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Congratulations WHS Class of 2014!

May 11, 2014

Congratulations to the Wahoo High School Class of 2014!

This year's senior class celebrated its final day of school on Wednesday, May 7. Graduation was celebrated on Sunday, May 11, at 1:30 p.m. in the high school gymnasium.

Fifty-eight percent of this year's graduate plan to attend a four-year college or university, 26 percent plan to attend a two-year college, three percent will attend a tech or trade school, four percent will enter into military service, and eight percent will enter into the work force.

Sixty (60.3%) of the seniors reported they were offered a scholarship and/or grants for a total amount of over $1.7 million ($1,749,531) in award monies this year, but will accept the use of about $850,000 ($856,362.25) Of these totals, over $40,000 ($42,629) came from local scholarships, and $60,000 ($60,140) came from grants. (It is common for students to continue to receive scholarship awards through July.)

Valedictorian: Ronnie Brust

Salutatorian: Janae Urban

Class Song: See You When I See You by Jason Aldean

Class Colors: Blue and Gold

Class Flower: White Rose

Class Motto: "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." --Lao-tzu

Members of the Class of 2014:

(* = National Honor Society, § = Academic Honor Graduate)

*§ Kelsi Ann Anderson	Michaela Marie Norris
Rylee Joan Elizabeth Armstrong	Joseph Clayton Otte
Kelsey Jean Barnhill	Taylor Marie Otte
*§ Laura Ann Barry	Joseph Otto Palm
Ashley Marie Brandt	William Dean Petska
*§ Ronnie Rae Brust	Tye Mitchell Phillips
Alfonso William Buol Botello	Nathan Dean Redding
Travis Jacob Burkey	Daisy Faviola Rojas
Trevor Lee Carstens	Fenina Rain Rummel
Trey Anthony Carstens	Kaneja McKinley Russ
Richard Alan Davidson	Benjamin Alan Scheef
Kody Austin Fuller	Judith Seitz
Toben Glaeser	Gabrielle Kathleen Siebenaler
Joshua James Greenwalt	* Riley Nicole Sleister
McKenna Augustus Hansson	Andrew Michael Smith
*§ Emily Dawn Harrell	*§ Zendy Crisol Sotelo
*§ Katie Elizabeth Harrell	Colton Chase Spangler
Clair Gabriel Herrera	* Matthew Philip Ronald Spicka
Caitlin Marie Hundstad	*§ Tymber Skye States
*§ Tschida Marie Johnson	Rachel Lynne Stratman
* Haley Rose Jones	* Brenton Conner Tenopir
Josiah Kent Jorgensen	* Shauna Lynn Tweedy
Kaylee Jean Kapple	*§ Janae Taylor Urban
Kaylynn Sue Knuth	Andrew Louis Vech
Jessica Ann Krecklow	*§ Evann Hardy Vrana
Joshua Ki-Jana Langemeier	Haley Margaret Wagner
Seth James Lindgren	Melissa Renae Watson
Kirk Vincent Lindstrom	Rebecca Rose Welsh
Zachary Tucker Luben	Jacob David Wirka
Christopher Dale Meyers	Rhiley Kristeen Wood
* Michaela Renee Miller	Benjamin James Wotipka
Rachel Lee Mulholland	Brandon Joseph Zetocka

Senior Plans:

(* indicates National Honor Society Member)

*Kelsi Ann Anderson, daughter of Lori & Jeff Anderson, plans to attend UNL and major in Pre-Occupational Therapy or Pre-Medicine. Kelsi was awarded a “$1000 scholarship given by Ken Hanke in memory of Grace Hanke,” and a Dr. William Karl Stefan Memorial Scholarship.

Rylee Joan Elizabeth Armstrong, daughter of Erinn & Todd Blaske and Kevin Jurgens enrolled at Southeast Community College in Lincoln where she will pursue studies in Early Childhood Development and minor in Business.

Kelsey Jean Barnhill, daughter of Debra Zara and Jeremy Barnhill, will attend Southeast Community College in Lincoln where she will explore studies in Early Childhood Development while continuing to work at Half Pints. Her future goals include working in a children’s unit at a hospital.

*Laura Anne Barry, daughter of Deb & Michael Barry, applied to Buena Vista University where she was offered a BVU Arch Scholarship, Columbus Community College, where she was offered a Volleyball Scholarship, Doane College where she was offered a Doane Community Award, and Western Nebraska Community College where she was offered an Early Admissions Scholarship. Laura enrolled at Buena Vista University where she plans to play volleyball and pursue a major in Elementary Education. Laura was awarded a “$1000 scholarship given by Ken Hanke in memory of Grace Hanke.”

