S16 inspire: celebrating women’s leadership
www.kearneyhub.com Kearney Hub SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2025
Finalists
Sponsored by: Inspire Scholarship
Avery Longshore is a senior at Kearney High School, where she is a varsity starter on the Bearcats softball team and an active leader in both academics and service. The daughter of Jason and Kara Longshore, Avery enjoys spending time with her two younger sisters, Skyler and Keeley, and credits her family with fostering her love for teamwork and learning. Avery is a dedicated student, earning Academic All- Conference honors in the Heartland Athletic Conference all four years of high school. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Educators Rising, and TeachMates, a collaborative program between UNK and KHS for aspiring teachers. Her passion for education has led her to spend a semester at Meadowlark Elementary, working daily in a third-grade classroom to gain valuable hands-on experience. On the softball field, Avery has not only excelled as an athlete but has also shared her skills with younger players.
Ava Magnani Student at Kearney High School
Avery Longshore Student, Kearney High School
She has served as an assistant coach for Riverdale Softball (grades 4–7), as well as for Kearney Youth Softball Association 8U and 10U teams. She has helped lead Kearney High and Kearney Catholic softball camps and organized a four-week pitching academy for a 14U Fearless team. Avery also participates in the HelpCare Clinic fundraising softball game and volunteers at Fearless Ink Custom Apparel. Looking ahead, Avery is committed to Hastings College, where she will continue her softball career while pursuing a degree in Elementary Education. She is excited to inspire and teach future students while remaining active in her community and sport.
Ava Magnani is a senior at Kearney High School who has built an impressive record as both a student and an athlete. A four-year varsity letterwinner in softball, Ava has earned numerous honors, including Academic All-Conference recognition for the past two seasons. She has also had the privilege of representing the Midwest in Florida tournaments, showcasing her talent and dedication to the sport she loves. After graduation, Ava will continue her academic and athletic journey at Kansas City Kansas Community College, where she looks forward to growing as a player and a student. Her passion for softball extends beyond her own performance—she is deeply committed to helping younger athletes develop their skills and character. Currently, she mentors three girls under the age of twelve, providing weekly pitching lessons and supporting them through conversations with their parents and coaches. Ava has also volunteered at rural softball camps alongside Kelly Vornhagan, bringing opportunities to children in smaller communities. Ava’s heart for service is evident in her leadership of the Hit for Health fundraiser, which she created to support the HelpCare Clinic in Kearney. Over the past two years, this event has raised more than $10,000 and supplied thousands of dollars in much-needed medical equipment to assist local families. In addition to her academic and athletic commitments, Ava works as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Mt. Carmel Nursing Home, caring for elderly residents with kindness and professionalism. She enjoys working out, spending time with her family—her dad, Ryan; mom, Jayce; and brother, Kaleb—and using every opportunity to encourage others. Driven, compassionate, and hardworking, Ava strives to lead by example in everything she does. Whether competing on the field, excelling in the classroom, mentoring young players, or serving her community, she is dedicated to becoming not only the best athlete she can be but also an even better human being.
Brianna Simmons is a senior at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, pursuing a degree in 7–12 Language Arts Education with an anticipated graduation in May 2026. A graduate of Shelton High School (2022) and recipient of the Loper Achievement Scholarship, she has maintained a 3.9 GPA while excelling in her coursework and preparing for a career as an educator. Brianna’s dedication to service is evident in her extensive volunteer work. She has taught Sunday School, led swim lessons for families across central Nebraska, and supported the Kids & Dreams Foundation, particularly through Operation Shine, a camp designed to create safe, inclusive summer experiences for children with autism.
In 2025, she embraced an extraordinary opportunity to begin teaching English at Shelton Public Schools while completing her degree. After earning a temporary teaching certificate and passing the English Praxis exam, Brianna stepped confidently into the classroom, eager to mentor students in the same community that shaped her. Her willingness to serve where she is most needed reflects a genuine commitment to building relationships and fostering growth in others. Outside of academics and teaching, Brianna enjoys spending time with family, volunteering, and mentoring young students. She lives out her belief in the power of compassion, connection, and lifelong learning. With her strong academic foundation, dedication to her students, and passion for service, Brianna is poised to make a lasting difference as an educator and community leader. Brianna Simmons Student, University of Nebraska at Kearney
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