The Auburn EDawgs gathered April 30 at Lane’s End in Auburn for their end-of-year banquet and awards ceremony. Amid pizza, bowling and camaraderie, the team of nearly 30 members recognized top performers and unveiled new jerseys for next season.
“This group showed a lot of growth and commitment throughout the season,” coach Jeff LaPlant said. “To see that work lead to a state medal and a college opportunity is something the entire program can be proud of.”
During the competitive season, Auburn senior Gary Magnall earned a sixth-place medal in Hearthstone at the Nebraska Schools Esports Association state competition at Doane University. Hearthstone is a card-based online strategy game.
The Greatest of All Time (GOAT) award went to Elijah Powell, who earned a varsity letter, was named high school team MVP and received a scholarship to play Valorant at John Brown University in Arkansas next fall.
MVP and Varsity Awards
Other awards for most valuable player (MVP), voted on by players and teammates, included: Fortnite, Jonathan Housley; Marvel Rivals, Beau Thomas; Rocket League, Ethan Pemberton; Mario Kart, Wyatt Beard; middle school team, Ryan Pemberton; Super Smash Bros., Owen Keener; and Chess, Valorant and high school team, Elijah Powell.
Players earning varsity letters were Ian Mather, Owen Keener, Ethan Pemberton, Ryan Pemberton, Elijah Powell, Wyatt Beard, Gary Magnall, Kegan Wredt, Sydney Maher, Jonathan Housley, Jacob Crotty, Colton Boomgaarn and Beau Thomas.

Note: Some honors recognized were previously published in the Nemaha Valley Observer earlier in the school year.

Friday night, May 1, Auburn High School fine arts students in multiple areas were lauded on triumphs during 2025-2026 school year at the annual Fine Arts Festival.
Instrumental Music
Outstanding High School Band Members: Landry Allen, Marc Bohling, Kale Davidson, Charlotte Dickerson, Rylee Dotson, Emma Dunekacke, Twila Haynes, Zack Haynes, Karlito Holthus-Hunt, Kyle Jones, Ian Mather, Anna Schlange, Beau Thomas and Grace Zhang.
Outstanding Leadership: Addison Fankhauser.
Color Guard Member of the Year: Hunter Stevenson. Based on consistently demonstrating the highest level of character, leadership, loyalty and musical performance.
David Whitehouse Jazz Award: Lily Harrah and Elijah Powell. Salutes outstanding achievement in the musical genre as demonstrated through superior musicianship, character and individual creativity. Whitehouse’s mother established the honor in memory of her son, who loved jazz band as well as excelling as a student-musician.
John Philip Sousa Award: Jack Hayes, top student-instrumentalist. Criteria includes superior musicianship, leadership, dependability and loyalty. Sousa composed more than 100 marches while promoting nationalism and a patriotic spirit nationwide.
The Jazz Band played Kansas City, Round Midnight featuring Harrah on trumpet, Caribbean Dance and Bourbon Street Parade.
Performed by the Symphonic Band were Blue Ridge Reel, The Great Locomotive Chase and Excursion featuring Hayes on bass clarinet.
Ben Hanika is director of bands.
Vocal Music
High School Choral Award: Fankhauser. Salutes singular merit, ability and achievement; outstanding contributions to the success of the school’s vocal music program; as well as loyalty, cooperation and high qualities of conduct by the general consent of the music faculty, school officials and others.
Rising Star: Ellie Phillips.
Outstanding High School Choir Members: Ella Ackley, Fankhauser, Kinsley Gerdes, Gillian Hanna, Harrah, Twila Haynes, Zackariah Haynes, Alexa Janssen, Hailey Janssen, Gianna Johnson, Ethan Pemberton, Veronica Potter, Elijah Powell, Madeline Swoboda, Leah Tucker and Josie Zimmerman.
Homeward Bound was sung by Ackley and Swoboda. The Concert Choir performed I See Stars, Feelin’ Good and The Times They are A-Changing’. Soloists were Harrah, Tucker, Gerdes and Fankhauser.
A medley from The Greatest Showman was sung by Vocal Velocity show choir.
Weekly Volcano Press from Auburn’s recent spring musical Little Women was performed. Andrew Davis is choral director. Diane Hughes is musical director. Jaymi Victor accompanied.
Visual Arts
Student-artists with work featured in the East Central Nebraska Conference art show were recognized by Stevie Eickhoff.
Speech
Mather and Stevenson were co-Most Valuable Players.
The oral interpretation of drama presentation of Shrek was given by Ackley, Gerdes, Hanna, Alexa Janssen and Thomas.
Danielle Wredt is Auburn speech coach.
Play Production
Rising Stars, first-year participants: Ackley and Charlotte Dickerson.
Outstanding Crew Members: Davidson and Solomon Jacobitz.
Outstanding Actors: Fankhauser and Thomas.
Thespian of the Year: Kyle Jones.
Bobbie Jones is director.
Senior Recognition
Class of 2026 students who took part in fine arts activities and their parents or guardians were recognized. They are: Riley Dickerson, Fankhauser, Harrah, Hayes, Twila Haynes, Holthus-Hunt, Alexa Janssen, Mather, Powell, Schlange, Stevenson, Zhang and Colt Zentner.

