specialist/

Administrative Assistant III Student Life MCC Hoffmann, Diane 38.37 Nurse Educator NPCC Hongsermeier, Patricia 9.95 Receptionist NPCC Hope, Mindy 1.99 Area Recruiter NPCC Jacobson, Jon 23.91 Lead Custodian NPCC

The North Platte Telegraph • Excellence In Education • September 28, 2013

20

Years Position

Facility

O’Connor, Kevin 28.41 Mathematics/Physicial Education

Instructor/Men’s Basketball Coach NPCC Odean, Cindy 0.82 Area Research Analyst NPCC Olsen, Jon 6.04 Physical Education Instructor/

Men’s Baseball Coach MCC Peters, Brenda 10.20 Library Technician MCC Peters, Elizabeth 3.03 Music Instructor NPCC Peters, Jamie 6.15 Career Servies Administrative Assistant NPCC Peterson, Dan 17.02 Lead Custodian MCC Peterson, Randy 1.96 Custodian NPCC Pfiefer, Tad 3.78 Area Director of Institutional

Research, Planning And Grants NPCC Pinkerton, Jeff 5.94 Supervisor of Maintenance Services MCC Pritchett, Brandon 1.45 Area Recruiter MCC Purdy, Ryan 11.44 President NPCC Raby, Angela 5.42 Area Director of the Center

for Enterprise NPCC Rankin, Robin 12.23 Area Directof of Adult Education/Ada NPCC Rickley, Lauri 4.03 Dental Assisting Instructor NPCC Rippen, Kelly 12.65 Area Dean of Enrollment Management MCC Salestrom, Chuck 16.43 Area Associate Vice President

of Public Information, Marketing

& Development NPCC Salestrom, J. Kristine 9.07 Area Director of Student Success

& Retention NPCC Salyer, Lynn 31.04 Mathematics Instructor MCC Sanders, Marla 38.62 Physical Resources Adminsitrative Assistant MCC Sattler, Gigi 16.81 Custodian MCC

Years Position

Facility

Schmit, Anne 8.03 English Instructor NPCC Schramm, Wendy 12.11 Area Staff Accountant NPCC Schranz, Matthew 1.02 Area Technology Specialist MCC Seery, Sky 2.03 Library Technician NPCC Settles, Allen 25.65 Criminal Justice Instructor NPCC Sewell, Dan 0.21 Area Technology Specialist MCC Skiver, Vinson 1.54 Area Network Technician NPCC Smalley, Scott 3.03 Welding Instructor MCC Stalder, Janet 32.04 Business Instructor MCC Steele, Mike 0.87 Area Business Officer NPCC Steinbeck, Martin 22.75 Medical Lab Technolgoy Instructor NPCC Stewart, Lana 20.65 Area Registration/Records Assistant MCC Sullivan, Denise 5.16 Area Communications Specialist NPCC Swanson, Chad 6.04 Mathematics Instructor NPCC Thalken, Sally 32.03 Health/Physical Education

Instructor/Volleyball Coach NPCC Thompson, Jerry 34.27 Maintenance Technician NPCC Tomanek, Jody 3.47 Area Vice President of Instructon NPCC Volentine, Roger 17.03 Mathematics Instructor NPCC Walker, Tina 1.81 Area Director of Learning Resources MCC Welch, Crystal 2.05 Area Operations Manager Center For Enterprise NPCC Widger, Mari Jo 12.93 Area Registrar MCC Wiese, Trent 13.70 Area Database Administrator NPCC Wilson, Don 38.07 Autobody Instructor NPCC Wolar, Glynn 14.04 History Instructor NPCC Wolf, Veronica 0.44 Financial Aid Adminsitrative Assistant NPCC Zehnder, Tim 0.46 Area Fire Science Coordinator MCC Zeimens, Dora 11.02 Information Technology Instructor NPCC

maywood public school faculty / staff

Janice Arent Tonya Baker Patricia Bauer Trent Benjamin Cindy Bollish Dona Bruns Kyle Carroll Deb Cole Deb Covey David Dodson Shauna Donohoe Chris Doxon Mike Evans Liz Flock Russ Flock Dixie Frink Barbara Fritsche Lisa Gerlach

Position Business & Activities Director Music Middle School Principal 4th Grade Bus Driver Social Studies Spanish Paraeducator Board of Education 2nd Grade Custodian Maintenance & Transportation Bus Driver Bus Driver Bus Driver Administrative Assistant Secretary

Molly Greene Sheri Hartley Lance Hastings Mark Heaton Toni Hottovy Amy Houser Adrienne Johnson Robyn Johnston Charles Jones Marlene Jones Bryson Kennedy Dustin Kinnison Lyle Koester Nicole Lanning Deanna Merritt Brenda Monson Lorraine Mullen Les Reinke