Ashley Marie Brandt, daughter of Jennifer & John Abramo and Dawn Kramer, applied to the University of Nebraska at Lincoln where she will pursue studies in Pre-Veterinary Medicine. Ashley plans to continue working at Happy Hearts Daycare over the summer.

*Ronnie Rae Brust, daughter of Deana & Russell Brust, applied to Concordia College, Doane College where she was awarded a Presidential Scholarship, and an Excellence Award – Women’s Cross Country and Women’s Cross Country Scholarship, and Northwest Missouri State University where she was offered a Distinguished Scholar Award and a Bearcat Advantage Award. Ronnie was accepted to Doane where she plans to participate in the Doane Hansen Leadership Program and run Cross Country and Track while pursuing a double major in Spanish and Secondary Education. Ronnie received the Kyle Elliott “Flik” and Chris Roberts Memorial Scholarship, the 2014 Wahoo Area Kiwanis Scholarship, the Wahoo Education Association Scholarship, a Wahoo Student Council Blood Drive Scholarship, the Willard Hunzeker Wahoo Lions Club Scholarship, and the Herff Jones Believe in You Scholarship & Principal’s Award.

Alfonso William Buol Botello, son of Alfonso Botello, enrolled at Southeast Community College in Lincoln where he received a SCC First Generation Scholarship. Alfonso was offered a Learn to Dream Scholarship sponsored by Southeast Community College and the Wahoo Public Schools. He plans to pursue studies in Criminal Justice.

Travis Jacob Burkey, son of Barb & Bruce Burkey, enrolled at Iowa Western Community College where he will major in Aviation Maintenance Technology.

Trevor Lee Carstens, son of Beckey Carstens and David Carstens, applied to Doane College and Wayne State College, where he was offered a Football Scholarship and received a Susan Thompson Buffett Scholarship. Trevor plans to attend Wayne State where he will major in Industrial Arts Education and play college football.

Trey Anthony Carstens, son of Beckey Carstens and David Carstens, applied to Metro Community College, Peru State College, Southeast Community College, Educational Foundation Scholarship, and Wayne State College. Trey plans to attend Metro Community College where he will complete his General Education courses, then transfer to the University of Nebraska at Omaha, to complete a degree in Aviation Administration. After earning his Bachelor’s degree, he plans to move to Oklahoma to attend the Federal Aviation Administration Academy Air Traffic Control School. Trey was awarded the Mark Massie Memorial Scholarship.

Richard Alan Davidson, son of Susan & Rich Davidson, plans to work full time at Elite Exteriors.

Kody Austin Fuller, son of Susan Fuller, plans to work at Omaha Steel full time.

Torben Glaeser, son of Freia & Armin Glaeser and host parents Kathy & Chuck Malm, plans to return to Frankfurt, Germany where he will finish high school. He plans to go into the Army where he hopes become an officer in their Airborne unit.

Joshua James Greenwalt, son of Elizabeth & Paul Greenwalt, enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he will serve as in the Advanced Electronics/Computer Field as a Fire Controlman. He hopes to serve aboard a carrier or destroyer.

McKenna Augustus Hansson, son of Lori & Gary Hansson, plans to attend Southeast Community College in Lincoln where he will pursue an Associate’s degree in Electronic Systems Technology; then get a job or continue his education to earn a Bachelor’s degree. McKenna received a Crete Carrier Corporation Program Scholarship.

*Emily Dawn Harrell, daughter of Melissa & Michael Harrell, applied to Northwest Missouri State University where she received a Distinguished Scholar Award and Bearcat Advantage Award, the University of Wyoming where she was offered a Rocky Mountain Scholars Award, and Wayne State College. Emily plans to attend Northwest Missouri State where she will major in Elementary Education.

*Katie Elizabeth Harrell, daughter of Melissa & Michael Harrell, applied to Texas A&M University and the University of Nebraska at Lincoln’s College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources where she was offered a CASNR Scholarship and a David Distinguished Scholarship. Katie will attend UNL where she will pursue a major in Agronomy. Katie received the Saunders County Farm Bureau Scholarship and a Wahoo Student Council Blood Drive Scholarship.

Clair Gabriel Herrera, son of Claire Snow, plans to work at 3M as a temporary worker then attend Southeast Community College at Milford where he will pursue a degree in Manufacturing Engineering Technology.

Caitlin Marie Hundstad, daughter of Shawna Grim, plans to pursue an apprenticeship in tattoo artistry and work in the community.

