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On April 21, the Clarkson-Leigh track team traveled to Wakefield to compete in the Wakefield Booster Club Invitational. Along with Clarkson-Leigh, eight other teams attended the Invite: Cedar Bluffs, Elkhorn Valley, Guardian Angels Central Catholic, Homer, Howells-Dodge, Pender, Wakefield, and Wisner-Pilger. 

It was a successful meet for Clarkson-Leigh, coming home with many medals. Top performers include Maizie Stoklasa winning long jump (breaking her own Patriot record), triple jump, and high jump, the 4x100M team getting first place, Reann Bruhn winning the 800M (breaking her own Patriot record), and Easton Brabec receiving 3rd in the 800M (breaking his own Patriot record). 

From the nine teams that attended the meet, Clarkson-Leigh girls track team was able to receive runner-up, only losing to the champions, Elkhorn Valley. 

“I think we had a really good track meet for both the girls and boys.” Reann Bruhn stated. “There were many records and personal bests set throughout the day. Overall, we have all been improving and I am excited to see what the rest of the year brings for us.”

Coach Briana Wietfeld said, “The Patriots brought heat to the Wakefield Meet! Along with very warm temperatures were very good performances. It was a tough day to compete with the heat, but our athletes responded incredibly well. We saw a lot of determination and team support throughout the meet. Several athletes achieved new personal records, and we were excited to see Patriot school records broken as well. Our team continues to improve each week, and we are proud of the effort and competitiveness everyone showed.”

Girls’ Results:

Triple Jump: Maizie Stoklasa - 37’02 (1^st place); Claire Holoubek - 33’10.5 (5th place); Ella Baumert - 33’7; Alaina Sayers - 30’11; Kanon Clarkson - 30’01.5 Long Jump: Maizie Stoklasa - 19’03.25 (1st place); Ella Baumert - 15’08.25 (5th place); Raelynn Scott - 15’01.25 High Jump: Maizie Stoklasa - 5’0 (1st place) Discus: Emersyn Urban - 93’06; Vylet Hollatz - 81’02; Taelyn Baumert - 60’04; Gracie Brabec - 42’05; Shot Put: Vylet Hollatz - 30’09; Emersyn Urban - 28’03; Taelyn Baumert - 23’07; Gracie Brabec - 22’01; 100M Dash: Alaina Sayers - 13.78; 200M Dash: Kendall Schneider - 28.89 (3rd place); Alaina Sayers - 29.13 (5th place) 400M Dash: Ella Baumert - 1:07.11 100M Hurdles: Claire Holoubek - 18.07 (5th place); Lexis Gleason - 18.11 (6th place) 300M Hurdles: Claire Holoubek - 50.23 (2nd place); Kanon Clarkson - 1:01.29 800M Run: Reann Bruhn - 2:29.58 (1st place); Emma Bereznia - 3:16.40; Gracie Brabec - 3:18.64 1600M Run: Lainey Urban - 6:39; 4x800M Relay: Reese Wietfeld; Reann Bruhn; Lainey Urban; Carmen Malena - 11:11.77 (4th place) 4x400M Relay: Kendall Schneider; Kaylee Brabec; Reann Bruhn; Ella Baumert - 4:26.79 (4th place) 4x100M: Kendall Schneider; Alaina Sayers; Claire Holoubek; Maizie Stoklasa - 51.26 (1st place)

Boys’ Results: 

Triple Jump: Easton Brabec - 39’08.75 (5th place); Jeryn Struebing - 36’07; Aiden Hake - 32’03 Long Jump: Aidan Ellsworth - 17’03; Easton Brabec - 17’02.25; Jeryn Struebing - 16’08.75; Aiden Hake - 16’06 High Jump: Hudson Corder - 5’4 (3rd place) Discus: Hunter Gall - 107’10; Jaxon Rodenburg - 62’05; Henry Vobohny - 59’04; Jaxon Rave - 57’08; Shot Put: Levi Gall - 44’0 (4th place); Hunter Gall - 39’02; Jaxon Rodenburg - 27’08; Jaxon Rave - 25’06; Henry Voborny - 23’07; 100M Dash: Blake Loseke - 11.89 (6th place) 200M Dash: Aidan Ellsworth - 25.00 (5th place) 400M Dash: Hudson Corder - 59.45 110M Hurdles: Aidan Ellsworth - 19.89; Aiden Hake - 20.03 800M Run: Easton Brabec - 2:10.78 (3rd place); Cade Hoesly - 2:29.35 4x400 Relay: Jeryn Struebing; Blake Loseke; Cade Hoesly; Easton Brabec - 3:53.38 (4th place) 4x100 Relay: Jeryn Streubing; Aidan Ellsworth; Logan Stodola; Blake Loseke - 47.21 (3rd place)

On Tuesday, April 14th, the Clarkson-Leigh track team traveled to Lyons for a very competitive meet.