Position Math Board of Education Board of Education Language Arts Kindergarten Pre-School Paraeducator Art Media Specialist Physical Education Assistant Cook Industrial Technology Science Board of Education Paraeducator Custodian Special Education & Title I Head Cook 5th Grade

Guadalupe Rodriguez Jill Shaeffer Alicia Shirley Katy Snyder Kim Stengel Amie Surghroue Teresa Tiller Norma Votaw Donita Werkmeister Lisa Werkmeister Troy Werkmeister Amy Williams Mike Williams Brett Wood

Position Paraeducator 3rd Grade 1st Grade Agriculture Guidance Counselor School Nurse Bus Driver Bus Driver Board of Education Bus Driver Bus Driver Paraeducator Superintendent Board of Education

Brady Public Schools has four amazing teachers that have taught at Brady for more than 25 years each. Our school would like to acknowledge these inspiring people.

Beth Boden: I’m beginning my 30th year teaching Kindergarten. I graduated from Bethany College in Lindsborg, KS in May of 1984 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education with a concentration in Music and English. I completed my Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction in May of 2011 from UNK. I grew up on a farm near Chappell, NE and graduated from Chappell High School in 1980. I am married to Chuck Boden and we have three children: Ryan- 23, Kristen- 20, and Hannah- 14. We live north of Brady on a farm. My Favorite thing about teaching is watching each student engage and learn with so much enthusiasm.

Teaching Kindergarten is such a joy! Their excitement and energy for learning is so gratifying to nurture. I know that what I do is making a difference in their lives and that is very fulfilling.

Julie Hoaglund: I have lived in Nebraska all my life. I was born and raised in the Sandhills of McPherson County. I graduated from Sutherland High School and attended college at North Platte Junior College and Chadron State College. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree from Chadron with a double major in Library Science and Mathematics. In 2009, I earned a Master’s Degree from UNL. I came to Brady in August 1980, to teach some math classes and be the K-12 librarian. Throughout the years, I have taught Math, been the Librarian, and Coached Athletics and Speech. My husband Pat farms and ranches south of Brady. We have two daughters. Kelli works for Medicine Valley Public Schools and Tiffany is currently enrolled in the UNL/Iowa State Veterinary Program.

Teaching is a challenging, but rewarding career. One of the greatest rewards is when students learn to think independently.

Jeralyn Callahan: My hometown is Bennington, Nebraska, which is now a suburb of Omaha on the northwest edge.

I attended Dana College in Blair, Nebraska with my major being Elementary Education. I also played four years of volleyball and one year of basketball.

I received my B.S. Degree in 1987. I then received my M.S. Degree from UNK in 2003 in Elementary Education. I will receive my M.S. from UNK in Educational Administration this December.

I have been teaching at Brady Public Schools ever since! This is my 27th year.

I taught 1st grade for 5 of those years, but the other 22 have been in the 6th grade. I have been the head volleyball coach, the assistant coach for girls’ basketball, boys’ basketball, and track. I have also been the Quiz Bowl coach!

I have been married to my husband Tim, for 23 years. We have a son Ethan, who is a junior at UNK and a daughter Tara who is a freshman at Brady.

My favorite thing about teaching is the curriculum and the students. I love teaching in a self-contained classroom so I get all the subjects. I really enjoy middle school-aged students as well. You need to be a little crazy to teach and enjoy that age level, and I’m glad I get to be that way once in a while!

Position Years Rebecca Aldrich K-12 Art Teacher 2 Lance Arterburn Coach 9 Gary Bell Bus Driver 14 Beth Boden Kindergarten Teacher 30 Richard Britten 7-12 Social Studies Teacher & Coach 29 Sandra Burke 7-12 Counselor and Business Teacher 4 Brad Burke Maintenance Personnel 4 Jeralyn Callahan 6th Grade Teacher 27 Trudy Chestnutt Para Educator 4 Dennis Christophersen Bus Driver 8 Stacey Clark Dishwasher 1 Patty Cordell Family Consumer Science Teacher & FCCLA 6 Denise Finnell Para Educator 5 Bob Golter Bus Driver 4 Susan Golter 1st Grade Teacher 11 Julie Hoaglund 7-12 Math Teacher & Coach 34 Alexa Hopping 7-12 Math Teacher & Coach 1 Misty Horn Administrative Assistant 5 David Jacobs 7-12 Industrial Technology Teacher & Coach 3 Angela Johnson 4th Grade Teacher 4 Lynne Johnson Para Educator & Coach 8 Kristi Land Custodian 13 Beth Litzenberger Para Educator 1 Ashley Lydic Book Keeper 6 Melissa Mann Title Teacher, Math 7-9 Grades & Coach 14 Tammy May Assistant Cook 4.5 Deborah Montgomery Custodian 1 Eric Most Coach 3 Jennifer Most Para Educator & Play Director 6 Anthony Munter 7-12 Science Teacher & Coach 2 Valerie Pohlman K-12 Music & Band 18 Veronica Porter Para Educator 2 William Porter Superintendent 5 Dana Reinke K-12 Principal 1 Bridget Rossman 2nd Grade Teacher 16 Heather Schultz Librarian, English 9-12 & Coach 2 Andy Seamann K-12 Physical Education,

