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First Place: Bank Gulizia, Arianna Jiminez Second Place: Archer Gulizia, Ryleigh Williams Third Place: Ronan Brueggemann, Britley Leslie Ages 8-9

First Place: Weston Bingham, Sawyer Gulizia Second Place: Connor Bingham, Sidney Vrtiska Third Place: Zaidyn Adams, Claire Bingham Ages 10-11 First Place: Henry Christiansen, Eastlyn Wallinger Second Place: Brayden Walters, Ashtyn Bradley Third Place: Vinny Gulizia, Norah Schneider Ages 12-13 First Place: Liam Armogast, Olive Christiansen Second Place: Baker Seelhoff, Avery Dammast Third Place: Charlie Fogarty, Alexa Vrtiska Ages 14-18 First Place: Gage Seelhoff, Madison Dammast Second Place: Kaleb Dammast, Charlotte Dickerson Third Place: Jaxen Winder The Auburn Country Club and the Jr. Golf Tournament Committee express their deepest gratitude to the generous donors who make this tournament possible. Their support enables t-shirts and lunch to all golfers and their families, as well as raffle prizes.

Natalie was the tenth of ten children randomly selected from a pool of hundreds of applicants to participate that night. Natalie geared up with vest and helmet and signature pink cowgirl boots and came out on top with an impressive score of 89 points. She was crowned champion for the night and earned a trophy for her efforts. The Mutton Bustin’ events took place each day throughout the five-day rodeo and, when the judges tallied all the scores, it was revealed that Natalie’s score topped every other Mutton Buster’s, making her not only Saturday night’s champion, but the best Mutton Buster at the Sidney Iowa Rodeo.

This was Natalie’s first time even attempting Mutton Bustin’. “We were ecstatic that she was chosen out of so many kids in attendance,” her parents said. Prior to climbing aboard the sheep, her aunt, Marissa Jensen, gave her an amazing bit of advice. “Hang on tight with your hands, you won’t hurt them[the sheep]”.

Natalie lives with her parents in Auburn and will be in 1st grade at Calvert Elementary this school year. Her grandparents are John and Theresa Lindinger of Auburn and Karrie and the late Doug Beach of Syracuse. Natalie plans to try and be selected again at next year’s Sidney Iowa Rodeo and will likely make more attempts at other rodeos that offer the event. Congratulations, Natalie!

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is a beetle native to Asia that was introduced to Detroit in 2002. It has destroyed tens of millions of true ash species in over 25 states, including Nebraska. Forests, windbreaks, and urban trees—some 44 million Nebraska ash trees—will be lost in the coming years. The species was confirmed in Nemaha County in 2023.

The City has begun to evaluate ash trees as part of a survey of trees that will identify the condition of ash trees and prioritize those in the poorest condition for removal or removal/ replacement. You may see trees in the right of way marked with a white tape that reads “Ash Tree at Risk Learn more at go.unl.edu/EAB”. The City of Auburn will reach out to homeowners of trees at risk that may be eligible to be removed or removed/replaced as part of this grant program.

Symptoms to look for, according to the Nebraska Forest Service, are canopy thinning, branch dieback or D-shaped exit holes. If these are visible have a certified arborist examine the tree.

To learn more about the Emerald Ash Borer and see a map of counties with confirmed infestations, got to go.unl.edu/ EAB.

A resolution was approved to seek approval to issuance general obligation bonds not to exceed $22,900,000. The intent is that the property tax levy for the bonds will not change APS’ current bond levy rate by more than 10 cents per $100 valuation, based on current valuation expectations.

The project entails classroom addition and renovations to Calvert Elementary School; new middle school entryway addition and related improvements to address safety and security infrastructure issues; new physical education/gymnasium at the senior high; renovations and improvements to convert the existing senior high gymnasium to a multi-use facility including a performing arts area and other activities; deferred maintenance renovations and improvements to address safety, security and environmental concerns in the existing buildings and facilities; and providing for the necessary equipment and apparatus for the buildings, facilities, renovations and improvements.

A number of public meetings will be scheduled over the coming weeks. An architect will be selected through the process.

The election will be in conjunction with the statewide general election.

Thoughts From Board Members Ryan Jones noted the school board has been as transparent as possible during the process and information in the resolution derived from data from a telephone survey earlier this year.

“The board does not take this lightly. It’s been moved to the forefront with continued increasing enrollment,” he continued.

Laura Osborne, board president, stated the board is trying to optimize and make the best use of taxpayer dollars as it can to provide what we can for APS students and staff.