Megan Lyons of NSEA stated Patton is among four honorees out of 240 school districts in the Cornhusker State. Lyons is organizational specialist with the Southeast unit of the state association, working with 30 school districts.

Patton noted nothing is done individually, it takes a village, collaboration among the board of education, the Central Office staff, teachers, administrators, paraprofessionals, bus drivers, and facility maintenance and nutrition staff.

“I have the privilege of making an impact. Nothing can be done alone. It’s all a team effort,” the superintendent stated.

The nomination was written by Kandi Rohrs, Auburn Education Association (AEA) president, who is a family and consumer science instructor at APS.

“I value the relationship with Kandi and NSEA. It has to be built upon mutual respect and mutual trust. We keep moving the district forward. I’m honored and privileged to receive this and have this relationship. I try to take care of all facets. It comes back to impact students,” Patton related. Rohrs said Patton brings to APS knowledge and small and large school districts. Before Patton started in Auburn July 1, 2020, he was CEO of the Learning Community, comprised of 11 school districts in Douglas and Sarpy counties.

“That’s a plus. He’s brought things to Auburn most don’t because he had a different view. He’s done a lot of greater good in the district,” Rohrs continued.

“Everyone’s here for the kids. It’s incredibly important as president to be able to work with an administration that is cooperative. Not all schools are like that. (Patton) came in at a time there was a lot of upheaval and uncertainty in school with (the COVID-19 virus). He came in and had a plan. He was very much a leader and led us forward. He kept focus on the students at the forefront. This is what we do in Auburn. That makes a difference,” she added.

APS has a Superintendent Advisory Group with a representative from every job classification.

“Every voice is heard. Every area is heard,” Rohrs noted.

The Student Council also has an advisory committee.

Lyons recalled she has been working with AEA since Patton started at APS and has a good working relationship with the superintendent.

“He’s always been open and honest when we’re running into issues including bargaining or if a teacher is needing sufficient support. I can help the superintendent if (NSEA) has the resources,” she said.

“I’ve seen a dramatic improvement in staff morale and administrative accountability. The superintendent came in and really worked with the administrative team to work with the staff better. It’s been a good experience when I have an administrator I can call and a superintendent who will work with me to problem solve rather than against me. I trust Rohrs and Patton. I do not see that in a lot of my districts. Everyone was trying to figure out how to deal with COVID. It was something we did not prepare for or expect but we did the best possible. (APS) worked well together. Making sure everyone was taken care of was a high priority,” the NSEA official continued.

“I appreciate the relationship with (Patton). We want teachers to be happy, kids to be happy and everyone to be safe. It’s not happening in a lot of my districts. (APS) is one that it is,” Lyons concluded.

NSEA is a member-directed professional association representing more than 26,000 public school teachers, higher education faculty and other education professionals statewide.

The Salvation Army DJ’s Hero Awards Program is named in memory of DJ Sokol, who lost his battle with cancer in 1999 at age 18. His parents, David and Peggy Sokol, established the program to honor the achievements of outstanding Nebraska high school seniors who overcome adversity and show outstanding leadership qualities in their communities. More than two decades after the founding of the program, DJ’s legacy lives on in the scholarship recipients—all of whom demonstrate his trademark resilience, kindness, and generosity.

Caden plans to continue his education at Southeast Community College in Beatrice in their utility line program. Caden was nominated for this award by Mrs. Reuter.

One of the most impactful efforts was the chapter’s partnership with the Nemaha County Veterans Service Office to host the first-ever Veterans Appreciation Breakfast.

“This group of students had everything laid out,” said Gene Mace, Nemaha County assistant veterans service officer. “Parents should be very proud of what they did.”

Mace said the event held special meaning for many attendees, particularly Vietnam and Korean War veterans.

“A lot of them had never really had much recognition,” he said. “They were really pleased that somebody finally recognized them.”

In addition to the breakfast, FBLA members sent Christmas cards to local veterans and donated more than $600 to the Nemaha County Veterans Aid Fund, which helps cover essential needs like utilities, housing, and transportation for for medical care.

“I still have my card,” Mace said. “I keep it right next to my recliner.”

Expanding Impact Through Community Service Students also led a second major initiative, Hearts for Hope: Alzheimer’s Awareness and Companionship Initiative.