There were 14 teams that attended the meet. Teams included Clarkson-Leigh, Bancroft-Rosalie, Cedar Bluffs, Howells-Dodge, Omaha Nation, Pender, Scribner-Snyder, Stanton, Lyons-Decatur Northeast, Mead, Oakland-Craig, Omaha Brownell Talbot, Wakefield, and Winnebago. 

The girls finished as the meet runner-up. Howells-Dodge finished as the champions of the meet. 

Junior Kaylee Brabec said, “The track meet was very successful with many of our team members placing. It was a very nice day for many of our members to PR and I was proud of how well our team competed.”

“The Patriot track team delivered a strong performance at the Lyons-Decatur Track Meet, highlighted by multiple personal and season bests across a variety of events and the girls’ team finished runner up in team scores. The athletes continue to show growth and determination as the season progresses, and this meet was a clear reflection of their hard work paying off,” Track Coach Mrs. Bachman said, 

“One of the standout areas for the Patriots came in the girls 400-meter race, where all three competitors placed in the top eight while also achieving either personal or season best performances. That depth and consistency was a major highlight of the meet. Reann turned in an impressive performance in the 800-meter run, earning a personal best, while Easton also had a personal best in the triple jump. These are just a few of the highlights from the meet, but overall, it was great to see so many athletes competing well and improving. We’re building momentum at the right time and are excited to see what the rest of the season holds.”

Girls’ Results:

High Jump: Mazie Stoklasa - 5’2” (1st place); Tynzlee Hake - 4’2”; Lainey Urban - 4’0”; Long Jump: Maizie Stoklasa - 17’11” (1st place); Ella Baumert - 15’5.5” (6th place); Alaina Sayers - 13’3”; Triple Jump: Maizie Stoklasa - 37’7.5” (1st place); Ella Baumert - 34’11.5” (3rd place); Clair Holoubek - 34’3.75” (5th place); Shot Put: Emersyn Urban - 28’7”; Baylee Rios - 28’5”; Vylet Hollatz - 28’0”; Discus: Emersyn Urban - 88’5”; Vylet Hollatz - 83’11”; Makenna Scott - 57’10.5”; 100M Dash: Alaina Sayers - 13.72 (5th place); Averi Clausen - 13.98 (8th place); Rae Scott - 14.28; 200M Dash: Alaina Sayers - 29.66 (7th place); Averi Clausen - 30.17; Rae Scott - 30.31; 400M Run: Ella Baumert - 1:04.26 (1st place); Kaylee Brabec - 1:05.48 (5th place); Kendall Schneider - 1:06.08 (8th place); 800M Run: Reann Bruhn - 2:33.86 (1st place); 100M Hurdles: Claire Holoubek - 18.13 (3rd place); Lexis Gleason - 18.72 (6th place); 300M Hurdles: Claire Holoubek - 51.96 (2nd place); Kanon Clarkson - 59.02; 4x100 Relay: Claire Holoubek; Alaina Sayers; Kendall Schneider; Maizie Stoklasa - 51.42 (1st place); 4x400 Relay: Kendall Schneider; Kaylee Brabec; Ella Baumert; Reann Bruhn - 4:25.41 (2nd place); 4x800 Relay: Carmen Malena; Reese Wietfeld; Lainey Urban; Reann Bruhn - 11:27.41 (5th place)

Boys’ Results:

High Jump: Hudson Corder - 5’2”; Long Jump: Jeryn Struebing - 16’7.25”; Easton Brabec - 16’0”; Aiden Hake - 15’0.25”; Triple Jump: Easton Brabec - 38’9” (8th place); Jeryn Struebing - 36’8.5”; Aiden Hake - 33’9”; Shot Put: Levi Gall - 47’1” (2nd place); Hunter Gall - 38’5”; Jaxon Rodenberg - 28’3”; Discus: Levi Gall - 124’4.5” (6th place); Hunter Gall 102’0”; Jaxon Rave - 50’8”; 100M Dash: Blake Loseke - 11.85 (7th place); Logan Stodola - 12.84; Ryan Steffensmeier - 12.84; 200M Dash: Aidan Ellsworth - 24.84; Logan Stodola - 26.15; Ryan Steffensmeier - 26.20; 400M Run: Hudson Corder - 1:03.57; Jaxon Rodenberg - 1:12.62; 800M Run: Easton Brabec - 2:15.70 (5th place); Cade Hoesly - 2:25.33; 110M Hurdles: Aiden Hake - 20.19; Aidan Ellsworth - 20.47; 4x100 Hurdles: Jeryn Struebing; Aidan Ellsworth; Logan Stodola; Blake Loseke - 47.46 (fourth place); 4x400 Relay: Jeryn Struebing; Hunter Gall; Levi Gall; Cade Hoesly - 4:10.94 

After finishing runner-up at Conference Quiz Bowl, the Leigh Quiz Bowl team continued its dominance by winning the NECC Quiz bowl competition! 

On Wednesday April 15, 2026 the Leigh quiz bowl team traveled to Northeast Community College for Northeast Quiz Bowl competition day. 

Members of the team included seniors Brayden Loeske, Luke Eisenmann, and Elizabeth Hoffman, junior Carmen Malena, and sophomore Aidan Ellsworth, Loseke was the team captain. 

The Leigh Quiz Bowl team shot for the stars and got 1st out of 28 teams!

The team faced lots of competition at Northeast, winning 55-15 in their first match against Bancroft. Next, they blew Bloomfield away in their second match with the final score 50-5. 

Their third match against Shelby-Rising City was a heated one, leading to a sudden death final question, whoever gets the next question right wins. Leigh ended up winning that match 40-35.

The team flew to victory in their fourth match against O’Neil with the final score ending 50-0. The Leigh quiz bowl team was able to stay on top all day, and proved this when they won the championship against Summerland 55-0.  

Junior Carmen Malena said, “Quiz Bowl is a super fun experience for our competing members. We were able to participate in multiple rounds going undefeated on the day! We pulled off a commanding win, which was cool and showed the school of Leigh's education.”

Quiz bowl sponsor Mrs. Maddie Gall stated, “What a great day at the Northeast Community College Quiz Bowl! Our team went undefeated and had a lot of fun competing. I am always so impressed by our students’ knowledge and the way they represent our school! It’s a joy to watch them compete, and we will certainly miss our seniors next year!”

Congrats to the Leigh Quiz bowl team, you make our community proud and represent Leigh well!

With another month beginning, new students of the month were recognized. The most recent students of the month were Quentin Mullenhoff, Kaylee Brabec, and Clayton Folken.

Quentin is the son of Jason and Ashley Mullenhoff, and the grandson of Richard and Tricia Mullenhoff, and Marvin and Chris Johnson. Quentin participates in Basketball, Golf, FFA, One-Act, and National Honor Society. His favorite class is shop class. Quentin’s favorite hobbies outside of school are golfing, working, and spending time with family and friends. 

Quentin is going to attend the University of Nebraska and study Entrepreneurship. This is his first time winning the award. 

Quentin said, “It feels good to win this award. I appreciate my teachers for pushing me to be my best.”

Quentin’s teachers said, “Quentin is an extremely hard-working student who is always efficient and is one of the only members of the senior class who doesn’t procrastinate! He works hard in school and extracurriculars and sets high goals for himself and his future. It was awesome to have Quentin back in our school this year!”

Clayton is a junior. He is the son of Megan and Justin Folken, and the grandson of Chuck and Sue Folken and Bob and Barb Bachman. The extracurricular activity that he partakes in is One-Act and Band. 

His favorite subjects are both science and social studies, because science is an amazing thing to learn and Mr. J. Bachman has great jokes. 

His favorite favorite hobbies outside of school include studying marine biology, hanging out with friends on occasion, gaming, reading, writing (mostly small stories), and last but not least, working. 

Clayton is unsure of his future at this point, but he hopes to go to college to study marine biology and also continue to work at Steves Madhouse Market.  

Clayton said, "I am very excited to get this award. I tried hard to get the award, but even if I didn't get it, I would be happy I tried."

Clayton’s teachers said, “Clayton is truly the nicest kid in school. He always has a smile on his face and a kind word for everyone. He is always willing to help out and always has a positive attitude. He has grown so much as a student and individual, and we are so proud of him.”

