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THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH
SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2022
Thursday, April 28, 2022 Ramada by Wyndham, North Platte, NE Doors Open at 10:00 am Awards at 11:00 am
Andrea Wenburg, CEO Voice of In fl uence ® Featured Speaker
Presented by The North Platte Telegraph & NebraskaLand Bank esented by The North Platte elegraph & NebraskaLand Bank
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WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT
THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH
SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2022
2022 Women of Achievement nominees in Business
LisaFudge
emerged is a highly successful and growing company.” David said he has admired how Lisa approached the challenges of the pandemic. “Like most small business owners, we were concerned about the impacts of restrictions imposed by govern- ments,” he said. “But she found innovative ways of interacting with potential customers. And as a result her business actually grew during 2020.” Lisa routinely gives of her time, talent and treasure to people who need her help, often quietly, David said. “She’s a friend to those who need one, a mentor who has worked with special needs kids and a wonderful leader.” Lisa Fudge is a great example of hard work paying off — that no matter what the challenge, if you apply yourself and aren’t afraid to get your hands dirty, you can be suc- cessful, her husband said.
Nominator: David Fudge
Lisa Fudge is the owner of Prairie Friends and Flowers, a member of 100 Women Who Care and a volunteer at First Methodist Church. “When we purchased the business six years ago, she had no experience running a business, but has thrived through growing pains, a pandemic and now the challeng- es of supply chain issues, inflation and labor shortages,” said her husband, David Fudge. David and Lisa have been married over 26 years. “Lisa is a true hands-on owner. She is in the building almost every day, leading design, sales and management activities. “She’s learned everything on the fly, from managing employees to inventory. ... She burns a lot of midnight oil with her face buried in orders and spreadsheets. What
Congratulations to our owner for being named a fi a nalist! nalist!
CONGRATULATIONS Laura Sedlacek on your Woman of Achievement nomination in Business! We are so Proud of you! From all your employees at Dunkin’ and Dan Keenan
Corner of 4th & Willow, North Platte, NE – (308) 532-2577 www.prairiefriendsand fl owers.com
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WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT
THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH
SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2022
2022 Women of Achievement nominees in Business AbbiePack
Abbie leads the Intern Program teaching business to youth, developing and encouraging entrepreneurship by providing hiring opportunities to local high schools and community colleges, giving students firsthand experience learning professional skills and what it takes to run a busi- ness. Her keen business acumen makes this downtown busi- ness a destination with great local identity. Abbie can take on big tasks and makes them look easy. She is a working mother who also volunteers and runs the School Store at the high school to help raise money for the Booster Club. She is president of the Booster Club. Abbie has the propensity for connecting the community, enhancing and amplifying the culture of it to make it more enriched, and generating new ideas to create character and diversity. “Someone with such influence and leadership ability, yet a personality of someone just ‘behind the scenes’ is worth acknowledging and is most definitely someone con- sidered to be a Woman of Achievement,” Anderson wrote.
Nominator: Christine Anderson
Abbie Pack manages and has been with Hirschfeld’s for over 15 years. “She recognizes and cherishes what she does,” nominator Christine Anderson said. Anderson describes Abbie as “a humble, self-effacing Woman of Achievement that I find impossible not to con- sider successful. She will not toot her own horn, but I can confidently shine a light on her influence of leadership to business and our community. “She says, ‘I like my work — small business allows you to make an impact on the community and you can make a difference,’ which I honestly believe she does.” “Work for people, not just your products” is Abbie’s state of mind, and the relationships she cultivates along with her vested inter- est in the community doing well demonstrate that. Abbie has been responsible for growth and diversification of the business including an expansion of the store and cre- ating two other venues: Harbor Lights and Venue304. “There has always been a vibrant energy in the store and Abbie remembers everyone’s names,” Anderson said.