The project included the chapter’s first Alzheimer’s Awareness Walk, which raised $500 for the Alzheimer’s Association, along with a broader effort to connect students with elderly residents in the community.

With the help of a $2,000 donation from Auburn FBLA alumnus Brent Comstock, students provided blankets to residents at local care facilities, including Good Samaritan Society and Long Creek.

“You might think it’s just a blanket, but for some people it’s more than that,” said Maria Hudson with Good Samaritan Society. “It really shows what an amazing job these students do.”

Hudson, who has worked with FBLA students for nearly a decade, said the relationships built between students and residents are just as meaningful as the donations.

“When the students come in, they make real connections,” she said. “That’s what this is all about.”

Strong Showing In Competition Auburn FBLA members also found success in state and national competition. Top-three finishes qualified several students for the National Leadership Conference this summer in San Antonio, Texas, including Lucy Christensen (event planning) and the team of Hayes and Grace Zhang (website coding and development).

The chapter also earned the Gold Seal of Merit Award and Superior Chapter honors at the state level.

Mentorship Program Grows One of the chapter’s fastest- growing efforts is its mentorship program, which pairs high school students with elementary students.

This year, 43 high school mentors worked with 47 elementary students, contributing more than 250 volunteer hours since November.

The program earned recognition and grant funding from ServeNebraska, Nebraska’s Service Commission, and Lead-4Change helping provide small stipends for student mentors in the form of gas cards and fund events.

“I wasn’t sure how it would go at first,” Maranda Gerdes FBLA advisor said during the banquet. “But it has surpassed our expectations.”

Seniors were also recognized for their leadership, specifically Jaidyn Glathar for serving as Nebraska FBLA state reporter.

Entering the postseason, the Bulldogs are at the top of their game, winning 14 of the last 15 outings. The Bulldogs have won their last nine games, a run that includes a road win over Class C #7 Lincoln Christian and more recently, a 12-2 dismantling of #8 Lincoln Lutheran this past Thursday.

With a one-run lead in the bottom of the fourth quarter, The Bulldogs earned hit after hit, cycling players round the basepaths to the tune of 10 runs to blow the game wide open.

10 Auburn batters earned at least one hit, with senior Jackson Warner and sophomore Caleb Cover recording two hits and two RBI each.

The Warriors would score a single run in the top of the fifth to avoid the 10-run rule, but it only lasted one more inning as the Bulldogs walked it off the bottom of the inning to 10-run the Warriors, winning by a final score of 12-2.

Auburn won their ninth straight game on Saturday with a 15-1 win over Omaha Bryan at home. The Bulldogs also earned a win over Fairbury earlier in the week by a score 4-3 bringing their season record to 17-5 with one final regular season game left on Tuesday against Seward. As the top seed and host of the District C1-4 Tournament, Auburn opens the postseason against #4 Falls City (3-16) on Thursday, May 7 at 3pm. Thursday’s winner will advance to the district final on Friday at 4:30 p.m. against the winner of #2 Arlington (10-9) and #3 Fairbury (8-12).

Addie Darnell ran the 400 meter dash in a winning time of 59.22 to claim her third school record. Darnell also holds the record for 100 and 300 meter hurdle events, both of which she would also win at the conference meet.

Darnell also ran a leg of the 1600 meter relay along with Heidi Gerdes, Addison Henry, and Liston Crotty. The relay team won with a time of 4:08.56 setting a new meet record.

Other first place finishers were Crotty in the 800 meter run and Jaidyn Glathar in the high jump. Glathar previously tied the school record in the girls high jump at 5 feet- 5 inches.

The Bulldog girls started the week with a team title at Falls City on Monday, April 27 with seven first place finishes.

The Auburn boys track and field team finished fifth in the conference behind multiple top three finishes from Wyatt Tanner and Logan Rowell. Tanner finished third in both the 200 and 300 meter dashes, while Rowell came in second in both the shot put and the discus throw.

Earlier in the week, the boys finished second at Falls City behind individual titles from Tanner and Rowell as well as Nash Crotty in the high jump.

Sterling High School - May 9, 2 PM - 250 Main Street, Sterling, NE 

Johnson County Central - May 9, 2 PM - 358 N 6th St, Tecumseh, NE

For those unable to attend in person, graduation will be livestreamed on the JCC Striv Channel at striv.tv/jcc.