Kaylee Brabec is the daughter of Jake and Debbie Brabec, and the granddaughter of Charmayne the late Gary Brabec, and Joyce and the late Jim Kuchar. Kaylee has participated in FFA, YAC, Track, National Honor Society, Yearbook, Journalism, and One Act. Her favorite subject in school is math. Some of her hobbies outside of school include hanging out with friends and listening to music. She also enjoys being outside and enjoying the warm weather. Kaylee is still undecided on what she wants to do, but thinks she wants to do something related to accounting or math. She plans on going to Northeast for two years and then transfer to a university to finish college and get her degree. This is Kaylee's fourth time receiving the award.

When asked about how she felt, Kaylee said, “I am so honored to receive this award for the 4th time. It makes me glad to know that my hard work does not go unnoticed!”

Kaylee’s teachers said, “Kaylee goes above and beyond in her coursework and is extremely hardworking and reliable in extracurricular activities as well. She is a shining star in the classroom and everywhere else, and she has a friendly, positive attitude along with it!”

Congratulations to Quentin, Clayton, and Kaylee!

On April 16-18, 2026, The Leigh FBLA High School and junior high competed at the State leadership event in Kearney, bringing 13 students, which included five high schoolers and eight junior high, also the advisor Mrs. Maliha, and one chaperone, Mrs. Kim Loseke The five high-schoolers were Brayden Loseke, Trent Olson, Vivian Bunner, Ariyah Ross, and Kaycee Lange. The eight JH students were Grayson Loske, Carter Freudenburg, Layla Hollatz, Eisley Urban, Olivia Hake, Emery Malena, and Kinzie Lange. 

In all, five students qualified for nationals in San Antonio Texas to be held June 29-July 2, 2026. These students included Brayden Loseke, Kaycee Lange, Grayson Loseke, Olivia Hake, and Emery Malena!

Brayden Loseke being named a Nebraska Who’s Who Nominee and finishing 3^rd place in Management Information Systems and Qualifying for Nationals! He also finished 5^th in Retail Management, 7^th in Cybersecurity, and 10^th in Personal Finance HM. 

Sophomore Kaycee Lange was also a national qualifier, finishing as Champion of Intro to Business Communication and Runner-Up in Intro to Retail and Merchandising. 

Eighth-Grader Grayson Loseke, another national qualifier, finished 2^nd in MS Business Communication 4^th in MS Digital Citizenship, 3^rd in MS Exploring Marketing Concepts, and 4^th in MS Exploring Economics. 

Seventh Grader Olivia Hake was another national qualifier, finishing as the Champion of MS Career Exploration and 2^nd in MS Exploring Business Concepts, as well as 8^th in MS Digital Citizenship and 3^rd in MS Exploring Leadership.

Finally, seventh-grader Emery Malena was the final National Qualifier, finishing 2^nd in MS Career Exploration and 5^th in MS Exploring Public Speaking. 

Congratulations to all State FBLA competitors! 

Additionally, eighth-grader Ella Hanson was a Nebraska Middle School Young Leader Award Finalist. 

Mrs. Maliha stated, “Our Leigh students competed very well. They took a lot of time to practice their performance events and they studied a lot for their tests and all of their hard work paid off.” 

A full list of results is as follows: 

Nebraska Who's Who Nominee - Brayden Loseke

Nebraska Middle School Young Leader Award Finalist - Ella Hansen

Business Achievement Awards (HS) - Brayden Loseke & Ariyah Ross

LEAD Aspire Awards (MS) - Kinna Clossen, Carter Freudenburg, Olivia Hake, Ella Hansen, Layla Hollatz, Mariah Kasik, Kinzie Lange, Syerra Messerlie, Eisley Urban

Brayden Loseke - Management Information Systems 3rd place & National Qualifier, Retail Management 5th place, Cybersecurity 7th place, Personal Finance HM 10th place

Vivian Bunner - Digital Animation 7th place, Intro to Business Communication HM 15th place

Kaycee Lange - Intro to business communication CHAMPION & National Qualifier, Intro to Retail & Merchandising 2nd place & National Qualifier

Ella Hansen, Layla Hollatz, Eisley Urban - Exploring Website Design 3rd place, Annual Chapter Presentation 4th place

Kinzie Lange - MS Exploring Marketing Strategies HM 9th place

Olivia Hake - MS Career Exploration CHAMPION & National Qualifier, MS Exploring Business Concepts 2nd place & National Qualifier, MS Exploring Leadership 3rd place, MS Exploring Marketing Concepts 7th place, MS Digital Citizenship 8th place