“We’ve worked hard and are doing things that will be beneficial,” she added.

Janny Crotty related APS students and staff deserve an optimal learning environment, and safe and secure space.

Beth Kernes Krause said attempts are being made to create educational space that can flexible to a wide variety of uses to benefit APS students and staff. She continued board members toured other facilities and responded to parent and student surveys.

“We have significant space limitations. We’ve tried to also recognize we can’t predict the future,” she added.

Eli Davidson indicated APS has excellent administrators and teachers and some of the best facilities in the area, but they need to be set in order for students and teachers.

Performance Criteria Developer

A contract with Clark & Enersen, Inc. for a design-build project was accepted.

Cody Wickham, senior vice president and public finance backer with DA Davison, encouraged attendance at public meetings to find out as much as possible.

Property Tax Request Joint Hearing

The board approved participating in a joint public hearing if necessary regarding the 2026-2027 property tax request. It does not replace APS hearings which are scheduled at the next regular board meeting Monday, Sept. 14. County Assessor Mallory Lempka will select the joint public hearing date.

Under the Property Tax Request Act of 2021, officials of various governmental entities must inform their residents if they intend to increase their property tax request by more than the allowable 2 percent plus growth. Entities are also required to have a public hearing where taxpayers can ask questions, express discontent or air grievances about any increases. In addition to school districts, the act affects cities and villages, counties and community colleges.

Additional Action Items

Also approved by the school board were:

--recognizing the Auburn Education Association as the exclusive bargaining agent for non-supervisory certificated employees covering the 2027-2028 contract year. Those include teachers, counselors and program specialists.

--the 2026-2027 illness protocol covering all illnesses, there are no changes.

--a request from Drayven Lamb to graduate early. All action items were unanimously allowed 6-0. Jones thanked the APS maintenance and custodial staff on preparing facilities to open the 2026-2027 school year.

Sixpence Presentation

The board was updated on Sixpence. It works to help parents provide safe, stimulating environments that spark learning through meaningful interactions. By working together, everyone involved can help infants, toddlers and parents to be successful.

Anne Bennett is child care partnership program coordinator/ coach. Diane Hughes is coordinator and home visitor.

Hughes noted currently 10 families and 10 children are being served. Two current mothers are expecting a second or third child. Two have aged out and will be attending preschool, she stated.

Components are home visits, parent education and family nights, Hughes said. A favorite activity was a cooking night, she added. Parents are connected to various resources, Hughes related. Those include Women, Infants and Children; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, Nebraska Early Development Network and child care subsidy. She noted Sixpence partners with Growing Great Kids, which helps families create healthy, safe and nurturing home environments where children can thrive.

“We love our jobs. We’re grateful to have Sixpence in Auburn,” Hughes concluded.

Bennett related she currently partners with nine child care providers in Auburn, Johnson, Nebraska City and Syracuse. Bennett works with everyone willing to work with her and was asked to branch outside of Auburn.

The partnership provides scholarships to families who cannot afford child care; stipends allowing providers to attend training; purchases research-based curriculum to all partners; offers free training to all providers in Nemaha, Johnson, Otoe, Pawnee and Richardson counties; improves the quality of life to infants and toddlers and connects providers to resources, Bennett indicated.

The Sixpence staff reminded all of the Nemaha County Diaper Pantry, which is open to any family. It operates the second Friday each month from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. and the fourth Wednesday each month from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The pantry is at Auburn First United Presbyterian Church, 1322 19th St.

Thank You From Nemaha County Shooting Sports Club Instructors and participants from the Nemaha County 4-H Shooting Sports Club thanked APS officials on allowing use of the old football field adjacent to the Central Office for archery practices.

“It is helpful for us. It’s a nice, flat space to practice. It’s a lot safer than other locations,” Willa Fritz said.

“It’s one of the safest sports offered through 4-H. It’s also an educational entity. We want to grow good kids and make them responsible adults,” stated Lukas Fritz, instructor.

He also thanked Sheena Davidson, 4-H Extension assistant and Eli Davidson for allowing club representatives to address the school board.

“We’re glad to partner and help develop youth,” Jones indicated.

She is a 2020 Johnson-Brock High School graduate, and was a member of TimberCreek 4-H and Johnson-Brock FFA. In December 2024 Hodges received degrees in agricultural and environmental sciences communications and animal science with high distinction from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL).