Auburn Public Schools - May 10, 2PM - 1829 Central Ave. Auburn, NE

Johnson-Brock High School - May 16, 2:30 PM - 310 Main Street, Johnson, NE

Reading list of past candidate features:

Candidates for County Commissioner District 3 in Johnson County

Candidates for County Commissioner, in Nemaha County

Four Candidates Discuss Growth, Infrastructure at Nemaha County Commissioner Forum

Candidates for County Clerk in Johnson County

Candidates for County Attorney, in Nemaha County

Nemaha County Attorney Candidates Outline Priorities at Candidate Conversations

Voter information for Nemaha and Johnson Counties:

FAQ from the Nebraska Secretary of State

Find your polling location and voter info:

Nebraska Secretary of State 

Questions? Contact your County Clerk:

Nemaha County — Diane L. Johnson

(402) 274-4213

Johnson County — Kathleen Nieveen

(402) 335-6300

Sunday night, April 26, successes of the Auburn FFA chapter during the 2025-2026 school year were celebrated at the annual banquet.
Degrees were conferred on 17 members. 
Discovery: Blake Gerdes and Tucker Ryan. Intended for seventh and eighth graders who participate in organizational activities. 
Greenhand: Ella Ackley, Landry Allen, Macy DeBuhr, Sophie Falk, Emma Falk, Nash Gerdes and Veronica Housely. Ninth grade or older members who learn about the FFA history, mission, creed and emblem and make plans for an supervised agricultural experience (SAE). 
Chapter: Nash Crotty, Jocelyn Greedy, Alayna Helms, Aydan Smith and Lily Edwards. Top members of a local chapter. Requirements include having received the Greenhand Degree; satisfactorily complete 180 hours, or the equivalent of systematic school instruction in agricultural education at or above the ninth grade level and have an approved SAE in operation. 
State: Lily Edwards, Mia Gerdes and Hunter Stevenson. The highest degree the state association can bestow upon a member. It is awarded based upon the member’s comprehensive SAE. FFA members must submit two years of SAE record books, complete the state degree application and meet all minimum qualifications as well as pass an assessment.
Additional honors were announced.
Academic:  Stevenson, senior; Aca Andrew, junior; Caleb Cover and Alayna Helms, sophomore; Ella Ackley, freshman; Zoey Siegel, eighth grade and Miles Ockinga, seventh grade. Awarded to members with the highest cumulative grade point average in their respective grade.
Fundraising: Top five with number of items sold. Alayna Helms, 30 items; Landry Allen, 27 items; Sophie Falk, 20 items; and Blake Gerdes and Jeremiah Schlange, each 16 items.
Dedication: Students in each grade level meriting the most points. Senior, Stevenson, 475 points; junior, Aca Andrew, 390 points; sophomore, Greedy, 250 points; freshman, Emma Falk, 275 points; eighth grade, Tucker Ryan, 220 points; and seventh grade, Lilly Ackley and Wrenn Andrew, 200 points apiece.
Honorary membership was accorded to Tommy Grafton; and Wes and Katie DeBuhr.
 

Girls Division

Top Individual placings for JCC's girls are: Molly Weber won the 100 meter dash with a time of 26.43.

Molly Weber won first place in the 200 meter dash with a time of 26.87.

Madison VanLaningham earned a third place medal in the 3200 meter run with a time of 13:32.85.

Johnson County Central's girls 400 meter relay team took second place with a time of 52.82. Runners were Charlyn Bobadilla, Ty'Lynn Wellensiek, Riley Wellensiek, Molly Weber.

Molly Weber jumped 17' 1/2” for a first place medal in the long jump.

Medalists in the shot put included Harley Lubben in second place with a throw of 41' and Riley Wellensiek in third at 33' 10 1/2”.

Harley Lubben placed third in the discus with a throw of 109'6”.

Boys Division

Top Individual placings for JCC's boys are: Memphis Pingel placed third in the 400 meter dash at 55.05.

Trevin Huskey won the 3200 meter run with a time of 10:21.91.

Wesley Schmid placed third, accomplishing a personal best in the pole vault as he cleared the bar at 10' 6”.

Conner Gerking won a second place medal in the triple jump as he jumped 40' 11”.

Gabe Bernadt won the shot put with a throw of 46' ¾”.

Bernadt took second place in the discus with a throw of 130' 2”.

Girls Division

Rylie Beethe won first place in the finals of the 100 meter hurdles with a time of 15.73. She also won the 300 meter hurdles at 49.17.

Johnson-Brock's 3200 meter relay team won first place with a time 10:24.09. Runners were Leighton Edwards placed third in the 800 meter run with a time of 2:31.39.

Charlotte Metschke won the triple jump with a jump of 34'5”. Kinley Vice placed fourth in this event at 32' 3”.

Charlotte Metschke placed fourth in the long jump at 5' 7 ½”.

Boys Division

Deacon Bernadt took third place in the 400 meter dash with a time of 51.68.

Evan Alberts jumped 6'2” to win the high jump.

Carter Groth took fifth place in the long jump at 18' 9 1/2”.

Calvin Benham won the shot put with a throw of 54' 10”. Benham also won the discus with a throw of 164' 9”.

The Johnson-Brock boys placed fifth in the 400 meter relay with a time of 47.22.