Emery Malena - MS Career Exploration 2nd place & National Qualifier, MS Exploring Public Speaking 5th place

Grayson Loseke - MS Business Communication 2nd place & National Qualifier, MS Digital Citizenship 4th place, MS Exploring Marketing Concepts 3rd place, MS Exploring Economics 4th place, MS Career Exploration HM

Mrs. Maliha - 15 years of service as an FBLA Adviser

HS Chapter Ribbons - Feed Nebraska, NSBEA/NBEA, Champion Chapter

MS Chapter Ribbons - 7UP, Explore FBLA, Trail “Blazer,” Alzheimer’s Association, Feed Nebraska, Foundation Trust Donation, Go Green, NSBEA/NBEA, Champion Chapter

On April 13, 2026, the Leigh FCCLA chapter gathered to celebrate what they had accomplished over the 2025-2026 school year and announce the new officer positions for the upcoming year. 

At the banquet an “Outstanding Member” award was given to one member from the 7th grade, 8th grade, freshman, sophomore, junior and senior class. The members that were chosen from each class showed their dedication and hard work toward FCCLA over the 2025-2026 school year.

The members chosen for this award were 7th grader Khloe Kabes, 8th grader Ella Hansen, freshman Averi Clausen, sophomore Shaylynn Marty, junior Vylet Hollatz, and senior Jocelyn Donnelly. 

Junior Halle Korth stated, “I’m excited to see everyone thrive in their new officer positions, as well as seeing what positions everyone got this year.”

The new 2026-2027 chapter officer team was installed and are as follows: President: Emersyn Urban, Vice-President: Ella Higby, Secretary: Madi Freudenburg, Treasurer: Vylet Hollatz, Historian: Trevor Hoffman, Vice President of Events: Lainey Urban, Public Relations Chair: Halle Korth

On Monday, April 6th, the Clarkson-Leigh track team traveled to David City for the Aquinas Invite. 

The team fought through the nasty weather and brought home 3 first place medals, 6 second place medals, and 4 third place medals.

Maizie Stoklasa brought home three first place medals. Maizie obtained those medals from triple jump (37’8”), High Jump (5’4”) and Long Jump (18’3”)

Girls’ Results: 

Girls Triple Jump: Maizie Stoklasa—37’8 (first place); Claire Holoubek—34’ (third place); Ella Baumert—33’8.5 (fourth place); Alaina Sayers—30’8; Girls Long Jump: Maizie Stoklasa—18’3 (first place); Ella Baumert—15’9 (fifth place); Clair Holoubek—14’9; Alaina Sayers—13’8; Girls High Jump: Maizie Stoklasa—5’4 (first place); Ella Baumert—4’8 (second place); Girls Shot Put: Baylee Rios—30’04.00 (fifth place); Vylet Hollatz—30’02.50; Emersyn Urban—29’08.00; Makenna Scott—27’05.00; Girls Discus Throw: Vylet Hollatz—85’10; Emersyn Urban—79’10; Makenna Scott—56’07; Gracie Brabec—40’06; Girls 800m: Reann Bruhn—2:36.62 (second place); Gracie Brabec—3:21.31;Girls 300m Hurdles: Kanon Clarkson—1:01.75;Girls 1600m: Reann Bruhn—6:07.49 (second place); Girls 100m: Alaina Sayers—13.88; Kendall Schneider—13.93; Rae Scott—14.25; Averi Clausen—14.40; Girls 200m: Rae Scott—30.80; Emma Bereznai—31.79; and Chloe Indra—33.02; Girls 100m Hurdles: Claire Holoubek—18.36 (third place); Girls 400m: Kaylee Brabec—1:08.97 (fourth place); Girls 4x100m Relay: 'A' Team (C. Holoubek, A. Sayers, K. Schneider, M. Stoklasa)—52.23 (second place); Girls 4x400m Relay: 'A' Team (K. Brabec, A. Clausen, R. Bruhn, K. Schneider)—4:35.13 (third place); Girls 4x800m Relay: 'A' Team (C. Malena, R. Wietfeld, L. Urban, A. Kuester)—12:10.59 (sixth place);

Boys’ Results:

Boys 400m: Jeryn Struebing—1:00.71; Jaxon Rodenberg—1:08.88; Henry Voborny—1:11.54; Gabe Kahlo—1:13.11;Boys 800m: Easton Brabec—2:16.47 (third place); Boys 100m: Blake Loseke—11.62 (second place); Logan Stodola—12.85; Ryan Steffensmeier—13.11; Gabe Kahlo—13.8; Boys 200m: Aidan Ellsworth—25.77; Logan Stodola—26.54; Ryan Steffensmeier—27.45; Boys 110m Hurdles: Aiden Hake—20.04; Aidan Ellsworth—20.85; Boys 4x100m Relay: 'A' Team (J. Struebing, A. Ellsworth, L. Stodola, B. Loseke)—48.15 (second place)

On June 7th, 2008, Jon and Deana Wemhoff were blessed with a spectacular, beautiful baby boy, Brett Jonathan Wemhoff. He was born in Columbus, NE, at Columbus Community Hospital.

Brett has a large family consisting of his three brothers: Calvin Wemhoff, 21; Simon Wemhoff, 20; and Michael, 16. His grandparents are the late Victor and Janet Johnson of Albion and Laura and the late Victor Wemhoff. Last but not least, Brett has the cutest dog named Izzy!

Throughout his high school years, Brett has participated in various activities, including Football and One-Act for 4 years; Wrestling and Journalism for 3 years; Stream Team, and Speech for 2 years; and FBLA for 1 year. 

Outside of school activities, Brett has been active in the Leigh Youth Advisory Committee and St. Mary’s Church Youth Group. 

While participating in these activities, Brett has accumulated numerous awards: 2nd Team All District Football (Senior Year); State Qualifier in Wrestling (Senior Year); 3x Student of the Month; and 2nd place Northeast Academic Day in Geography as a sophomore. 

Brett has many favorite things. His favorite food is Prime Rib and his favorite class in high school has been shop class with Mr. Bazata. Brett's favorite hobbies include watching sports, especially when the New England Patriots football team is playing, and gardening. His favorite thing to plant in his garden is potatoes. On the other hand, Brett says his biggest pet peeve is when people ask him about his pet peeves or bad habits.

When asked for three words to describe Brett, Clayton Folken said Brett is “kind, caring, and dope.” These attributes especially help Brett at his beloved job at Main-Stop.

Brett’s proudest accomplishment during high school was making the state wrestling tournament in his senior year. Another accompaniment he has, which also happens to be his favorite high school memory, is winning the winter cup at the end of 1st semester.

His future plans are going to Northeast Community College in Norfolk, NE. Brett says that in 10-15 years he would probably see himself “in the mirror.” In those years, he wants to go to Europe, own a business, and buy a house by the time he is 24 years old. 

One person Brett admires in life is his dad because he works hard to provide for him and his family. 

The only thing that Brett would do if he won the lottery would be to give a little away and then save the rest. Maybe Brett should use that money to go to the Bahamas and chill in the sun, which is somewhere Brett wishes to travel to at least once in his life.

         We wish Brett the absolute best as he heads off into the new chapter of his life. He leaves us with this advice, “Don’t take it for granted.” 

We will miss your welcoming personality Brett!  Good luck in your future endeavors!

Luke Isaac Eisenmann was welcomed into this world on September 24, 2007, at exactly 5:55 pm, at the Columbus Community Hospital. His parents are David and Kimberly Eisenman. Luke is blessed with 3 siblings: Jacob, 22; Gracelynn, 20; and Wyatt, 15. His grandparents are Ken and Janet Eisenmann of Leigh, and Jim and Jeanne Stuart of Nebraska City. The family wouldn’t be complete without their dog, Scout. 

         Throughout his high school career, Luke has participated in many extracurricular activities: FFA for 6 years; football, speech, One-Act, journalism, and Quiz Bowl for 4 years; basketball, NHS, and band for 3 years; FCCLA and FBLA for one year. Outside of school, he has participated in 4-H for 10 years, and Youth Advisory Committee and St. John’s Luther League for 4 years. 

         In Luke’s high school career, awards he has won include A Honor Roll, State Speech runner up in Extemp, and runner-up Farm and Agribusiness management individual, as well as team state champ. With these awards his proudest accomplishment would have to be either winning the Nebraska State Voice of Democracy Contest, or becoming the Nebraska FFA State Secretary. 

         Over the summer Luke works part-time at RedStar, but in the future he will attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and major in Ag Education. In 10-15 years, he sees himself teaching in Nebraska and hopes to start a family by then. 