Laura Sedlacek
not just Lincoln and Omaha,” Keenan wrote. “With Laura’s background and work ethic, we were awarded one store and opened in late November 2013, one of the first Dunkin’s to open in Nebraska.” From the opening of Dunkin’, the store has always been a top five store in revenue in the four-state area, and one of the most successful stores in almost all categories in the country, according to Curtis Roberts, past director of Dunkin’ for the western United States. “While North Platte is a great town for commerce, with a strategic location on the interstate, it would not have hap- pened without her leadership and vision,” Keenan said. “Early on we were offered to be the franchisee of the en- tire state of South Dakota for Dunkin’,” he said. “Laura made a decision she just wanted to serve the community of North Platte. This is just one more reason for her to be con- sidered for the 2022 Women of Achievement.” Laura has a work ethic that is second to none. For the first three years Dunkin’ was open, Laura had a second job. This required her to get up about 3 a.m. to deliver The Telegraph to carriers, and then make sure the store was open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Nominator: DanKeenan
Laura Sedlacek is manager and part owner of Dunkin’ in North Platte. She is very committed to North Platte and the surrounding area, says her business partner, Dan Keenan. She has held countless fundraisers for various groups, do- nating a portion of profits from Dunkin’s Tuesday sales to worthy causes. She is a big promoter of Cops on the Roof, a fundraiser for Special Olympics. The North Platte store has raised more money than any other store in her district, Keenan said. She has provided outstanding leadership at her store and contributed her knowledge and experience to help oth- er ownership groups throughout her district, making her store a success and the Dunkin’ brand a very economical enterprise in her four-state district. Also, Laura has con- tributed countless time and energy to other local endeavors, donating her time, money and product for the benefit of the community. “In 2013, Laura met with Corporate Dunkin’ in Kansas City and requested to reopen Dunkin in North Platte and
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WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT
THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH
SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2022
2022 Women of Achievement nominees in Cultural Arts
PeggyFox
Valerie Hiser
ter from preschool through her junior year in high school, said her husband, Dean. Her grand- daughter graduated in her senior year from North Platte High School with honors; won a softball scholarship to Dodge City, Kansas, where she gradu- ated with honors; then went to John Jay College of Criminal Justice in Manhattan, New York, and left in the honors class for the year. She then graduated with honors from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 2022. Valerie has worked for Hampton Inn as a breakfast host for 21 years, where she volun- teers to substitute for anyone who needs to be out for sickness or personal difficulties. “I am her husband and very proud of it but even more, I am proud of Valerie on how she has had a beautiful positive touch on so many people’s lives,” Dean said. “It so humbles me to say, yes, I am her husband, but yet what an honor.”
She travels the entire state at- tending preliminaries, talking to local program directors and en- couraging young women to seek the dollars offered to them by this scholarship program. A second passion of Peggy’s is the North Platte Community Playhouse, which has benefited greatly through her involvement. She has served in many capaci- ties, from actress, to stagehand, to director, to board member. In many productions, she is the unseen person moving the props for the next scene. “This is Peggy in a microcosm, never needing to be seen or thanked for her hard work but necessary for the cause,” Stefka said. “The jobs she has vol- unteered to take on for the benefit of the Community Playhouse are hour- and labor-intensive.” Her resume includes many other volunteer and cultural or- ganizations. “Our community, schools, churches and the entire state have benefited from having Peggy involved,” Stefka wrote.
Nominator: DeanHiser
Nominator: Paulette Stefka
Valerie has volunteered for many things in the communi- ty, state and surrounding states, and many of her activities have included some form of art. She started Operation Christmas Child in North Platte. The Samaritan’s Purse project delivers shoeboxes filled with toys, hygiene items and school supplies to children around the world. Some things that she has volunteered for include speak- ing for Christian Women’s Club meetings in six states; Operation Christmas Child; painting murals for various organizations like the North Platte Public Library, Bridge of Hope, Shepherd’s Staff in Rexford, Kansas, and Operation Christmas Child; and teach- ing art in the local home school group. She reluctantly volunteered to home-school a granddaugh-
Peggy Fox has dedicated thousands of hours to the Miss Nebraska Scholarship Program, “and through it serves as an am- bassador for North Platte and an exceptional example of work ethic to young women from across the state of Nebraska,” said nomina- tor Paulette Stefka. Stefka and Fox became ac- quainted in the 1980s on the Miss Nebraska Board of Directors. “She never stepped back from any task given to her and often took on the jobs that were the most difficult and time consum- ing,” Stefka said. In 2020, the program was not able to go forward due to COVID-19. A reboot was to take place in 2021, but one month be- fore the program was scheduled, the director resigned. Peggy stepped forward and took on the responsibilities of putting together the weeklong event “and did it seamlessly.”