“I am excited to connect with other agricultural leaders across the state. With my role as a Nebraska Farmer staff writer, I see a lot of the state through my coverage. However, with this opportunity I am excited to see even more. With this experience, I hope to bring high-quality content to our Nebraska farmers and ranchers. I am honored to be selected for the LEAD 45 class and am looking forward to bringing these experiences back to our rural communities,” Hodges responded to her selection.

She is a staff writer with Farm Progress. Growing up on a third-generation purebred Berkshire hog operation, Hodges credits her farm background for showing her what it takes to be involved in the agriculture industry. She began her journalism career in high school, reporting on producer progress for the Midwest Messenger newspaper.

While a UNL student, Hodges became a Husker Harvest Days intern at Nebraska Farmer in 2022. The next year, she was hired full-time as a staff writer for Farm Progress.

Hodges’ father, Michael, raises purebred Berkshire hogs, and her mother, Christy, is an agriculture education teacher and FFA advisor at Johnson County Central. Hodges is the oldest sibling of four.

The 29 Fellows of Nebraska LEAD Class 45 were chosen for their leadership potential, commitment to agriculture and dedication to their communities. They represent a wide range of backgrounds within Nebraska’s agricultural industry.

Over the next two years starting in September, Hodges and the other Class 45 Fellows will engage in a comprehensive curriculum. It is designed to strengthen their leadership skills, expand their knowledge of state, na- bers of Nebraska LEAD Class 45 to the program. Each Fellow brings a different background, set of experiences and vision for the future of agriculture and Nebraska. Over the next two years, they’ll have the opportunity to challenge their thinking, broaden their understanding of the issues facing our state and build relationships with leaders from across Nebraska and beyond. I’m looking forward to watching this class learn from one another as they grow in their leadership journeys,” said Kurtis Harms, director of the Nebraska LEAD Program.

The program, now in its 45th year, has a long-standing mission of developing agricultural leaders who are equipped to address the challenges and opportunities facing Nebraska and beyond. Through in-state seminars, a national study experience and an international study/travel seminar, the program provides Fellows with the skills and experiences necessary to lead effectively in an ever-changing agricultural landscape.

LEAD’s more than 1,100 alumni have served--or continue to serve--on commodity boards, extension boards, school boards and church councils.

Alumni from Johnson and Nemaha counties, with the class they served in, are: Kathy Boellstorff of Johnson, 5; Judy Brinkman of Cook, 11; Mark Caspers of Auburn, 17; Debora Heidzig of Auburn, 17; Carol Rumery-Armknecht of Cook, 12 and Leigh Wakulinski of Brock, 29. Other regional alumni include: from Talmage, Jim Brehm, 4, Doug Damme, 16 and Lora Damme, 5; and from Humboldt, Brenda Dutcher, 35 and Ben Steffen, 24.

The Harold and Kay Scholl Excellence in Conservation Award is presented in recognition of individuals who work on the ground to provide direct and personal delivery or conservation planning and technical assistance.

Stephen Kennedy, Auburn, utilized more than $26 million in federal grants in Nemaha County, alone, in his 21-year career with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). These contracts were developed with landowners to improve soil erosion control, soil health, livestock grazing, wildlife support, and livestock waste control. There were also three partnership programs with the Nemaha Natural Resource District, Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality, and the city of Auburn. One of the largest projects involved working with 47 area landowners to develop erosion control on 9,500 acres of land above two flood control structures. After working with community meetings, in partnership with the local resource district, forty-four landowners participated in contracts with the NRCS to apply conservation ahead of the structures being completed. This was considered particularly important to the lifespan of the structures in the loess hill area, and the contracts involved considerable time doing environmental evaluations. The project involved working with multiple agencies to pull together additional funding, and spending time with landowners to develop close ties with them. There needed to be a unified agreement that the project was needed and the investment from the landowners was a valuable long-term improvement. Earlier in his career he was active in the Wetland Reserve Program. He worked in both Richardson and Nemaha County along the Missouri River during the time that most of the easements were established. This involved collaborating with a team of specialists to rank sites, and work with landowners on what the future of their land would look like.

Stephen and his wife, Chris, carry on the family tradition by being the fifth generation on the family-run fruit orchard and vineyard, where they value conservation, have a passion for trees, and a desire to maintain the land for future generations.

General Manager Ray Luhring indicated information has been gathered and sent to Outifi of Springfield, Utah, who was approved as the contractor last month. A kickoff meeting was Thursday, Aug. 13. The general manager continued it will take 90 to 120 days to fully activate.

