WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT
TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2025 PAGE 5
THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH
2025 Nominees: CULTURAL ARTS Keri Fisher Nominators: Elleigh Fisher, Jill Vaughn, Lane Swedberg & Dan O’Neill Keri Fisher has “demonstrated a persistent and loving commitment” to the North Platte community and those around her, her daughter Elleigh said. From volunteering in numerous positions at the North Platte Community Playhouse, dedicating time to Deborah’s Legacy as a board member and volunteer, to using her experience as a cosmetologist to shape and cut wigs for patients at the Callahan Cancer Center, Elleigh said Keri has devoted “an immense amount of time, energy, passion and dedication to the community.” “Her passion for the arts and her ability to inspire others have significantly enhanced the quality of productions at the Playhouse,” Lane Swedberg wrote. “Her tireless efforts in coordinating dance routines and ensuring seamless performances have earned her the respect and admiration of her peers and the community at large. Her contributions have not only elevated the artistic experience but have also fostered a sense of community and inclusivity among participants and audience members alike.” Deborah’s Legacy co-founder Jill Vaughn highlighted Keri’s confidence, strategic creativity and leadership in her roles at the North Platte nonprofit. As the co-chair of the Putt-N-Crawl fundraising event, Keri helped raise over $25,000 for Deborah’s Legacy over multiple years. “Our organization is not the only to be blessed by Keri Fisher,” Jill said. “The number of organizations in this area that have felt her positive impact are countless.” Keri has been active in her daughter’s FFA chapter as both a supporter and competition judge, helping to raise over $100,000 and coaching several students. She also served as a member, chapter president, state president and national vice president for the Jaycees. Brittany McDaniel Nominator: Emily Sweeney Brittany McDaniel has been an English teacher at North Platte Public Schools for more than 10 years. Additionally, she has served as the high school’s play production coach and co-director of multiple shows and musicals. During this time, Brittany has taught her students public speaking, guided them with their writing and taught them how to become actors and actresses, nominator Emily Sweeney said. “The fire that drives Brittany is creating an environment for students that allows them to explore their abilities and become new and exciting characters,” Emily said. “She has opened the world of theater to so many students, made them feel welcome (and) made them feel like they belong.” For the past two years, Brittany has directed the school’s one-act plays that have won numerous awards, including Best Technical Show and Best Actor and Actress, and qualified for the state one-act competition. From spending hours building sets on the weekends, creating and assembling costumes, to rehearsing with her students in the evenings, Sweeney said, “Teaching students to love theater and everything it encompasses is (Brittany’s) absolute dream.”
Kelly Dowler Nominators: Wendy Ward & Jan Wright Community minded with a zest for life, Kelly Dowler is described by nominator Jan Wright as kind and compassionate in her work at Great Plains Health as the patient advocate experience coordinator. “You will see her at work with nursing units to help patients navigate this wide world of medical jargon and answer the tough questions,” Jan said. Jan added that Kelly never says “no” to anyone in need, whether it’s a loved one, a community member or a patient at the hospital. “She truly listens to the patients and their families’ experiences and is able to communicate effectively regardless of the difficult situations they are facing," Wendy Ward wrote in her nomination. Kelly’s true passion is to help people have the best experience while navigating the complexity of the health care system, Wendy said, and has made her instrumental in creating the Patient Family Advisory Council at GPH. “She is dedicated, hardworking and always a ray of sunshine in and outside the walls of the hospital,” Wendy said. Kayla Jensen Nominator: Maddy Krebs The “definition of success,” nominator Maddy Krebs said, Kayla Jensen uses her own leadership and knowledge to make others successful. Kayla is the owner of Enzo Athletic Performance in North Platte, but also works as a gym and nutrition coach, volunteers her time and sponsors many activities in North Platte. “Not only does she run a successful business with hundreds of customers, she changes lives daily,” Maddy said, adding that she is just “one of the many men and women who have had the privilege to be coached by (Kayla) at the gym.” Lindee Miller Nominator: Megan Dodson Family Hearing Specialists owner Lindee Miller has not only demonstrated exceptional leadership and vision in her field, nominator Megan Dodson said, but has made a profound impact on the North Platte community. “Lindee consistently gives back, dedicating her time and expertise to support various causes and organizations,” Megan said. This is evident through her company’s holiday hearing-aid giveaway, where Lindee donated two pairs of hearing aids to individuals in the community who did not have the means to afford them. Lindee also helps lead the Berean Church youth group, Circle Hill 4-H and has served on the McDonald Elementary PTO. “Lindee’s generosity and commitment to improving the lives of others in our community reflect her unwavering dedication to making a difference,” Megan said. “Lindee embodies the spirit of this award through her remarkable blend of professional excellence, compassion and community service.” 2025 Nominees: BUSINESS
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