*Tschida Marie Johnson, daughter of Cherie & Rod Johnson, applied to Concordia University, North Dakota State University, the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, where she was offered a James Canfield Scholarship and Chancellor’s Leader Award, and the University of Nebraska at Omaha where she was offered an Athletic Scholarship for Track and a Textbook Award. She plans to attend UNO where she will run track and major in Special Education. Tschida was the recipient of a Runza Student of the Week Scholarship.

*Haley Rose Jones, daughter of Ianthe Coover and Joe Jones, applied to Iowa State University where she received an Academic Recognition Award, the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and Wayne State College. Haley plans to attend ISU and pursue a major in Psychology and eventually enter graduate school to complete work for a Masters and PhD with the intention of owning her own practice one day.

Josiah Kent Jorgensen, son of Janice & Kent Jorgensen, plans to further his education at a college or vocational school.

Kaylee Jean Kapple, daughter of Michele & Rich Kapple, applied to Southeast Community College in Lincoln where she received a SCC Educational Foundation Scholarship, and the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. Kaylee plans to attend SCC and work as a CNA while obtaining an Associate’s degree in Nursing. Kaylee was awarded the Saunders County Independent Bankers Association Scholarship and a Dr. William Karl Stefan Memorial Scholarship.

Kaylynn Sue Knuth, daughter of Allissa Steiner and Jared Knuth, applied to Northwest Missouri State University where she was offered a Freshman Merit Award and a Green & White Advantage Scholarship, the University of Nebraska at Kearney and the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. Kaylynn plans to attend UNL where she will major in Advertising and Public Relations.

Jessica Ann Krecklow, daughter of Michelle & Brent Krecklow, applied to the University Nebraska at Kearney and the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. Jessica plans to attend UNK and is undecided in her major. Jessica received a Susan Thompson Buffett Scholarship and a Jim Langemeier Youth Scholarship.

Joshua Ki-Jana Langemeier, son of Holly Langemeier, was admitted to the University of Nebraska at Lincoln where he plans to major in Pre-Physical Therapy. He received a Dr. William Karl Stefan Memorial Scholarship and the Emil B. Eliason Memorial Scholarship.

Seth James Lindgren, son of Joan & David Lindgren, applied to Concordia University where he was offered a Dean’s Scholarship and Football Scholarship, Doane College where he was offered a Van Hoy Scholarship and Football Scholarship, Hastings College, where he was offered a Ringland Scholarship, and Nebraska Wesleyan University, where he was offered a Black and Gold Scholarship. Seth plans to attend Nebraska Wesleyan to major in Engineering and play football and participate in track and field.

Kirk Vincent Lindstrom, son of Beverly & Joel Lindstrom, plans to attend Iowa Western Community College where he will pursue a degree in Diesel Mechanics and play football. Kirk received a Saunders County Auto Association Scholarship.

Zachary Tucker Luben, son of Angie & Mike Luben, enrolled at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. He is undecided as to what major he will pursue.

Christopher Dale Meyers, son of Sherri & Dale Meece, plans to go to Metro Community College where he will pursue studies in Business Management.

*Michaela Renee Miller, daughter of Mary & Robert Miller, enrolled at Bellevue University where she was offered a Freshman Academic Achievement Scholarship and a Softball Scholarship. She plans to play softball and major in Graphic Design. Michaela received the Steven Smith Memorial Fine Arts Scholarship.

Rachel Lee Mulholland, daughter of Rhonda & W.H. Mulholland, enrolled at Hastings College where she received a Crimson Scholarship, a Dean’s Scholarship and a Rodeo Scholarship. Rachel will pursue a degree in Accounting.

Jace Alexander Nissen, son of Tonya & Robert Myers, applied to the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He plans to pursue a degree in Computer Engineering.

Michaela Marie Norris, daughter of Wendy Norris, applied to Peru State College. She plans to major in Psychology with the goal to become a family counselor/art therapist one day. Michaela received a scholarship from TeamMates of Saunders County.

Joseph Clayton Otte, son of Kim & Steve Otte, applied to Southeast Community College in Lincoln where he will pursue an Associate’s degree in Business Management and work at Otte Oil and Propane, Inc.

Taylor Marie Otte, daughter of Marcia & Chris Otte, applied to the University of Nebraska at Kearney and the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. Taylor plans to attend UNL where she will major in Pre-Health Occupational Therapy or Radiology. She plans to walkon for softball. Taylor received a Susan Thompson Buffett Scholarship.

Joseph Otto Palm, son of Sue & James Palm, plans to enter the work force. Joe was offered a scholarship from TeamMates of Saunders County.

William Dean Petska, son of Lisa and Robert Petska, plans to work for a year full time then attend Southeast Community College in Lincoln where he will pursue a degree in Welding.