SueMcKain She is the first person on the board to step up and join another committee or to vol- unteer to be on duty for many of the events at the Fox Theatre, Nelson and Rajean Shepherd said in their nomination letter. These jobs include selling tickets and con- cessions, renting out props and costumes to community groups and schools, sweep- ing the floor and cleaning up after events, and often being the last person to leave the building while making sure all of the lights are off and the many doors are locked. As a member of the Play Reading Committee, Sue is responsible for selecting the dates for the Playhouse’s four produc- tions each season based on availability of the theater, selecting the productions based on a variety of genres to offer the
public, as well as finding directors in the community. Also, in serving on the Building Committee, Sue is responsible for the con- stant renovations and repairs needed in a historic theater built in 1929. “We are so grateful for the many grants we have received, especially during this time of COVID,” the nominators wrote. “Without Sue’s excellent skills in writ- ing very detailed, time-consuming grants, with their countless rules and formalities, the North Platte Community Playhouse could not have survived these past two years due to the COVID crisis. During this past year alone, Sue has tirelessly given of her time and talents to submit over 20 grants, raising well over $250,000.”
Nominators: Marta Holscher Nelson and Rajean Shepherd
“I have not had the pleasure of working with a more devoted, committed, giving, caring leader and volunteer in our commu- nity,” Marta Holscher Nelson said of Sue McKain For the North Platte Community Playhouse, Sue has served as a board mem- ber and the board secretary for over five years. In addition, she has taken on the roles of “grant writer extraordinaire,” costume/prop shop manager, building committee member, play reading com- mittee member, and served as a music director for many musical productions, just to name a few.
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WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT
THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH
SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2022
2022 Women of Achievement nominees in Government JudyClark
with the Loretta Ludemann Award for Excellence in Planning by a Nebraska Woman for her “outstanding profession- al service and leadership and continued commitment and contributions to the ad- vancement of planning in the State of Nebraska for outstanding dedication to the principle that citizen involvement and edu- cation is essential for effective community planning” Her reaction? “I am fully dedicated to that statement es- pecially the part about citizen involvement and education being essential,” Judy said.
“I love working for city government,” Judy told nominator Marilyn McGahan. “I try to make North Platte and Lincoln County the best place to live, work and play through community development and com- munity development projects. I want my kids to want to come back home like I did.” As a part of promoting citizen in- volvement and education in the area of community planning, Judy teaches political science courses at North Platte Community College as an adjunct instructor. In 2013, the Nebraska Planning and Zoning Association recognized Judy Trudy Merritt Health Department. Trudy leads a number of activities be- sides the runs that make up the fitness series. Those include challenge marathon classes, tri masters swim classes, and the Fit Kids and Leading Ladies of Nebraska programs. Merritt also keeps the Cody Pool running over the summer and serves as a lifeguard. In addition, Trudy also frequently shares words or stories for others to find inspiration or encouragement from on her
Nominator: Marilyn McGahan
Judy Clark was hired by the city of North Platte in 1998 as a payroll tech and her gov- ernment work grew from there. She now serves as planning adminis- trator for both North Platte and Lincoln County. She has provided city planning and state regulations expertise, knowledge and ex- perience to five mayors elected over the years as well as to countless City Council, Lincoln County Planning Commission and County Board members.
Facebook account. “Trudy is an inspiration to everyone,” her friend Kristy Lage wrote in a nomi- nation. “She constantly shares amazing words of wisdom and support. She is al- ways there at the finish line to cheer in all the participants, whether it be the first or the last. “Trudy’s words during the coronavirus shutdown (were), ‘Belonging is not post- poned. With every step you take, we are with you.’”