Athletic Director & Coach 3 Jamie Shaner 5th Grade Teacher 1 Tonja Shaw 3rd Grade Teacher & One Act’s Coach 16 Becky Simants K-6 Special Education Teacher & Counsler 16 Sarah Snively 7-12 English Teacher & Coach 1 Rebecca Stearns Para Educator & Coach 2 Tammie Taullie Head Cook 8 Tiffiny Widdifield Technology Cordinator &

Business Teacher 7-12 2 Michelle Young 7-12 Special Education Teacher 2

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The North Platte Telegraph • Excellence In Education • September 28, 2013

Richard Britten, Beth Boden, Julie Hoaglund, and Jeralyn Callahan

brady school Faculty Years of Service

The North Platte Telegraph • Excellence In Education • September 28, 2013

22

mcpherson county Faculty

Years Position Alan Miller 30 Social Studies/Coach Lisa Vasa 20 Math Teacher Tim Negley 5 Agriculture/Shop/Coach Mark Wilson 36 Music/Spanish/Guidance Robyn Dalton 29 English/Speech Teacher BoDelle Mueller 2 K-12 Resource/Coach Pam Petersen 11.5 Art Teacher/Para Educator Kami Florea 10 PE/Library/Coach Renee Connell 4 Business/Tech Coord/Coach Ryan Smith 1 Science Teahcer/Coach Dan Brost 35 Substitute/Activities Director Gary Johnson 42 Driver’s Education Amanda Aten 9 Elementary Teacher Joy Crow 32 Elementary Teacher Megan Baker 2 Elementary Teacher/Coach Shelly Lovitt 20 Elementary Teacher Diane Connick 34 Elementary Teacher Melissa Marlin 9 Para Educator/Library Michele Sherwood 8.5 Para Educator Kathy Fisher 20 Secretary/Bookkeeper Roxanne Munson 16 Custodian/Maintenance Joe B Sherwood 2 Custodian/Bus/Coach Dutch Wells 9 Grounds/Transportation Deb Brownfield 15 Principal Joe Sherwood 20 Superintendent

sutherland school Faculty Dan Keyser - 3 years Josie Floyd - 13 years Dustin Mitchell - 2 years Lori Staab - 9 years Shawna Beeler - 2 years Sandy Adams - 18 years Jessica Saner - 7 years John Sloup - 0 years Jennifer Sandberg - 24 years Jason Gunderson - 1 year Valerie Kershner - 6 years Ryan Mraz - 7 years Nicole Weiss - 2 years Ty Vallier - 1 year Heather Johnsen - 15 years Shannon Staggs - 23 years Stacey Brannan - 15 years Patti O’Malley - 21 years Bo Cribelli - 1 year Dan Dyer - 12 years Kelli Flesch - 0 years Virginia Cler - 0 years Laura Stauffer - 7 years Jesse Saner - 5 years Betsy Elder - 34 years Tiffany Hampton - 0 years Kelly Beveridge - 5 years Elizabeth Copeland - 12 years Kim Schow - 17 years Jewell Samuelson - 3 years Denee Elfeldt - 7 years Briana Hawks - 7 years Missy Hopping - 18 years

Nancy Hoatson - 27 years Heather Marquardt - 15 years Shelley Lammers - 9 years Alisha Morgan - 11 years Ruth Fleecs - 12 years Luke Fisher - 2 years Bryon True - 4 years Donnie Main - 18 years Bill Moore - 8 years Char Rotert - 4 years Nick Maxcy - 5 years Diane Huebner - 7 years Joni Cheever - 0 years Jackie Stewart - 3 years Cindy Diekevers - 0 years Audrey Boggs - 14 years Christy Schmitz - 0 years Tammy Brown - 7 years Jackie Arnold - 13 years Delta Myers - 11 years Michelle Blomstedt - 11 years Karen Ridenour - 12 years Jannie Rezek - 8 yeras Lisa Gerdes - 7 years Susan Rotert - 4 years Sherri Fischer - 4 years Barbi Carsten - 4 years Jackie Keyser - 3 years Joy Mitchell - 2 years Laura Ravenscroft - 2 years Teresa Hafer - 4 years Laura Galloway - 1 year

thedford public school Faculty

Justina Benscoter Holly Blauvelt Kristi Briggs

Dawn Bryant Melanie Daly Henry Eggert Jane Haake

Kolby Hamilton

Kathy Hood Rose Gift

Phil Kuenle Scott Leisy

Mary Leisy Tanna Licking Kylene Littrel Patty Lowe Branda Marsh Ron Masten Cindy Masten Dawn McFadden Angie Pettit Paula Rhian Bill Ruger Sherry Ruger Sue Russell Jamie Taylor

