ACADEMIC ALL-STARS
D3
SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2020
THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH
of the month, FFA state champion food science team, FFA national Silver Emblem team and indi- vidual, FFA president, National Honor Society president, team captain in football and basket- ball, lettered in football, basketball and golf, district honorable men- tion in football, NCPA academic all-state, Cornhusker Boys State representative. Activities: Football, basketball, golf, Quiz Bowl, one-act play, FFA, United Methodist Youth Fellowship, E-Unit, National Honor Society, student council. Community and vol- unteer service: Rise Against Hunger, cem- etery cleanup, youth basketball helper, Sunday School teacher, Bible School helper, church cleanup — God’s Gift Our Hands, youth wrestling helper, Big Give — clean- up, Wurst Tag setup and tear-down, church sound system, National Honor Society blood drive, hanging American flags, youth fellow- ship Santa, Operation Christmas Child, Farnam Community Carnival, Veterans Day program, Wurst Tag popcorn stand, making wreaths for mili- tary graves, volunteering at Senior Center, youth basketball coach. Most influential teacher: Ben Spiegel, Eustis-Farnam High School. “Mr. Spiegel came to Eustis when I was a soph- omore so it may be a surprise that I am pick- ing someone that I have only been around for three years. Mr. Spiegel was the teacher that I feel like I could relate to the most and he would always listen to what I had to say. No matter what the situation was he was willing to help. Being a younger teacher I think it was easier for him to relate to the sit- uations that we face in high school and he is al- ways willing to help me with college questions or even something not relat- ed to school. Spiegel was also one of my football coaches for three years and he always knew how to bring the best out of me on the field and in his classroom.” Courtney Kastens Anselmo-Merna High School Courtney is the daugh- ter of Matt and Marci Kastens of Anselmo. She plans to study criminal justice at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Goals: I hope to one day work for a federal agency. My personal goal is to work in many differ- ent places and gain many experiences over the course of my life. In her own words: “In Washington, D.C., an unfinished depiction of Martin Luther King, Jr., stands looking over the tidal basin. The me- morial is designed to be finished when the cre- ator feels that equality has been gained for ev- eryone. My motivation for success is to be able to create a better world for my generation and the ones that follow. I believe that the world can be a safe and accepting place for everyone if everyone would wish it to be that way. I’ve always wanted equality for everyone, but I didn’t have a way to put it into words until I expe- rienced the memorial and its legacy for myself. The memorial’s meaning and representation is a realis- tic depiction of my goals and aspirations in life. Benefiting everyone’s fu- ture is my ultimate goal
to do their part in making the world a better place, and I am able to do this by being an active member in my community.” Achievements and awards include: Valedictorian, National Honor Society president, Inter-High Day first place athletic training and sec- ond place family and consumer science, state champion agriculture sales team, state champion range judging team, state runner-up parliamenta- ry procedure team, state speech qualifier, journal- ism academic all-state, district runner-up Quiz Bowl team, district cham- pion basketball team, district runner-up volley- ball and basketball teams, third place district Quiz Bowl team, district cham- pion persuasive speaker, veterinary science and individual and agricul- ture sales individual district runner-up per- suasive speaker, Huskers Traditions scholarship, Cornhusker Girls State delegate. Activities: FFA, National Honor Society, journalism, drama, speech, Quiz Bowl, student council, band, volleyball, basketball, track, High Ability Learners, Science Olympiad. Community and vol- unteer service: 4-H, Salvation Army volun- teer, blood program leader, Nebraska Cattlemen’s Ball server, Hayes Center Senior Center serv- er, Malone Community Center volunteer, Hayes Center Booster Club referee, S.T.E.M. night co- ordinator, Wallace Youth Club volunteer, Wallace Methodist Church Bible School leader, Hayes Center United Church of Christ server. Most influential teacher: Randy Vlasin, Hayes Center High School. “Mr. Vlasin is the agri- culture education teacher and FFA adviser at Hayes Center and I have had the privilege of work- ing with him for the past four years. Mr. Vlasin has helped me develop my leadership skills and grow as a person. Additionally, he has led me to success during my time as an FFA member. ... Mr. Vlasin has taught me that even though I come from one of the smallest schools in Nebraska, I can accom- plish just as much as kids who come from the larg- est schools in Nebraska. I am undeniably grateful for all Mr. Vlasin has taught me and will cherish these memories forever.” Karlie Gerlach Maywood High School Karlie is the daughter of Russ and Lisa Gerlach of Wellfleet. She plans to study environmental science communica- tions at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Goals: One of my per- sonal goals is to become a positive advocate for the agriculture industry. Therefore, my future ca- reer aspirations include becoming an agricul- tural lobbyist. I plan to attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. I will major in agricultural and environmental scienc- es communications and complete a minor in ag- ricultural economics. Along with my education, I plan on participating in any clubs that would benefit me in my future career. In her own words: “Being the best version of myself helps hold my- self accountable and makes me a better per- son of character, the most rewarding aspect from being the best that I can be is the impact that it has on others. When I am the best version of myself