         When asked what he would do if he won the lottery, Luke’s only response was “buy land.” A place he’d love to travel to is the Montana wilderness. His biggest pet peeve is when people speak with improper English and use bad grammar. He says, “That is crazy dude.”

         A few of Luke's favorites include his favorite high school memory, FFA state conventions; his favorite hobby, hanging out with friends; favorite subject, math; favorite show, Criminal Minds; favorite sports team, Denver Broncos; and his favorite restaurant, Dairy Queen. Besides his favorites, his least favorite moment would have to be dropping eggs on the bus before CDE’s for FFA.  

         We wish Luke the best as he heads off into the new chapter of his life. He leaves us with this advice, “Take time to smile.” Best of luck, Luke!

Ava Adelyn Kasik was welcomed into the world on January 22, 2008, to her parents Joe and Heather Kasik. She is the second youngest child of five siblings. Her older siblings are Hannah (25), Alissa (23), and Kyle (21). Mariah (13), is Ava's youngest sister. She also has a cat named Tipsy.

         Her grandparents are Lawrence and the late Marilyn Kasik and Alice and the late Fred Krenk, all from Schuyler, NE. 

         Throughout high school, Ava has been involved in numerous activities: FFA for five years; volleyball, basketball, journalism, and One-Act for four years; track, dance, yearbook, and National Honor Society for three years; FCCLA and FBLA for two years.

         Outside of school, Ava is involved in the Youth Advisory Committee and the St. Mary’s Catholic Church youth group.

         In athletics, academics, and organizations, Ava has received an abundant amount of honors. In academics, Ava is consistently part of the All-A honor roll. In volleyball, Ava was named 2nd team all-conference and is a three-time East Husker Conference Volleyball Champion. In basketball, Ava has received a 3rd team all-conference basketball award. She was also the basketball and volleyball team captain. In school, Ava has been a three-time student of the month recipient and officer for FFA, FCCLA, and YAC. This year she was crowned homecoming queen and named class president.

         Ava’s proudest high school accomplishment is experiencing state competition in all four sports.

         During the summer, Ava is the assistant manager and lifeguard at the Leigh pool. She also teaches swim lessons and works at the Clarkson Care Center as a CNA.

         After high school, Ava plans to attend Northeast Community College to play volleyball, and to major in Pre-Nursing with a BSN from UNMC. In the future she hopes to specialize in pediatrics. Although she has always wanted to try travel nursing, she waits to see what life situations she is in. Ava says if she continues schooling, she will further her nursing education or will get a masters in Occupational Therapy for a desired job in the school system.

         If Ava won the lottery, she would make sure her and her loved ones are all living comfortably. She plans to give the majority of her fortune to charitable organizations or use it to fund medical missionary trips. If she could travel anywhere in the world she would go to Santorini, Greece, because it is beautiful. 

         On Ava’s bucket list, she wants to backpack Europe, publish a children's book, and open some type of small business. In 10-15 years, she sees herself married with kids living somewhere in rural Nebraska. 

         One of Ava’s biggest pet peeves is loud chewing and a bad habit she has is biting her nails.       

         Three words Ava says describe her are genuine, observant, and passionate. Mr. Brester added on to that and says Ava is hardworking, caring, and whimsical. 

         Ava says her grandma Alice is someone she admires in her life because she always looks to the bright side of things and lives her life very ambitiously. She also admires her sisters because they are both the greatest role models in her life. Mrs. Fischer is also someone she greatly admires because of her strong work ethic and care for others. 

         In school, Ava's favorite subject is Parenting or Anatomy and Physiology. Her favorite high school memory was every trip or outing with her classmates. 

         Outside of school, she enjoys hanging out with friends, spending time with family, going to concerts, going on walks or runs, being outdoors or on a lake, playing sports, shopping, and trying new things. 

         Her favorite song is “Next to You” by Ole 60 and her favorite movie or show would be Tangled or The Hunger Games series. The Husker Volleyball team is Ava's favorite sports team. Her favorite food is pasta, but her favorite restaurants are Chipotle and Panera. 

         Ava says her most embarrassing moment was wiping out in the Settje’s driveway at the volleyball team supper her junior year when racing Mr. Brester.

         Her advice to underclassmen is to always be kind because you only see what other people allow you to see; you never know what someone is going through.

         Congratulations, Ava, and good luck in your future endeavors!