Ross Thoendel Norm Thoms John Victory Jim York

Ashley York

Position Years Shop and Pre-school 8 years Aide and Bus Driver 9 years 7-12 Math & National Honor Society Sponsor 3 years Elem. Custodian & Bus Driver 2 years Library Aide 5 years Superintendent & HS Principal 8 years 7-12 English & Cross Country Coach 9 years 7-12 Social Stuides & Football Basketball, & Track Coach 2 years Aide 8 years Family Consumer Sciences, Art, & FCCLA Sponsor 39 years Bus Driver 2 years PE, Activities Director, Basketball and Track Coach 5 years 7-12 Science & Quiz Bowl 5 years Cook & Custodian 1 year Aide 1 year Head Cook 2 years Head Custodian 2 years Bus Driver 3 years High School Secretary 3 years Aide 2 years Business Manager 9 years 1st and 2nd Grade 13 years 3rd and 4th Grade 8 years Aide 8 years Elementary School Secretary 14 years Business Teacher, FBLA sponsor & Volleyball Coach 3 years Band and Choir 4 years Resource and Title I 1 year Technology Coordinator 2 years Elementary Principal, K-12 Guidance & Golf Coach 6 years Kindergarten 5 years

Stapleton Public Schools would like to recognize Robert Harvey for his dedication to the Stapleton Public Schools and his students. He is beginning his 49th year teaching in this community.

North Platte Community Child Care Center, Inc. has staff with both experience and education in the classroom.

Julie Miles who has worked for NPCDCC for over 20 yrs. has an Associates Degree in Early Childhood.

Valerie Ferris -over 5 years with NPCDCC is completing course work towards her Associates Degree.

Kaila Barrett -3 years with NPCDCC has an Associates Degree and nearing completion for a B.S. degree in Education.

Cecelia Lundsford (10 yrs with NPCDCC); Sarah Foster(5 yrs.); Karen Berg-Andreason (3yrs); Baylea Vallier; and Clarissa Vargas each have12 hours in education/early childhood and are working towards 2 & 4 year degrees.

Deb Welsh (20 yrs.); Cindy Petska (5 yrs.) and Angelica Mendoza (4 yrs) are working towards a CDA equivalent.

Emily Adamson (4 yrs.) just completed her education in nursing.

Ronda Richman (4 yrs.) is a para with North Platte Public Schools and works at NPCDCC during the summer and most school-out days.

Night Supervisor Sondra Alvarado (5 yrs.) has a masters degree in Special Education.

Director Vona Koch has a B.S. from Chadron State College and hours in Early Childhood/Elem.Ed. from Univ. Nebraska at Kearney, and has completed the Management Training Program and is a trainer for the Early Childhood Training Center.

Other staff with over 20 years at NPCDCC are Sarah Lungrin; Thelma Miles and Pamela Westcoat.

Position Years Clayton Waddle Superintendent/H.S. Principal 1 Kris Walker Elem. Principal 3 Bevin Brown Parent & Community Liaison/Intervention

Project Manager 2 Keri Waddle Guidance 1 Roberta Barnes Art 16 Lacy Caddick H.S. SPED 1 Barb Doty English 13 Dave Doty Social Science 26 Clint Felber PE 1 Alfred (Bud) Harvey Industrial Tech 19 Robert Harvey Math 49 Sue Hauser Math/Technology 15 Ben Jones Business Education 2 Lacy Kinderknecht 4th Grade 3 Danielle King 2nd Grade 1 Deanna Klosen 1st Grade 19 Molli Miller 6th Grade 2 Jeff Paben 5th Grade 4 Natalie Prokop Music 7 Nicole Recoy Library 15 Katrina Shaw Kindergarten 2 Mark Shaw 3rd Grade 2 Patty Stewart Science 1 Mandy Vasa Elem. SPED 2 Jeana Hanna Business Manager/Bus Driver 31 Chris Harvey Office Manager/Bus Driver 18 Jennifer Bell Assistant Cook/Bus Driver 2 Sandy Lanka Head Cook/Bus Driver 15 Jon Martino Bus Driver 2 Pam Schaeffer Bus Driver 7 Polly Siegel Bus Driver 15 Sue Harbur Para 2 Rae Johnson Para 3 Valerie Mikkelsen Para 2 Joni Morash Para 4 Michele Needs Para 15

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The North Platte Telegraph • Excellence In Education • September 28, 2013

Junior, Luke Walz, shared, “He is always there for you and always ready to help you. He only becomes frustrated when students don’t try.” “Math is my favorite subject,” states Trevor Hanna, “and Mr. Harvey is my teacher.”