Tye Mitchell Phillips, son of Stacey & Rick Phillips, enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. His future plans include attending college after fulfilling his military commitment.

Nathan Dean Redding, son of Laurie & David Redding, will work over the summer then in the fall leave to go on a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. When he returns home, he plans to enroll at Brigham Young University in Idaho. His major is undecided.

Daisy Faviola Rojas, daughter of Faviola Gonzalez and Ruben Rojas, plans to continue her education after graduation with the hopes of finding a job in the community.

Fenina Rain Rummel, daughter of Shelly Mata and Kevin & Amanda Rummel, was accepted to Southeast Community College in Lincoln and the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. She is interested in pursuing studies for a career in Pre-Health and Child Development at SCC. Fenina received a Learn to Dream Scholarship sponsored by Southeast Community College and the Wahoo Public Schools.

Kaneja McKinley Russ, son of Lisa Russ, enrolled at Southwest Minnesota State University, where he was awarded a Leadership Scholarship and a SMSU Scholarship for Wheelchair Basketball. KJ plans to play wheelchair basketball and major in Broadcasting or Recreational Health and Psychology. He also received a Great Plains Paralyzed Veterans of American, Inc. McAleer/Pierce Memorial Scholarship, a Michael Shada Memorial Scholarship and the Wahoo Senior Center Association Scholarship.

Benjamin Alan Scheef, son of Jodi & Kevin Scheef, applied to Briar Cliff University and Hastings College where he was offered an Ambassador Scholarship and Basketball Scholarship. He is undecided as to which college he will attend, but plans to major in Business Administration. Ben received a T&L Irrigation Business Scholarship and a Michael Shada Memorial Scholarship.

Gabrielle Kathleen Siebenaler, daughter of Lisa & Parry Siebenaler, enrolled at York College where she will major in Music Education. Gabby received the new Milrae Anderson Music Educator Scholarship and a Patricia Starr Music Scholarship.

Judith Laura Seitz, daughter of Ingrid & Andreas Seitz and host-parents Holly & Tim Discher, plans to return to Germany where she will finish school then go to college. Judith plans to pursue studies in Nutrition Science or Animal Care.

*Riley Nicole Sleister, daughter of Julie & Matthew Sleister, plans to attend Northwest Missouri State where she was awarded a Northwest Missouri State Tower Scholarship and a Bearcat Advantage Award. Riley received a Land O’ Frost Scholarship.

Andrew Michael Smith, son of Darcie Frederick, applied to Midland University where he was offered a Performing Arts Scholarship, and Southeast Community College at Lincoln where he was offered a Learn to Dream Scholarship sponsored by Southeast Community College and the Wahoo Public Schools. Andrew plans to attend Midland University and major in Arts Management.

*Zendy Crisol Sotelo, daughter of Leticia & Ramon Sotelo, applied to Creighton University where she was offered a Merit Award, the University of California at Davis, the University of California at Santa Barbara, and the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. Zendy will attend UNL where she was admitted into the College of Arts & Sciences Honors Program. She plans to seek a double major in Spanish and Psychology and later pursue a
degree in Medicine. Zendy received the South Haven Scholarship.

Colton Chase Spangler, son of Tamela and Tim Spangler, plans to enroll at Metro Community College. He is undecided as to his major. He received the Ed Koutny Memorial Scholarship and the Mark A. Swanson Memorial Scholarship.

*Matthew Philip-Ronald Spicka, son of Sara & Robert Spicka, applied to Doane College where he was offered a Presidential Scholarship and Instrumental Music Scholarship, Nebraska Wesleyan University where he was offered a President’s Scholarship, an Achievement Scholarship, and a Wesleyan Grant, the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and the University of Nebraska at Omaha, where he was invited into the Honors Program and offered a Dean’s Scholarship. He plans to attend UNO where he will pursue a double major in Aviation and Pre-Health. Matthew intends to go to Medical School and become a doctor. Matt received the Bess McDonald Memorial Scholarship, the Rachel L. (Simon) Dixon Memorial Scholarship, a Dr. William Karl Stefan Memorial Scholarship and the new Saunders Medical Center Health Education Scholarship.

*Tymber Skye States, daughter of Lesley Maly & Randall States, applied to Creighton University, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Rocky Mountain College where she was offered a Trustee Scholarship, and the University of Nebraska at Omaha where she was offered a Dean’s Scholarship and UNO Department of Accounting John and Mary Schleiger Undergraduate Scholarship. Tymber plans to attend Rocky Mountain College in Billings, Montana where she will pursue a degree in Accounting. Tymber received a Dr. William Karl Stefan Memorial Scholarship.