Nominator: Kristy Lage
Trudy Merritt is the veteran director for the Platte River Fitness Series, which has events ranging from fun runs for kids and families to a triathlon. She also has dedicated hundreds of hours to promote physical well-being over- all and a healthy culture for community members of all ages. She also is the community outreach co- ordinator for the West Central District
The North Platte Public Library Staff, past and present, wishes to congratulate Valerie Hiser on her nomination ofWomenof Achievement in
THE NORTH PLATTE COMMUNITY PLAYHOUSE
CONGRATULATES
The City of North Pla tt e congratulates
SueMcKain
for her Women of Achievement nomination in Cultural Arts. You are a Arts.
Cultural Arts 2022! You are a blessing to our community.
City Planner II for your nomination for 2022 Woman of Achievement
blessing to us and we are grateful!
Valerie Hiser
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WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT
THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH
SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2022
2022 Women of Achievement nominees in Education Angela Blaesi
ed work on her associate degree. She will graduate in May with her associate degree two days before her daughter gets her high school diploma. Blaesi also is the executive director for the Miss Nebraska Outstanding Teen or- ganization, the Miss Nebraska Little Sister mentoring program, and the Outstanding Teen Princess program. She has been work- ing with the Miss Nebraska Scholarship Organization for over five years.
She said her mother started the child care center to be home with her own children. “But she has in the last few years taken her love for kids and made herself better,” Evelyn said. During the pandemic, Angela Blaesi not only kept her child care center, but she also received her child development associate credential and finished over 165 hours of continuing education. After earning the CDA, Blaesi start-
Nominator: Evelyn Blaesi, daughter
Angela Blaesi loves her day care kids. In 2020, she expanded her focus to North Platte children of all ages, running for and win- ning a seat on the North Platte school board. Blaesi’s child care center is rated at Step 4 by the state’s Step Up to Quality program. “Business, government and volunteer, she’s the whole package,” daughter Evelyn Blaesi said in her nomination.
Amanda Condon and Stevie Reed
third grade in the middle of the year, Reed continued working on a second master’s degree. “Amanda Condon is a true hero and any student would be lucky to have her,” Reed said. “She has been an amazing and posi- tive role model.” Time Magazine honored teachers in 2021; here are two who made it to the na- tional level.
Jody Tomanek integrity, honesty and passion for edu- cation,” Condon said of her colleague. “Mid-Plains Community College is a lead- er in community college education across the state of Nebraska due in part to Dr. Tomanek’s direction.” She leads the Nebraska community colleges’ vice presidents of academic af- fairs and is a member of the Nebraska Partnerships for Innovation statewide con- sortium, which meets the requirements of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act. Because of a resignation, shortly after Thanksgiving, the pair was asked to end their partnership. Condon was assigned all 27 second graders and Reed was asked to take over in third grade to replace the teacher who resigned. “Building relationships was number one and maintaining professionalism and friend- ship was always a top priority,” Reed said. While making the switch from second to “It is an honor to work with Dr. Tomanek to move Mid-Plains Community College forward and to educate our community
Nominator: Stevie Reed “We began our teaching year of 2021 as partners at second grade at Cody during the pandemic,” Stevie Reed said of herself and Amanda Condon. We had a tremen- dous partnership and had huge growth with our students. We were extremely lucky and proud to represent the whole state of Nebraska in Washington, D.C, for the annual Christmas Tree project.”
workforce for the future,” Condon said. Jody’s activities in the community in- cludes serving on the Great Plains Health board, on which she currently serves as chair of the board. As a Rotary Club mem- ber, she served on the club’s board for four years, helping plan events such as blood drives, Rotary birthday celebrations and social events. Jody provides a host home for visiting state queens as part of the Miss Rodeo Nebraska Pageant. “Jody’s passion, achievements and lead- ership in education” make her a deserving candidate for the Women of Achievement award, Condon said.