According to Chris Harvey, office manager and former student, “Harv has a really cool way of relating to students.” Jeana Hanna, business manager and former student said, “He is a father figure to everyone.

I have never known anyone to disrespect him.”

stapleton public schools Faculty Years of Service

24

HerSHey PuBliC SCHool aDMiNiStratioN aND StaFF

The THE North NORTH Platte PLATTE Telegraph TELEGRAPH • Excellence EXCELLENCE In IN Education EDUCATION • September SEPTEMBER 28, 2013

yearS

Dorinda Allen Brandi Anderson Drew Anderson Sara Anderson Tracy Ballentine Kristin Benjamin Amy Beyer Floydene Brown Jason Calahan Danella Campbell Linda Colburn Diana Connell Kim Cordova Teresa Cox Kathy DaMoude Chuck Daugherty Jane Davis Karen Ditch Shanna Duggan Kristi Eller Kasandra Epke Lori Evans Tracy Frederick Karen French Staci Gilmore Tami Hacker Kristin Haddow Kelli Holton Dan Huebner Diane Huebner Sue Hutchison Ashley Johanson Suzi Johnson Melissa Kapustka Tracey Kearney Ila Kendall Michelle Kivett Rachel Klein

2 0 1 0 10 0 25 0 3 5 0 6 0 9 23 3 28 26 4 1 4 6 9 12 4 10 1 6 0 14 31 9 12 1 3 0 3 3

Whitney Koch Merle Konken Penni Kosmicki Cherilyn Kuhl Sherri Laubner Kristi Leibhart Jeff Linden Debby Linse Janette Margritz Bob Mark Leona McConnell Stacy McConnell Greg Miller Sheryl Moore Alyssa Munoz Vivian Munsen Kelly Murdock Shawna Naranjo Julie Nelson Joy Petersen Joe Prokop Chris Rankin Marv Rankin Jane Ransdell Montana Ringer Stacy Rogers Teresa Rotert Alison Smith Julie Smith Kort Smith Ryan Smith Erik Sokol Jenny Sokol Jeremy Thomas Dawn Thompson Missy Thompson Michael Troxel Pat Walz Sarah White Andrea Wilson

3 31 3 20 19 14 1 5 0 32 14 1 31 2 0 43 2 5 18 0 3 27 37 7 3 8 23 2 5 7 16 1 0 4 5 13 7 27 2 7

HayeS CeNter PuBliC SCHool

ron Howard, Superintendent/Principal

HAYES CENTER SCHOOLS TEACHING STAFF: Front Row: Jolene Christner, Aaron Gallegos, Julie Fritsche, Kaitlyn Mason, Leah Olson, Patti Lee, Paul Polk Middle Row: Loren Wagner, Kim Sullivan, Cheyenne Jeffers, Ann Fornoff, Stephanie Hansen, Joyce Richter, Kimberly Maucher, Terry Wortman Back Row: Tracy Cooper, Karen Allen, Rachel Peter

THANK YOU FOR YOUR YEARS OF EXCELLENT SERVICE! Joyce Richter "Full circle" would best describe my teaching experience. I grew up in Hayes County and Palisade, went to college at Concordia, Seward, and student taught in Fort Wayne, Indiana. My first teaching job was in inner city Detroit with 32 second graders. I drove them by myself once a month to visit Greenfield Village. I taught one year for Wauneta Public School in Hamlet, took a few years off to have my two boys, and then started teaching in Hayes Center in 1978. I am teaching second generation children and still enjoy learning with the students and seeing them experience "aha" moments. What a thrill! No two days or classes are ever the same. I believe the motto given to me by a teacher friend, "You never grow old until you've lost all your marvels." Merry Browne

Terry Wortman Terry Wortman is the science teacher at Hayes Center High School in Hayes Center, NE. I received my BSE from Wayne State College in Wayne Nebraska in 1971 and Masters of Science in Education from the former Kearney State College in Kearney Nebraska in 1882. After college I taught for three years in eastern Nebraska and for the 1974-75 school year I moved toHayes Center, Nebraska. I have taught science in Hayes Center Schools for 40 years at the end of this school year. Over the years I have sponsored several different classes, the annual, and for the last 21 years I have been the Senior Class sponsor. In addition to teaching I have been a fireman and EMT on the Hayes County Fire and Rescue Department for 28 years and for 25 years either president or vice-president for the Volunteer Fire Department. Also, I'm chairmen of the Hayes Center Village board. My wife LuAnn has been a Para-educator in the Hayes Center School District for the past 33 years and we have three grown children.