Uniform Contract A five-year uniform services contract with Jackson Services was accepted. It will be $30 less than the previous pact. The utility has had two previous twoyear arrangements. Luhring noted the company does a great job and “we’re happy with them.”

Water Source Supply It was noted crews continue monitoring wells and pumping levels daily. Longs Creek water source was active 15 days in July pumping 1.652 million gallons. Pumping levels are holding 10 feet above the screen and static levels are stable.

Board member Chuck Knipe related the utility is still in good shape and the wells are in good shape. Millions of gallons have been pumped but the water is in good position moving forward, he added.

Luhring told the board a part was replaced on an ultraviolet unit which worked two weeks. Additional parts have been ordered and on site, but service technicians were not to return until Tuesday, Aug. 18 and it would not be operating again until Wednesday, Aug. 19. Decommissioning is needed by mid-September to return the rental unit to Iowa by the end of next month, the general manager stated. It is needed to operate the source as much as possible the next four weeks. Water usage will be high the next couple of weeks as school districts open for the 2026-2027 year and Peru State College students return to classes Monday, Aug. 24.

Grow Auburn, Inc. Involvement with Grow Auburn, Inc. was discussed with Katy Billings, Crystal Dunekacke and Bob Engles. That included investing in economic development to support the organization.

Chair Dr. Michael Zaruba noted BPW invests in Auburn and provides a lot of economic development. He said the board tries to help the City of Auburn as much as possible, especially with in kind services. Zaruba indicated he is committed to Auburn, its growth and economic development and wants BPW to continue the great partnership it has. He favored keeping the lines of communication open and keep working together on a collaborative partnership to keep Auburn moving forward.

David Grant, board member, asked about operating or project by project funding. He said the board has historically shown to be responsible to requests.

Billings responded she is thankful on what BPW does in economic development. She continued any investor will lead to operating expenses Grow Auburn, Inc. will occur. Billings noted attempts have been made to get stakeholders involved in the entity, formerly Auburn Development Council. She noted Grow Auburn, Inc. is separate from the City of Auburn.

“We try to reach across the community to let them know what Grow Auburn includes. Your monetary investment would insure you have a vote. We want your input,” Billings related.

Board members thought everyone worked great together on the Westgate project.

Engles favored the presence of BPW on the Grow Auburn Inc. committee.

Dunekacke said the organization is looking at what representatives of other municipalities are doing to help them grow.

“We value the input from everyone,” she continued.

Knipe said if the organization needs input from BPW to inform them. Dunekacke replied the organization will be happy to keep exchanging information.

Also discussed were utility issues with the demolition process at 923 Central Ave. Luhring, Kevin Kuhlmann, electric manager and Alan Slater, water and wastewater manager, met with a representative of the demolition company to discuss issues, but saw no problems.

The building was damaged the next to last day of 2025 and frustration was discussed on the slow process of razing the building.

Dunekacke agreed to keep BPW informed as the demolition date approaches. Luhring appreciated Dunekacke keeping the utility in the loop and the utility wants to have crews onsite once demolition starts.

Other Tamara Westhart, accounting and finance manager, was authorized to contact local financial institutions to obtain bids to renew eight certificates of deposit which will mature Saturday, Sept. 19. It will be awarded to the highest bidder. Current values are $4,450,710.11.

Luhring thanked everyone who participated in the Monday night, Aug. 10 Nemaha County Fair Parade. He said everyone made a good impression with the theme Stars, Stripes and County Fair Nights to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States. Knipe thought taking part in the parade gives BPW good exposure in the community.

The general manager also noted he attended the groundbreaking of the Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) Princeton Road Station last month. It is the district’s newest generation facility north of Hallam in southern Lancaster County. The 694 megawatt natural gas generating plant will become the largest natural gas generation facility in NPPD’s fleet.

Luhring called it one of the first projects tied into the 2026 NPPD wholesale power contract.

Groth suffered no apparent injuries, though his vehicle was deemed totaled. The damages to the Neighborhood Closet entryway were estimated around $5,000. No drug or alcohol use was suspected of Groth.

Project Response, Inc. Executive Director, Desaray Sardenson, said the store will remain closed until repairs are completed.

Baird's team placed in the 30’s overall during their first competition and in the 70’s their second time after going through a few hardships. “This is our third time competing overall after rebuilding the team due to COVID,” Baird said.

The rocket, Vortex, is about 11 feet tall with 6-inch diameter tubes for the body and a total weight of roughly 60 lbs.

“Our rocket features a custom tracker made by our team as well as a hand-made airframe outside of the nose cone,” said Baird. “It also has a live video system where we were able to stream our rocket launch from our rocket.”