Nominator: Jean Condon “The year was 2010, Jody Tomanek was hired in March of that year and my hus- band died on April 1 of the same year,” said nominator Jean Condon. “It was her compassion and understanding that made this difficult situation tolerable and gave me the ability to finish teaching the rest of the school year and the following years.” Tomanek has made a measurable impact over the past 10 years as a passionate leader at Mid-Plains Community College and a leader of the Nebraska Community College system. Tomanek is vice president of academic affairs at North Platte Community College. “Even with resistance, she stands for
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WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT
THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH
SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2022
2022 Women of Achievement nominees in Up and Coming Elleigh Fisher
a pediatric surgeon and practice in ru- ral Nebraska. She has shadowed several doctors in North Platte throughout her high school years learning as much as she can. She also partnered with Dr. Joshua Wray and created the pre-medical club for North Platte High School. The club has grown each year and the members have learned many valuable lessons including suturing and becoming CPR certified. She also has volunteered countless hours for the Deborah’s Legacy pro- gram over the years.
Platte FFA chapter. She has chaired many projects including Feed the Farmer, the annual Corn Drive, Besty Bingo at the Lincoln County Fair and the Thank the Farmer lunch. The lat- ter is when the FFA members deliver lunch to local farmers during planting season. Through these projects, Elleigh has reached out to community business- es for support and donations, created amazing relationships throughout this process and raised nearly $90,000 since her freshman year. Elleigh plans to attend Chadron State College and has a goal to become
Nominators: Sydnee Hansen and Tammi Ramsey
Elleigh has held a 4.0 grade point av- erage throughout high school, ranks first in her class of 312 students and has been an active FFA member for four years. She was the organization’s treasur- er as a sophomore and vice president in her junior year before holding the FFA president’s office this year. Elleigh has taken on many leader- ship roles not only as an officer but also as a key fundraiser for the North
The time, passion, commitment and sacrifice these women extend of themselves, for the betterment of our community, is immeasureable. It's an honor and a privilege to work with these two women and their unselfishness to get the job done. Congratulations from all of us, at WCDHD.
Meghan Trevino
Trudy Merritt
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WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT
THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH
SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2022
2022 Women of Achievement nominees in Medical
Renee Engler co-medical director, chief of the medical staff, vice chair of the clinical integration network and emergency medicine resident coordinator. She is past president of the Nebraska chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians and continues to serve on its board of directors. She also volunteers as medical director for Wallace, Frontier County and Paxton volunteer EMS agencies, and she has educated hundreds of providers as an advanced trauma life support in- structor throughout the region. Engler has been the medical director for the sexual assault nurse examiners program for over 10 years. This program cares for the victims of physical and sexual assaults, collects evidence to
help bring perpetrators to justice and arranges for ongoing community support services to help victims cope with their injuries, physically and psychologically. “She is passionate about the safety and well- being of all women throughout our region and is dedicated to assuring no victim’s voice goes unheard of is dismissed during their lifelong journey to recover,” Smith said. “She is clearly a pioneer in the Me Too movement.” She has recently started a faith-based women’s support group called Heart 2 Heart. Engler is involved in her church and with her twin sons’ school activities.
Nominator: Dr. James Smith
Dr. Renee Engler has excelled in her field as a practicing board-certified emergency medicine physician since 1999, not only as an accom- plished clinician impacting the lives of countless patients, but also in leadership and volunteer po- sitions, according to nominator Dr. James Smith. During the pandemic, she was “on the very front line in treating the epidemic of COVID patients without any concern for her own well- being,” he said. She has worked at Great Plains Health since 2011, where she has been emergency department
Alexandra McConnell
Alex organizes the EMT program for students desiring to become EMTs and first responders. She coordinates CPR training for individu- als requiring certification as well as CPR for the layperson. She is often found in the class- rooms and fire stations all over the MPCC area, teaching a wide variety of skills for health care providers. She serves many communities within the re- gion including North Platte, McCook, Imperial, Valentine and Broken Bow. She collaborates with numerous organizations and businesses throughout the region.