OUTSTANDING WALLACE TEACHERS Kelly Smith

My favorite parts about education are the "ah ha" moments when the students know they have reached that point of success. They smile and just know! Every day is different and I love planning and integrating new ideas and projects that will take their learning to the next level.

LaDonna Swedberg

I graduated from Kearney State College in December of 1984. I had a part time job teaching vocal music at Maywood Public School waiting for me when I graduated so I began my teaching career in January. The following January I added another half time vocal job. I taught vocal music to grades 5 -12 at Medicine Valley in the morning and I taught at Maywood in the afternoons.

In the fall of 1988, I joined the staff at Wallace Public Schools teaching K-12 vocal and instrumental music. During my third year at Wallace I went to part time and team taught due to the fact I was expecting our second child.

I was a stay at home mom for six years. During that time I taught a band class at three different private schools; it was more like a big group lesson in that the students each paid me to work with them and we formed a band. I also gave piano lessons during this time.

In 1997, the music teaching position at Wallace opened up and our children were enrolled to attend school at there, so I decided to go back to work even though I was expecting our fifth child.

I am presently in my 16th year of teaching at Wallace. During this journey, I have had the privilege of seeing the program grow both the instrumentaly and vocally. The students have performed for many different things and in many places. I have had students sing in National and Regional honor choirs, state honor bands and choirs and college honor bands and choirs. I have even had the opportunity to take three different groups of students to New York to perform with a festival choir in Carnage Hall.

I have been involved in many music adventures outside of school as well. I have directed many Christmas programs at church, helped with children's choir, and led music for Bible Schools. I have sung in various choirs and my children and I have performed for many different occasions.

In addition to teaching, I am also the student council sponsor at our school overseeing the many activities that they do within our school.

I thoroughly love my job as a music teacher because it combines two of my passions; young people and music. I adore children of all ages and every day I get to share my passion for music with them. I get to watch the students grow and develop musically and as individuals. I never intended on being a teacher, even when I went to college, but my advisor suggested that I get a music education degree just for something to fall back on; that ended up being valuable advise for me.

Korene Flaming Samantha Garrison Rachel Hanson Joe Hesse Deb Jameson Lisa Kemp Richard Lee Megan Luck Stefanie McCain Cherie McClintock Stephanie McConnell Traci Messersmith Megan Muller Kory Rhode PE, Krystal Sauser Christy Sheets Kelly Smith LaDonna Swedberg Sharon Vote Adam Wright ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF ASSIGNMENT YEARS Tom Sandberg Supt., Betty Frederick Shari Goodenberger Vicky White

ASSIGNMENT Grade 4 English, FCS Grade 1 History Media, Tech Voc Ag Business Science English Grade 6 Guidance Grade 2 Art AD Grade 4 Math, Spanish Grade 5 Music Title I Resource K-6 Principal Bookkeeping 7-12 Principal Secretary

BUS DRIVERS YEARS Linda Gier Donnie Hasenauer Richelle Koop David Lempke Mary Lempke Becky Manary

6 24 5 31 2 3

KITCHEN STAFF YEARS Pat Heinemann Holly Lundvall Janet Gartrell

12 4 4

PARAPROFESSIONALS YEARS Terry Fowler Mic Heinemann Richelle Koop Gina Melton

1 2 6 1

SCHOOL NURSE YEARS Robin Hager

2

YEARS 9 3 2 3 12 3 2 1 3 7 2 16 2 21 4 13 18 20 7 2 1 27 1 12

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The THE North NORTH Platte PLATTE Telegraph TELEGRAPH • Excellence EXCELLENCE In IN Education EDUCATION • September SEPTEMBER 28, 2013

During the years at Wallace Public School I served as the Distance Learning facilitator, taught computer literacy at elementary level, served as Title I Director assisting students with reading and math needs, and served as the Reading Recovery Coordinator for two years. I taught all content areas in the 4th grade classroom. I am currently teaching in a 5th grade classroom and co-teaching with 6th grade.

WALLACE TEACHING STAFF ASSIGNMENT YEARS

The THE North NORTH Platte PLATTE Telegraph TELEGRAPH • Excellence EXCELLENCE In IN Education EDUCATION • September SEPTEMBER 28, 2013

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Platte valley CHriStiaN aCaDeMy Mrs. Heather Winchester Heather Winchester is a volunteer Archery coach for grades 3-8 at Platte Valley Christian Academy. Heather grew up in Waterford, CA, receiving a her degree in education from the University of California, Stanislaus in Turlock, CA. Heather and her husband, Josh, live in Maxwell with their daughter Abigail, age one. Heather taught two years full-time at Platte Valley before returning as a substitute teacher and Archery coach. Heather and her family attend First Baptist Church of Maxwell.