and motivation for suc- cess.” Achievements and awards include: National Honor Society, MNAC second team all-conference academics, Cornhusker Girls State representative, Junior Law Cadet, UNK Regents Scholarship, UNK hon- ors program endowed scholarship, UNK honors program room schol- arship, Nic Ostergard Memorial Scholarship. Activities: National Honor Society, band, choir, speech, one-act play, Quiz Bowl. Community and volunteer service: 4-H, Girl Scouts, St. Alselm Confraternity of Christian Doctrine. Most influential teacher: Erica Crouch, Anselmo-Merna High School. “The class I was most worried about when I en- tered high school was Mrs. Crouch’s English class. They were noto- riously difficult to earn high grades in, and the goal that I had set for my high school career was achieving an A in every class. During my fresh- man and sophomore year, it was a struggle for me to earn the grades I felt I deserved, but eventual- ly I began to understand why she graded so strict- ly and how to work to the best of my ability. When I first participated in com- petitive speech in my junior year, she helped build my confidence up in a way that I don’t be- lieve anyone else could have. While I had her as a teacher, I learned to face challenges with disci- pline and dedication” Keegan Nitsch North Platte St. Patrick High School Keegan is the son of Bob and Barb Nitsch of North Platte. He plans to study chemical engineer- ing at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Goals: I plan to pur- sue a master’s degree in chemical engineering or a Ph.D. in biochemistry, and I plan to research ge- netic engineering. In his own words: “I have always been a cu- rious person, and that curiosity inside of me makes learning fun and enjoyable. I have espe- cially taken a liking to science classes. There is nothing more interest- ing to me than learning about how and why the universe, and everything in it, works the way it does. To help the world, I want to discover the se- crets of the universe’s inner workings, and use that knowledge to create something worthwhile. I always strive to learn more about the world, and I hope that I can learn enough about the world to help change it for the better.” Achievements and awards include: National Honor Society, 36 on ACT, Inter-High Day first place biology, National Merit commend- ed scholar, Presidential Scholar candidate, University of Nebraska- Lincoln honors program, University of Nebraska- Lincoln Regents Scholarship. Activities: Cross coun- try, lettered in basketball and track, state qualifier in high jump, Quiz Bowl, student council. Community and Nebraskaland Days con- cessions, National Honor Society trash walks and blood drives, student teacher aide, Irish Fest. Most influen- tial teacher: William Please see Page D4 volunteer service: Eagle Scout project,
...After recognizing the need for a wildlife rehabil- itation center in western Nebraska, I knew it would be my ultimate goal to open my own veterinarian clinic and wildlife rehabil- itation center.” Achievements and awards include: Honor roll four years, lettered in speech, cross country, track and chorus, aca- demic All-State in cross country and music, third place state Poetry Out Loud, NPCC Foundation scholarship, MPCC President’s Freshman Academic Tuition schol- arship, Bausch & Lomb honorary science award, nominated for Omaha Activities: Student council secretary, cross country, track, speech, play production, swing choir, National Honor Society president, S.A.I.N.T.S. letter club vice president, McDaid elemen- tary aide. Community and vol- unteer service: Student council campus clean- World-Herald All- Academic Team. up, serving dinner at the Retired Friends Dinner, ringing bells for Salvation Army, concessions stand at St. Pat’s, Irish Fest, St. Pat’s BBQ, crossing guard, snack shack, student aide, serving dinner at Salvation Army, National Honor Society trash walk, selling concessions at Nebraskaland Days, bring- ing food for RCIA, helping with the Elementary Track and Field Day, babysitting in the church nursery. Most influential teacher: Jim Bauer, St. Patrick High School. “Mr. Bauer is import- ant to me because he has always been kind and com- passionate. He takes the effort to get to know his students better and he is easy to approach. Mr. Bauer makes sure that we, his students, under- stand the subject we are studying and has no prob- lemwith helping us. I have begun to enjoy learn- ing about science due to his class. I have also had the opportunity to be Mr. Bauer’s student aide for my junior and senior year of high school. He has always been understand- ing and flexible with my schedule. Science is go- ing to be a huge part of my college education, so I am extremely thankful and appreciative of Mr. Bauer and all that he has taught me.” Ashton Erickson Hayes Center High School Ashton is the daughter of Jeff and Kelly Erickson of Wallace. She plans to study communication science disorders at the University of Nebraska- Lincoln. Goals: To earn a mas- ter’s degree and become a speech-language patholo- gist. I enjoy helping others and working as a speech pathologist will give me opportunities to help indi- viduals of all ages. In her own words: “I am a diligent worker both in school and out of school. I ammotivated to succeed academically because I en- joy learning and want to build a strong education- al foundation for myself. A strong educational foun- dation will allowme to find a career where I can be prosperous. A pros- perous career will open doors for me to lead oth- ers and make an impact. I ammotivated to give back to community because my community has given so much to me. I am always willing to volunteer in my community because I know that I am only mak- ing my surroundings better. I also know that it is important for everyone