Alex is the leader and organizer of annual Flat Rock EMS Conference offered by MPCC, providing EMS providers and medical profes- sionals high quality education via both lecture and hands-on training. “She is a professional and responsible leader and mentor to many,” Hampton said. Alex also spends time with the younger gen- eration, inspiring and educating them about emergency medical services as a potential ca- reer. “It has been an honor and a pleasure to work with her and learn from her,” Hampton said.
Nominator: Brenda Hampton
Alex McConnell is the emergency medical services and CPR coordinator at Mid-Plains Community College in North Platte. She is also a paramedic and volunteer firefighter for the Paxton Volunteer Fire Department. “Alex is passionate and devoted to her career field,” said nominator Brenda Hampton. She consistently provides training and continual education to area physicians, nurses, first re- sponders, EMTs, paramedics and firefighters.
KimRoe
who nominated Roe. “She is extremely caring; she treats her patients and their family with dignity.” Roe determined early in life that she enjoyed the health care field and started working toward her licensed practical nurse degree in 1997 at Mid- Plains Community College. After working for a few years as an LPN, she re- turned to MPCC to become a registered nurse, and then worked for 13 years on the medical sur- gical unit at Great Plains Health. She worked in the Surgery Center and same-day services before
ultimately landing in the Cancer Center. “I love people. Walking through the cancer journey with patients, they become family,” Roe said. “You’re there for them and support- ing them. It’s not just a job. The gratification of working with the patients is more than any sort of nomination.” Roe is a native of Long Pine and the mother of two adult children, Samantha and Tyler. She and her husband enjoy spending time with their many grandbabies.
Nominator: AmyHarmon
Kim Roe, R.N., a graduate of Mid-Plains Community College, has worked in the Callahan Cancer Center at Great Plains Health for almost four years. While her professional experienc- es span several departments at GPHealth, the Cancer Center is where she has found an experi- ence that is particularly meaningful for her. “Kim goes above and beyond as a R.N. and takes excellent care of her patients,” said Amy Harmon,
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WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT
THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH
SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2022
2022 Women of Achievement nominees in Social Services
Traci Sawyer women’s softball team, she recently led a cam- paign about underage drinking. Additionally, with the increased availability and increased abuse of marijuana in Nebraska, Traci has ed- ucated herself and her team on the dangers of today’s marijuana products. She has lead- ing a program to share that information with Lincoln County residents. Traci is very musical and often gives her time to the North Platte Community Playhouse. She has her education in piano pedagogy and performance, and she also has an associate license in real estate. She gra- ciously helps an individual through the Home
Instead program. She saves time for her Bible studies and has worked with the 4-H program. “She tru- ly understands that the future is about our children,” Bevington said. “In the time I have known Traci, I have never heard her speak a negative word about anyone,” Bevington said. “She follows her Christian values full heartedly.” Her skills are great enthusiasm, listening to what others have to say and an ability to organize. When the topic needs to be clearly addressed, Traci is the one.
Nominator: Lora Bevington
This past year, Traci found a home with Community Connections as the substance abuse prevention system coordinator. Nominator Lora Bevington wrote: “I per- sonally have been with this program for several years and have never seen anyone with the drive she has to educate people about the abuses of drugs and alcohol.” Traci is well organized and dedicated to in- forming others about the dangers of drugs. With the North Platte Community College
Veronica ‘Missie’ Seward
Richard said. “Her job has been harder than ever in this COVID era.” Missie put herself through college while working and raising four girls. She gradu- ated summa cum laude. “It was her passion that has driven her to be the best (silently and unknown),” her husband wrote. “But it is about the people, not the title or the job or the salary. “She is amazing and has helped so many people for so long.”