Mrs. Melodie Loostrom Melodie Loostrom is a volunteer Music teacher at Platte Valley Christian Academy. Melodie and her husband, John, live near Maxwell with their daughter, Katie, age three. Melodie taught preschool at Platte Valley before returning as a Music teacher and volunteer. Melodie is a native of Avon, South Dakota. After graduating high school, Melodie graduated with her degree in education from Pensacola Christian College in Pensacola, Florida. After graduating, she taught in Gothenburg and North Platte Christian schools before joining the staff at Platte Valley Christian Academy. Along with her duties as Platte Valley, Melodie helps her husband on their ranch and is an active member of the Lincoln County Farm Bureau.

Melodie and her family attend First Baptist Church of Maxwell.

Ms. Jean Allen Jean Allen is a teacher of 60 years and volunteer at Platte Valley Christian Academy. Jean assists the teachers with lessons and substitute teaches. Jean lives in North Platte and enjoys local history and leather working. Jean attends Calvary Baptist Church in North Platte.

on to get her teaching degree from Minnesota State University. Linda then went to teach for two years in the Rosebud Reservation. The uniqueness of Platte Valley Christian Academy brought Linda to North Platte. After a two year sabbatical to San Jose, California, (teaching high risk teens), Linda returned to PVCA to continue teaching the next 20 years. Linda is married to Scott (a conductor for UP Railroad) and has three children, Margaret Jo, a senior at Hershey High School; Pon and Pan, both 8th graders at Platte Valley Christian Academy. They live just north of North Platte and attend Calvary Baptist Church where they are also involved in youth and young adult ministries.

Mrs. Syd Rundback Syd Rundback teaches grades 3-8 at Platte Valley Christian Academy. Syd and her husband, Bryce, live south of Stapleton. Syd grew up in Paxton, graduating from Paxton High School in 1998. She then received a degree in Business Administration from MPCC and began working full-time for Korty Land & Cattle in Paxton. When her family sold the feedlot/ranching business in 2007, Syd returned to college. In 2011, Syd graduated from Chadron State College with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education. Prior to joining the staff at PVCA, Syd was a substitute teacher in both Paxton and Sutherland schools. Syd is in her third year teaching at Platte Valley and has also directed the annual Dinner Theater the students present as a thank-you to the parents, volunteers, and alum of the school. She also helps her Bryce with their cattle and enjoys gardening. Syd and Bryce attend Bethel E-Free Church in North Platte.

Mr. John Schimek

John Schimek is not only a parent of two PVCA students, he also serves as the Board President for Platte Valley Christian Academy. John is employed by Union Pacific Railroad and lives in North Platte with his wife Mandi and their children, Alex, a third grader; Jeremiah, a first Mrs. Linda Dishman grader; Kennedy, age 4; Olivia, age 3; and Emmalee, 7 months.

Linda Dishman was born and raised in Dawson Minnesota. Linda is John's wife Mandi also serves on the school board as Treasurer. The the Kindergarten-2nd grade teacher at Platte Valley Christian Schimek family attends North Platte Berean Church.

Academy. After graduating from high school in Dawson, Linda went

Our Redeemer Lutheran School David Hobus, Principal

Mr. Hobus has been married to his wife, Barbara, for the past 36 years. Barbara is both a Special Education teacher with a Lutheran Teacher’s Diploma and an RN. They have 4 adult sons who reside in the northwest. Mr. Hobus is an avid fisherman and hunter with a special talent for cooking.

Amy Nelson, Administrative Assistant

Mrs. Nelson is a 1995 graduate from North Platte High School. She is an ORLS alum, graduating 8th grade in 1991. Mrs. Nelson started her position at ORLS in the summer of 2011.

She enjoys working at a Lutheran school because “it’s my family in Christ.”

Mrs. Nelson has been married to her husband, John, for 5 years. They have two sons (one who will be in Kindergarten at ORLS). She enjoys spending time with her family, camping, playing volleyball, and traveling.

Amber Eller, Preschool Teacher

Mrs. Eller is a 2003 graduate of Chadron State College in Chadron, NE. She has 10 years of experience in education teaching grades preschool through 2nd. Mrs. Eller is also an ORLS alum and has been teaching here for the last 5 years. She loves to teach the little children about God’s love for them and appreciates that she can incorporate faith in may ways throughout their day.

Mrs. Eller and her husband Dan have been married for 10 years. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, camping, and completing projects around their house.

Deann Montgomery, Kindergarten Teacher

Mrs. Montgomery is a 1987 graduate of Concordia College in Mequon, Wisconsin, majoring in Early Childhood Education. She has been teaching for 19 years in grades Kindergarten through 4th. She has been at ORLS for the last 13 years. She enjoys teaching at a Lutheran school because she can share her faith and have her faith strengthened by the faith of the children. She also likes the family atmosphere.

