THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAP
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2020
Editor’s note: These profiles are excerpted from the nomination forms.
CULTURAL ARTS Amy Minshull Amy Minshull is being nominated in Cultural Arts for her success in photography. She was just 16 when she became a photographer’s assistant. Now she owns two photography businesses in North Platte: A Moment Photography and Nebraska Portraits. What many may not know is that Minshull created Nebraska Portraits after a major auto accident. Her determination and love for our community gave her the strength to pursue her passion and work with the schools in the local area to provide student portraits in 2019. She has been a longstanding successful business owner with A Moment Photography. Her second business, Nebraska Portraits, employs local photographers to allow them to learn the craft. She has completed her Associate Fellow of Photography and received her Certificate of Professional Photography and a Master of Photography degree from the Professional Photographers of America. Amy is one of 16 certified professional photographers in the state.
gymnastics are why she is being recognized for Cultural Arts.
finds a way to lift those around her up, according to her nomination.
Her love for our community can be found not only in the portraits she produces but also in her volunteer efforts. She assisted in beginning a kitchen ministry at Bethel Church and is involved with many other committees and areas of service within the church. Minshull also donates her time to Platte River Run Series, supports Deborah’s Legacy and mentors young photographers. “Her enthusiasm for state and national work, however, doesn’t hold a candle to her love and investment in the Lincoln County area,” wrote Lindy Hiatt. Vance Wagener wrote, “I admire and support all of Amy’s accomplishments. She has successfully achieved all of the above since I’ve known her while being a mother of three and supporting her family. I have no problem calling Amy Minshull a Woman of Achievement as in my mind she already is.”
Alongside the classes that are regularly offered at Legacy Dance & Gymnastics, Ryan brings in many choreographers and dancers to teach dance and cheer clinics throughout the year. She continues to try to provide classes that will fit for any background and experience level. Over the summer, Ryan began a class for children on the autism spectrum or with physical challenges. She provided an environment that allowed children to open up and enjoy dance without sensory distractions. encourages them to get involved with the community by running fundraisers or gathering donations for local nonprofits, according to the nomination. VOLUNTEER Holly Barraclough New to the community, Holly Barraclough has not been shy about stepping in and volunteering her time to help those in the North Platte area. Barraclough truly wants Ryan also inspires her students to reach for their goals and
She is actively involved in many local area nonprofits and events. She passionately donates her time to North Platte Community Playhouse, Miss Nebraska Scholarship Organization, Make-A-Wish Wish Granter, Fur the Love of Paws, Crimestoppers Board, Walk to End Alzheimer’s and many more. “Moving to a new community may cause others to step back, but Holly was an exception: She personally reached out to Make-A-Wish and the Miss Nebraska organization to find a way to help serve,” said Amy Sabatka. “To know Holly is to know an encourager, a coach, an artist, a humanitarian, a volunteer and, most of all, a friend,” said Tyler Cronin. Nancy Mack Nancy Mack has been helping to improve the community for over 40. Mack has volunteered countless hours working with the Grace Ministries Food Pantry, helping to feed many hungry people in our community. She has also donated
Janna Ryan Janna Ryan has built her dance and gymnastics studio from the ground up. The many classes that she has brought to the community and
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