her hard work for someone gave them the boost they needed. Before social work, Missie was a Head Start teacher. Her career shifted into var- ious social service roles “after she made sure a handicapped boy was accommodat- ed properly for,” he said. “We need more people like her, who care and use every second of their time, not to just do a good job, but really because she cares about the people in the world,”
Nominator: Richard Seward
Missie works for Region II Human Services, “for the people, whom she loves and takes care of at another level,” said nom- inator Richard Seward, her husband. She devotes over 40 hours a week, usually with- out breaks or lunch hours. “She goes the extra mile for those lucky enough to be her clients,” he said. Her work is confidential, but she is always happiest when
Meghan Trevino
and strengths.” Shore noted that Gov. Pete Ricketts visited the health department “to congratulate us on a great job during this pandemic.” She has volunteered for multiple aid sta- tions in our community 5k races as well as competing. She has personally lost loved ones to COVID-19 and is passionate about protecting others. “I thank her so much for what she has done for our community,” Shore wrote. “We have grown so much as a health department and I know it couldn’t have been done with- out Meghan.”
our work, constant volunteering for the greater good of our community, our medical role in the fight against COVID, and her con- stant education to the public.” Meghan has organized mass vaccination clinics and testing sites and provided con- stant education on the virus and prevention, Shore said. “Meghan has helped so many people get connected to their needs,” Shore said. “I look up to her as a mother, coworker, woman and friend. She gives words of encourage- ment to those who need it and empowers each of us individually to use our skill set
Nominator: Jessica Shore
Meghan Trevino is the coordinated servic- es director at West Central District Health Department. “Meghan is one of the most incredible women I have ever met,” wrote co-worker Jessica Shore. “She is strong, she is passion- ate, she is organized and calm and has been our silent leader in this community” during the pandemic. She could be given a Woman of Achievement in many categories, Shore said. “Her achievements are as a leader in
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WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT
THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH
2022 Women of Achievement nominees in Volunteer Sue Eggleston
cookie booth at the church’s craft fair, and serves on multiple church committees. Eggleston has been president of Chapter HQ, PEO, for the past three years and has held other offices. During the pandemic, she kept members connected with extra emails, per- sonal homemade cards and phone calls. She was a delegate for the recent International PEO Convention. Before the pandemic, she made weekly vis- its to residents of local care facilities. A member of RSVP, she also volunteers at Lincoln County Historical Museum.
help, and prepares a monthly meal for Shrine Past Presidents. With the PEO, she also or- ganized and delivered a meal to Deborah’s Legacy House. Outside the kitchen, she organizes monthly mission projects for the church’s confirmation class, organizes and participates in bian- nual trash walks, coordinates the church’s Salvation Army bell ringing, and assists in taking Communion to three nursing homes. She has been president of the local United Methodist Women and Great West District treasurer. She co-chairs the organization’s Sarah Talbott time, effort and dedication she had for the project,” nominator Madison Hoatson said. “Sarah is truly someone who cares about making our town a better place for future generations. She is absolutely an asset to this community. Not only does she put in countless volunteer hours downtown, and
Nominators: PEO members Denise Rauterkus, Jeannie Thies, Janice and Ellie Schad, Frankie Moore, Carol Sandau Sue Eggleston “is busy every week of the year serving others,” said one of the six PEO members who nominated Eggleston. At North Platte’s First United Methodist Church, Eggleston plans menus, buys grocer- ies, cooks and serves a meal every Wednesday. She does the same for monthly meals she de- livers to The Connection Homeless Shelter and Salvation Army, organizing volunteers to
with other organizations, she does it all while running a very successful down- town business.” Besides the Downtown Association board, Talbott’s activities include Chamber Hostesses and her church’s youth ministry.
Nominator: Madison Hoatson
Sarah Talbott was Downtown Association president the last two years and was instrumental in the revitalization of the Canteen District. “Working for her, I saw just how much
Emily Wurl and Tauni Morris
community of North Platte gathered at the park to build from the ground up this family-friendly, special-needs-accessible playground. Emily and Tauni’s leadership brought our community together. With the help of city leaders, construction compa- nies with heavy equipment, food volunteers, child-care volunteers, publicity committees, fundraising committees, skilled and un- skilled volunteers, approximately 200 men and women showed up each day to bring this playground to completion. Emily and Tauni volunteered hundreds of hours to bring this playground to fruition while raising their families and participat- ing in other volunteer activities.