Rachel Lynne Stratman, daughter of Tori & Chris Stratman, applied to Southeast Community College, the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, the University of Nebraska at Kearney and Wayne State College. Rachel will attend SCC in Lincoln for two years before transferring to Wayne State. She plans to pursue a degree in Early Childhood Education.

*Brenton Conner Tenopir, son of Brenda & Greg Tenopir, was admitted to the University of Nebraska at Lincoln’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. His major is undecided.

*Shauna Lynn Tweedy, daughter of Anne & Richard Tweedy, applied to Nebraska Wesleyan University and the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. She plans to walk on at UNL for Track and major in Pre-Heath.

*Janae Taylor Urban, daughter of Lisa Tesina and Jerry Urban, applied to the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, where she was invited into the University Honors Program and the College of Business Administration Honors Academy, and was offered a UNL David Distinguished Scholarship, UNL Honors Textbook Scholarship and UNL Pepsi Scholarship. Janae plans to attend the University of Pennsylvania, Wharton Business School where she received the Hayward Pearce Scholarship. She will pursue studies in Behavioral Economics and Social Impact. Before attending Penn, Janae will study abroad for one year in Germany as a recipient of the Congress Bundestag Vocational Youth Exchange Scholarship Program. She was also awarded a Future Business Leader Scholarship, the Saunders County Farm Bureau Scholarship and a Dr. William Karl Stefan Memorial Scholarship.

Andrew Louis Vech, son of Susan Vech and Dave Vech, enrolled at Southeast Community College in Milford, where he will pursue studies in Farm Diesel Mechanics.

*Evann Hardy Vrana, daughter of Ann & Steve Vrana, applied to Coe College where she was offered an Academic Distinction Scholarship and Presidential Scholarship, Cornell College where she was offered a Presidential Scholarship and Cornell Grant, Doane College where she was offered a Presidential Scholarship, Drake University where she was offered a Presidential Scholarship, Hamline University where she was offered a Hamline Honors Scholarship, Marquette University where she was offered a Ignatius/Magis Scholarship, Northwest Missouri State University where she was offered a Distinguished Scholar Award and Bearcat Advantage Award, Texas Christian University where she was offered a TCU Scholarship, the
University of Missouri at Columbia where she was offered a Mark Twain Non-Resident Scholarship and MU Grant, the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, where she was offered a James H. Canfield Scholarship, and William Jewell College where she was offered a Doniphan Scholarship, a Jewell Cardinal Grant and Out-of-State Grant. Evann is undecided as to which college she will attend, but plans to major in Elementary Special Education. Evann received the Ron and Tim Larsen Memorial Scholarship, a Dr. William Karl Stefan Memorial Scholarship and a Wahoo Student Council Blood Drive Scholarship.

Haley Margaret Wagner, daughter of Susan & Craig Wagner, applied to Midland University, where she was offered an Honor Scholarship, and the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. Haley plans to attend Midland University where she will major in Elementary Education. Haley received the Daniel F. Pestal Memorial Scholarship.

Melissa Renae Watson, daughter of Trish & Roy Wilson, applied to Peru State College, the University of Nebraska at Kearney and Wayne State College. Melissa plans to attend Wayne State for Music Education and student teach at a local high school.

Rebecca Rose Welsh, daughter of Sara & Dylan Welsh, enlisted in the Nebraska Army Guard and will complete Basic Training and attend Tech School this fall. In the spring Rosie will enroll at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln where she will pursue a degree in Forensic Science, specializing in Crime Scene Investigation, and minor in Spanish.

Jacob David Wirka, son of Beth and David Wirka, plans to attend Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas where he will pursue a degree in Secondary Education or Ministry with a minor in Drama or Coaching. Jacob received a Patricia Starr Music Scholarship and a Dr. William Karl Stefan Memorial Scholarship.

Rhiley Kristeen Wood, daughter of Jennifer & Terry Wood, Jr., applied to Southeast Community College in Lincoln. Rhiley plans to work as a CNA while attending college and majoring in studies where she can become a Drug/Alcohol Therapist. Rhiley was offered a Learn to Dream Scholarship sponsored by Southeast Community College and the Wahoo Scholarship Partners, Donors: Larry Dean Cejka Scholarship Fund.

Benjamin James Wotipka, son of Deb & Jim Wotipka, plans to attend Midland University where he received a Performing Arts Scholarship for band. Ben plans to major in Psychology and Music.

Brandon Joseph Zetocka, son of Chris & Randy Zetocka, applied to Midland University and the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. Brandon plans to attend Midland where he received an Athletic Scholarship for baseball.