According to Baird, the rocket is mostly handmade using fiberglass for the upper body tubes where the gps and altimeter are housed, while a booster tube and fins are made out of carbon fiber. All of the tubes were hand-rolled by Husker Rocketry members by alternating the composite fabric with epoxy and the fins have a solid wood core with layered carbon fiber on both sides. Baird indicated that because building an 11 ft rocket by hand is such a large and expensive task for the Husker Rocketry team, they only compete in the IREC competition.

“I have had the opportunity to participate in IREC for three years, and every year comes with its own challenges such as losing tracking information or failing a test launch. Having a team dedicated to our objective and being able to come back from devastating events such as these has been a very re- rewarding experience,” said Baird. “This year I spent many hours and nights working on the airframe, and to hear that our airframe suffered no damage during recovery, it made everything we had worked on worth it.

“I have always had a love for space and space focused research, and rocketry is our gateway to this world,” said Kaita. “Rocketry is fascinating because it’s able to take high concentrated energy and use it to blast up into the sky, and it demonstrates human ingenuity by constructing a structure able to withstand the extreme forces a rocket endures during its flight.”

The Husker Rocketry team has mentors from a national amateur rocketry group, THOR, who has assisted them in building the rocket for competitions. “They give us advice on construction and overall build quality as well as inspect our rocket before it gets launched to ensure we are within safety standards,” said Baird.

Baird recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and will continue on for a master’s degree. “These competitions allow me to network with aerospace companies such as Blue Origin, SpaceX, and national laboratories. We’ve also received sponsorships from companies that visit IREC as well.”

According to Baird, many teams that do well in competition are known for receiving internships and full-time opportunities from well-known companies after participating.

Baird said the smallest and first rocket she ever made was about 2 feet tall and she did not enter it into any competitions. She has also made a level one certification rocket that is about 4 feet tall and 4 inches in diameter. Baird is currently working on a level two rocket that’ll be around 6 feet tall and 4 inches in diameter. “These certifications allow amateur rocketeers to build with more powerful motors and prove that they can construct a successful and safe rocket,” Baird explained.

The Husker Rocketry team intends to compete next year in the same category with the new knowledge they’ve gained this year. “Even though I will not be part of it, I am very excited to see how far they’ll go. I hope to stay involved in the amateur rocketry community through my own personal rockets and, during graduate school, I will be mentoring a younger university rocketry team,” Baird concluded.

Auburn entered the tournament as the #7 seed and earned upset wins over #3 Roncalli Catholic and #1 Norris before falling to #5 Central City in the third round of the tournament on August 3. Auburn defeated Roncalli again in the losers bracket to earn a rematch with Central City in the tournament final on Wednesday, August 5.

Auburn was held scoreless in the final on Wednesday, despite earning five hits to Central City’s four. Central City scored two runs in the bottom of the first inning and held their lead until the fifth inning, where they would add two more runs to put Auburn in a 4-0 deficit with two innings to play.

Jackson Warner recorded a team-high two hits, including a double to lead off the top of the seventh inning. Westyn Amthor singled shortly after to load the bases with no outs, but Central City would escape without giving up a single run.

Clayton Brown and Christian Gage also recorded singles in the contest.

Warner pitched into the fourth inning, striking out two batters and allowing two runs on a single hit. Mason Schultz took over in the fourth inning, giving up two runs on three hits.

After closing out the FNBJ Seniors in the National Division bracket, Central City would fall to American Division champions Lincoln Christian in the playoff championship.

Auburn finished the season with a 23-10 record as National Division State Tournament runners-up.