to develop a design that would bring to life the history of North Platte. After choosing the WWII Canteen theme for the playground, they encouraged elementary school children to share their hopes and dreams for a new playground. Using these children’s designs, Emily and Tauni worked with the profes- sionals from Leathers to create a design that would honor our local history. Working to achieve this goal was just start- ing, however. With a goal of raising close to $400,000 for construction costs and materials, they set up committees to raise these funds. Our commu- nity more than met that goal. For five days in September 2021, the
Nominators: Jami Mendenhall and Katelyn Sperle
Over the past two years, Emily Wurl and Tauni Morris volunteered their time and effort to bring a new playground to Centennial Park. Their vision began in fall 2020 after both had visited Community Build Playgrounds in other states. Over the next year, Emily and Tauni contacted the New York-based Leathers & Associates play- ground company that works to bring these playgrounds to cities and towns across the nation. Emily and Tauni worked with the North Platte Public Schools and community leaders
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WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT
THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH
Past Women of Achievement winners
2012 Cultural arts: Sharron Hollen Business: Teresa Sweley Education: JoanDavis Medical: Barb Petersen Social services: Kris Steinbeck Youth: Brandy Buscher Volunteer: Waneita Schomer 2011 Business: Nancy Faulhaber Cultural: Cheri Erickson Education: Tami Eshleman Government: Dawn Miller Volunteer: JanWright Youth: Vikki Carlson Social services: Wilma Hackney 2010 Business: Cindy Petersen Cultural: Sharon Skinner Education: Margo Hirschfeld Government: Rebecca Harling Volunteer: DiAnn Nichelson Social services: Jeanie Gilbert Youth: Lee Ann Nielsen
2021 Business: Robyn Foote Cultural Arts: Paulette Stefka Education: Kimberly Flanders Government: Laurie Jones Medical: Jasmine Hahn and Jenny Lantis Social services: Jenny Bonta Volunteer: Alyssa Fabik 2020 Business: Shae Caldwell Cultural Arts: Amy Minshull Education: Jodi Howard Government/law: Tanya Roberts-Connick Medical: Fiona Libsack Social services: Molly Morales Up and coming: Addilyn Wilson Volunteer: Kathy Swain Youth: Mitzi Mueller 2019 No ceremony
2018 Business: Krista Heiss Cultural arts: Renae Brandt Education: Brenda Aufdenkamp Government/law: Amanda Speichert Medical: Deborah Weaver Social services: Shawna Tatman Volunteer: Shari Shore 2017 Business: Kay Lucas Medical: Karen Waite Social services: Maria Lein Cultural arts: Holly Carlini Volunteer: Sandee Kroon 2016 Business: Cassie Condon Cultural arts: Susan Werkmeister Education: Barbara Christensen Government/law: Dana Songster Medical: Kelley Hasenauer Social services: NanHynes Upcoming women: Michaela Schmid and Emma Young Volunteer: Mary Pendleton Work with youth: BettyVan Boening
2015 Business: Ardell Krizek
Cultural arts: Donna Pucket Education: Joyce Delgado Government: LisaBurke Medicine: Kira Krautz, DVM Social services: Jill Vaughn and Allison Huebner Upcoming Woman of Achievement: Chantel Johnson
Volunteer: Brandi Barrett Youth: Carrie Lienemann 2014
Business: Clarine Eickhoff Cultural arts: Mary Hepburn Education: Sally Thalken Government: Molly O’Holleran Medical: Lori Barrett Social services: Jennifer Haneborg Volunteer: Claudette Nelson 2013 Business: Michele Aloi Cultural arts: Pat Hoban Education: Linda Clavel Government/law: Lisa Josten Medical: Dr. Kathy Lopez
Volunteer: Pat Dannatt Youth: Susan Sukraw
We salute this year’s Women of Achievement nominees with a special congratulations to our very own GPHealth nominees. W l t thi ’ W f A hi t i ith
KimRoe, RN | Renee Engler, MD
SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2022 E12
WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT
THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH
ThankYou for making a difference in our community everyday! Celebrating Our Women of Achievement PROUD CO-HOST OF THE WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT 2022 ence in our community everyday!
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