and going after the goals that I have, I am also able to act as an example to others. With the con- fidence, work ethic and determination that I use to accomplish my goals, it is my hope that others go after their own goals in the same manner. When I see others accom- plish their own goals, it is rewarding to see them succeed.” Achievements and awards include: National Honor Society, honor roll with distinc- tion, Inter-High Day first place physics and second place personal finance, Believers and Achievers award, academic all-state volleyball, Cornhusker Girls State delegate, PRAC all-conference best of show art award. Activities: National TeamMates, journalism, one-act play, art club, vol- leyball, basketball, track, golf. Community and vol- unteer service: FFA trash pickup, Feed the Farmer and Wellfleet Lake cleanup, National Honor Society trash pick- up and food drive, youth athletic camps, Best in the Midwest Jackpot Show, Ag Valley annual meeting server, Frontier County Fair Board meal, 4-H food stand, Fort McPherson Memorial Day flowers, St. Paul Lutheran Church. Most influential teacher: Kim Stengel, Maywood Public Schools. “I have become more confident in myself and my abilities from the Honor Society, stu- dent council, FFA, guidance that she has giv- en me. She has taught me that a positive attitude is a key factor in suc- ceeding. ...She is one of my biggest cheerleaders when I am going after my goals. Mrs. Stengel has al- ways believed that I will achieve anything I set my mind to. Her confidence in me makes me believe that I will truly succeed in all I do. ... Honestly, it is very difficult to put into words the impact that she has had on me. Although my senior year has been cut short be- cause of today’s events, I will always cherish the times that I had with her in high school. ” Andrew Jack Eustis-Farnam High School Andrew is the son of Neil and Kristen Jack of Eustis. He plans to study agriculture econom- ics at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Goals: I plan to come back to my hometown and own my own busi- ness and run my own cattle on our family farm. In his own words: “In a small town like Eustis, almost everyone is trying to contribute to the town and to making us thrive in every possible way. If we did not have people dedicated to keeping our town going, we could eas- ily end up being a ghost town down the road, but I know that the people of this little town take pride in our community and will not let that hap- pen. They have motivated me to be very involved in every way possible. We want Eustis to be a place for new people to want to raise their kids knowing that it is a safe environ- ment and that their kids will get the education they need to succeed.” Achievements and awards include: National Honor Society, honor roll, Presidents Education Award for hon- or roll, Believers and Achievers school win- ner, Elks teen of the month, Eustis Chamber of Commerce student
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sic education. I will likely continue with a master’s degree in music education or music performance. My dream is to teach at a col- lege/university, or to be performing and private- ly teaching. Personally, I want to make music with and for others to point to- ward the glory of God. In his own words: “Being a musician has helped me be a person with a good work ethic and dedication to my stud- ies, but my heart simply wants to make music with and for people. Ultimately pursuing a graduate’s degree to work as a profes- sor or try my hand in the world of performance is the way I hope to live out this desire in my heart. Ultimately I hope to use what I have learned to help guide others toward the more beautiful truths in life.” Achievements and awards include: National Honor Society, hon- or roll four years, David Distinguished Scholar, Nebraska Legends Scholar, Nebraska Young Artist schol- arship, Ugai-Smolan scholarship, All-State Orchestra, Wesleyan Honor Orchestra outstand- ing orchestral musician award, lettered in band, orchestra and choir, Homecoming king, Mid- Plains Community College Presidents List. Activities: National Honor Society, concert, jazz, pep and marching band, concert and jazz choir, concert orchestra, musical, student council, tennis, soccer, superin- tendent senior student advisory council. Community and vol- unteer service: Church worship team, Backyard Bible Club, Miami mission trip, national anthem per- formance. Most influential teacher: Marta Holscher- Nelson, North Platte. “Ms. Marta Holscher- Nelson was the first person to open up the world of music to me. From learning classic American melodies, to miniature musicals, to learning how to play the recorder, Ms. Holscher- Nelson taught and exemplified the beau- ty in music to me. ... Ms. Holscher-Nelson showed me all music had to offer, and paved the way for ev- ery relationship I now hold with my amazing music teachers.” Ashley Dye North Platte St. Patrick High School Ashley is the daugh- ter of Mike and Lori Dye of North Platte. She plans to study pre-veterinary medicine at Mid-Plains Community College and earn an associate’s degree. Goals: I plan to attend the University of Nebraska at Kearney. After earn- ing my bachelor’s degree, I plan to attend the University of Nebraska- Lincoln and their joint programwith Iowa for veterinary medicine. My ultimate goal is to earn a degree in veterinary medicine and establish a wildlife rehabilitation cen- ter in western Nebraska. In her own words: “I have always held com- passion for animals and I have helped rescue injured birds. I rescued a baby ground squirrel and began the process of making sure he was properly cared for. He became ill due to an ear infection, so I educat- ed myself on the necessary care and reached out to a wildlife rehabilitation center within the state. I transported him the four- hour drive to Louisville, Nebraska, and he was given professional care.
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