PAGE 10 TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2025 THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH 2025 Nominees: SOCIAL SERVICES Laura Martinez Nominator: Emily Theiler WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT
and their hopefulness, is to change the world for the better,” Meghan Trevino and Trudy Merritt wrote in a joint letter from the West Central District Health Department. Sandee Kroon and Angela Hipp wrote in their recommendation letter that Jayna has “played a key role in establishing the longest-running monthly drug take-back collections in Nebraska, ensuring the safe disposal of unused medications.” “Additionally, she helped develop a community-based mentoring initiative that has been providing vital support for young people for over 25 years, along with other innovative programs designed to address unmet needs in substance abuse prevention and youth development,” they wrote in the joint letter. Jayna’s leadership extends across several organizations and initiatives that impact youth, public health and community well-being. These include serving on the boards of Keep North Platte and Lincoln County Beautiful, HOPE Esperanza, Great Plains Health and the Nebraska Juvenile Justice Association. “Beyond her tangible contributions, Jayna embodies the highest standards of ethical leadership,” Shreya Agrawal wrote. “She leads by example, mentoring future advocates and inspiring others to engage in service. Her ability to unite diverse groups toward a common goal is unparalleled, and her work has left an indelible mark on North Platte.” 2025 Nominees: MEDICAL In her 25 years at the Center for Health PC medical office, Misty has provided comprehensive health care to patients of all ages with kindness, love and dedication, Loretta Baca wrote. Misty has been active both in her community and profession, serving as treasurer and pianist at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Brule in addition to training nurses, nurse practitioners and staff at the Center for Health. She was also a teacher of nursing at Mid-Plains Community College for many years. Misty Richards, APRN Nominators: Loretta Baca, Paula Bagnell & Laurie Soper Paula Bagnell wrote that in her 43 years of nursing she has been able to work with hundreds, if not thousands, of medical providers but “Misty Richards is one of the most amazing medical providers” she has “ever had the honor of working with.” “As I have worked with Misty, I have watched her continuously provide dedicated,
Laura Martinez has served for more than 30 years with the Women, Infant and Children program in North Platte and surrounding communities. There, Laura administers supplemental food benefits, teaches about nutrition and the developmental stages of young children and provides support and encouragement. Jodi Sonneman wrote in her nomination that Laura has “devoted herself tirelessly to uplifting families, promoting nutrition awareness and championing the well-being of families.” Working with the WIC program, Laura ensures families can provide the nutrition that their young children need to grow to their full potential, even staying overnight in surrounding communities to provide information and support to families. “Her passion and dedication have profoundly impacted the lives of those she serves, truly exemplifying the essence of caring and community service,” Jodi said. Amber McNutt Nominator: Rebecca Harling Amber McNutt has conducted thousands of forensic interviews, coordinated hundreds of medical exams and obtained counseling for the most vulnerable: the children of McCook, North Platte and Ogallala, Rebecca Harling said in her nomination of the Bridge of Hope Advocacy Center program director. Rebecca added that Amber’s “commitment to excellence has led to children being safer” and perpetrators of violence against children being held accountable. “Those of us in law enforcement, social services and prosecution are eternally grateful to Amber,” Rebecca said. “Whether it be day or night, weekday or weekend, Amber has always responded to our calls and has aided us in our investigations.” Amber has been a constant at the Bridge of Hope Child Advocacy Center since its inception, spending her time ensuring that children who have been abused and neglected have a safe place to tell their stories. Jayna Schaaf Nominators: Shreya Agrawal, Sandee Kroon, Angela Hipp, Meghan Trevino & Trudy Merritt The executive director of Community Connections for 25 years, Jayna Schaaf has been an advocate for healthy communities with a focus on collaborative work, substance abuse prevention and youth development in North Platte and Lincoln County. “Jayna carries a deeply held value that to support our young people, their energy
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