Profiles of the new teachers who responded by press time are as follows:
Kade Davis will be teaching fifth grade and will also serve as the Assistant Junior High Boys Basketball Coach, Head Junior High Girls Basketball Coach, and Head Junior High Girls Track Coach.
Davis is a native of Johnson. He graduated from Johnson-Brock High School and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Ed from Wayne State College. Davis completed his practicums at West Point and Ashland-Greenwood schools and served as a student teacher at Syracuse-Dunbar-Avoca Schools.
“My goals are to positively impact my students and everyone around me. I want to build a unified and positive culture where students are excited to come and learn every day.”
Although Davis hasn’t been in education long, he thinks the most rewarding thing has been when students reach out and let him know they’re going to miss him.
Kade went into the education field because his dad, Brett Davis, was a teacher. “I got to see what it was like being an educator my whole life and I was in a K-12 building so I was able to work with the elementary grades as a high schooler, and I realized I enjoyed being in the classroom,” he added.
According to Davis, every day is different in the field of education. “You get to build relationships with so many different people, and you get to help shape the minds of students, which I think is really important.”
There isn’t any subject that Davis doesn’t like to teach. “I think everything in elementary school can be made enjoyable,” said Davis.
“I have been blessed to have a very close family. I am the middle child, and I have an older brother and a younger sister. My dad was a middle school teacher for 26 years before moving out of the field. My mom is a counselor at Peru State. They have helped me out tremendously on my path.”
Kade loves sports, especially baseball. He also enjoys being outside and going on trips whenever he can. “I really just enjoy spending time with my family and friends,” Davis concluded.
Macully Coffey will be teaching K-3 Physical Education and 6-8 Technology. He will also serve as an Assistance Boys Basketball Coach and Junior High Track Coach.
Coffey is a native of Blue Hill, where he graduated from high school. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from Concordia. Coffee completed student teaching at Lincoln East and Ruth Hill Elementary.
“My goals at JCC are to get to know students and staff and create an environment where they feel respected and excited to participate. With the short time I’ve had, the most rewarding experience I’ve had in education so far has been building relationships with students.”
Both of Macully’s parents worked as teachers so he was always in the schools and classrooms. “I got to see the relationships that they made with everyone in the school setting and changing people’s lives at school.”
According to Coffey, getting to build relationships with people and being able to change their lives in different ways is what he finds intriguing about the field of education.
Macully is the youngest child in his family, with two older sisters.
Macully enjoys watching and playing sports and hanging out with family and friends.
Makenna Eisenbarth will be teaching 4th grade reading and science. She is a native of Beatrice. She studied at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. During her time there she did practicums at Clinton Elementary, Eagle Elementary, Spring Lake Elementary- Omaha, and Freidstrom Elementary. Eisenbarth was also a Tutor at the Kim and Dick Schmoker Reading Center. Eisenbarth did her student teaching at Freeman Elementary School in 4th grade. Throughout college Eisenbarth was a substitute teacher for Lincoln Public Schools and Freeman Public Schools.
“What I enjoy about education is the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with students and watch them grow. I love that every student is unique and that I get to help them discover their strengths and find ways to be successful,” said Eisenbarth. “I specifically enjoy being a part of the JCC community where families, teachers, and community members are so connected and supportive.
“My goal as a JCC teacher is to create a classroom where students feel valued, supported, and confident. I want to help students grow academically while also developing independence, responsibility, and the confidence to take on new challenges,” she added.
As a teacher, Eisenbarth hopes to continue growing and learning from students and colleagues. “Most importantly, I want to build strong relationships with students and families, as well as become a positive, involved member of the JCC community.”
Eisenbarth’s most rewarding experience in the educational field has been seeing her students gain confidence in themselves and realize that they are capable of more. “Celebrating the small victories and knowing that I can make a positive difference is so rewarding,” Eisenbarth said.
She went into the education field because she has always loved working with children and this career allows her to make a meaningful difference in students’ lives. “There is something really special about watching a student finally understand a concept and getting the opportunity to share the excitement with them.”
“What intrigues me most about teaching fourth grade is how much students grow during this stage. They are becoming more independent, developing their own interests and personalities, and beginning to think more deeply about the world around them,” Eisenbarth said.
She has one older brother, four nieces, and five nephews, three sisters-in-law, five brothers-in-law, and a wonderful husband who have all supported and encouraged her. “My family means so much to me, and I am extremely grateful to have such a strong support system in my life,” Eisenbarth said.
When Makenna isn’t teaching, she enjoys, reading, golfing, baking, and spending time with friends and family.
Cheyenne Bishop will serve as the Instrumental Music instructor for grades 5-12 and will teach General Music for grades 4-6. Bishop will also be involved in Marching Band and Pep Band.
Bishop is a native of Illinois. She received a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. She substitute taught at Lincoln Public Schools.
“Music is my passion, so to be able to light up that passion for the next generation brings me much joy,” said Bishop, whose goals include to build a positive culture in the music program and get lots of students.
So far, Bishop’s only experience in the educational field has been in student teaching.
Bishop said that music in particular is always so interesting because the classes become more than just music. “I not only teach music, I get to teach all kinds of life-skills, like accountability and working as a team. Music prepares you for life.”
Bishop is a member of the National Music Education Association. Her family consists of her parents, a twin sister and dogs. She likes running/hiking, the outdoors and camping.