Mrs. Montgomery is married to her husband, Mike. They have two boys ages 17 and 19 who were students here at ORLS. She enjoys reading and playing hand bells.

Kathy Wiest, 1st & 2nd Grade Teacher

Mrs. Wiest is a 1978 graduate of Concordia College in Seward, NE. She has been teaching grades Kindergarten through 3rd for the last 19 years. She has been teaching at ORLS for the last 2 years. She enjoys teaching at a Lutheran school because she loves working with children helping them to learn about Jesus and the Bible.

Mrs. Wiest grew up on a farm near Deshler, NE. She took her first call to Rapid City, SD, where she met her husband, Robert. They have been married for 33 years. They have three children and two grandchildren. She enjoys Christian fiction, making quilts, and traveling to see her grandchildren.

Janet Livingston, 3rd & 4th Grade Teacher Mrs. Livingston is a 1976 graduate from Concordia College in Seward, NE. She has been teaching the last 29 years here at ORLS in grades 1st through 4th. She likes to teach in a Lutheran school because she likes to teach about Jesus. She is also able to pray and talk about Jesus throughout the day so that students know the love of Jesus and how He is part of every aspect of their lives.

Mrs. Livingston is married to her husband, DeWayne. They have 3 grown children who attended ORLS and 4 grandchildren (two that are currently attending ORLS). She enjoys reading and playing with her grandchildren.

Mrs. Pavel has been married for 27 years to Lonnie. They have one daughter in college. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, movies, crafts, music, and traveling.

Linda Groves, 7th & 8th Grade Teacher Mrs. Groves has attended Chadron State College, Universit y of NE Kearney, Doane College, and Concordia University. She has spent the last 15 years teaching grades 6 through 8 here at ORLS. She enjoys teaching in Lutheran schools because she is thankful for the opportunity to share God with the youth. “Watching their faith grow and blossom is a joy and blessing.”

Mrs. Groves has been married to Bill for 32 years. They have a grown daughter who is an alum of ORLS. In her spare time she enjoys sewing, knitting, crocheting, and reading.

Karen Lukas, Band Teacher Mrs. Lukas is a 1972 graduate from Hastings College in Nebraska. She has taught K-12 music, orchestra, private lessons, band, choir, marching, pep band, and musicals for 35 years. She has been with ORLS for the last 2 1/2 years and enjoys it here because a “Christ-centered life is emphasized”.

Mrs. Lukas is married to Chuck, who repairs and sells band instruments and pianos. They have 2 grown children and 7 grandchildren. Mrs. Lukas also drive for Prince of the Road when she is away from ORLS.

Hall PuBliC SCHool Nicki Coviello Monica Carter Barb Fruhwirth Carol Halley Mendi Roehrs Missy Greene Veronica Neill Alex Lowther Laurie Hatch Kendra burkholder Becky Hergenrader Sheryl Heaton Sarah McDiarmid Bev Clark Nicole Post Jodie Orr Kelley Stahl Steve Spiehs Joyce Butler

yearS 6 7 29 18 5 3 3 First Year 9 7 10 20 First Year 13 2 10 22 13 2

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The THE North NORTH Platte PLATTE Telegraph TELEGRAPH • Excellence EXCELLENCE In IN Education EDUCATION • September SEPTEMBER 28, 2013

Mr. Hobus is a 1977 graduate from Concordia University in Seward, NE. There he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Education and in 1987 he earned his Master’s Degree in Elementary School Administration. Mr. Hobus has been involved in Lutheran schools as a teacher, teacher/principal, and full time administrator for the past 36 years. He has taught almost every grade from 1st through 8th. This is Mr. Hobus’ first year at ORLS. He enjoys teaching in Lutheran schools because he gets to share the greatest message in the world. “Jesus Christ paid the price for my sins. Because of that, I am free to serve and love others just as God in Jesus Christ loves and forgives me. I want our children to know that the Christian life is purposeful.

God has a plan and a purpose for the life of each of us.”

Heidi Pavel, 5th & 6th Grade Teacher Mrs. Pavel graduated in 1985 from Concordia University in Seward, NE. Over the last 20 years she has taught several grade combinations. Her first job out of college was teaching first grade here at ORLS. After returning in 1999, this will be the 14th year for Mrs. Pavel at ORLS. Mrs. Pavel enjoys teaching at a Lutheran school because she believes that everything we do in life should be focused on and centered around God. Teaching in a Lutheran school “provides me with the opportunity to do that, while following His direction to go and teach”.

The North Platte Telegraph • Excellence In Education • September 28, 2013

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