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Congratulations WHS Class of 2016!

Seniors released to the world on May 8

May 08, 2016

Congratulations to the Wahoo High School Class of 2016!

This year's senior class celebrated its final day of school on Wednesday, May 4. Graduation was celebrated on Sunday, May 8, at 1:30 p.m. in the high school gymnasium.

51.7 percent of this year's graduate plan to attend a four-year college or university, 34.5 percent plan to attend a two-year college, 1.7 percent will attend a tech or trade school, 1.7 percent will enter into military service, 8.6 percent will enter into the work force, and 1.7 percent are undecided.

Forty-six (46.5%) of the seniors reported they were offered a scholarship and/or grants for a total amount of over $830,000 ($830,742.50) in award monies this year, but will accept the use of about $413,000 ($413,620) Of these totals, over $49,000 ($49,236.25) came from local scholarships, and about $11,000 ($11,280) came from grants. (It is common for students to continue to receive scholarship awards through July.)

Valedictorian

Lauren Crockett

Salutatorian

Elise McIlhaney

Class Song
Back Home by Andy Grammer

Class Colors
White and Gold

Class Flower
Rose

Class Motto
"Chase your dreams but always know the road that will lead you home again." --Tim McGraw

Members of the Class of 2016:

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

Sean Thomas Anson	Cheyenne Elizabeth Peterson
Jeremy Robert Barnhill, Jr.	*§ Lydia Catherine Privett
*§ Ana Marie Boesiger	Jordan Tyler Ptacek
Emily Autumn Faith Colgan	Clayton Joseph Redding
*§ Lauren Christina Crockett	Anthony Wayne Reed
Tayler Anthony Emil Cuda	Jacob Daniel Robichaud
Jerome Michael Dalton	Maria Guadalupe Rodriguez-Medina
Zachary Lee Frain	Taylor Marie Rouse
Jordan Cole Franklin	Cynthia Margarita Ruiz
*§ Anna Katherine Gottschalk	*§ Makeda Elise Russ
*§ Dani Jo Groff	Mason Randolph Russell
Tyler Jordan Haden	Justin Dakota Sabatka
Austin Jay Hand	Reuben James Sanchez
*§ Taylor Jordan Homes	Makayla Rayann Simmons
Dakota James Jaskulski	Zain Logan Smith
Brianna Nichole Johnson	Robert John Spicka, Jr.
Joshua Daryl Johnson	Mason Cruise DaFoe States
* Paeton Rae Johnson	Ethan Russell Stratman
Noah James Kolterman	Jacey Danielle Sutton
Alexis Winter Libal	Colton Andrew Talbert
Jeffrey Robert Malina	§ Tyler William Timm
Lakota James Marvin	Brittany Renay Vech
*§ Elise Kathleen McIlhaney	Humberto Junior Villarreal
Shelby Marie Milliken	* Alexis Hardy Vrana
* Caitlyn Lee Moore	Devin Robert Weichman
Mayson Lynn Nicholls	Jared Guy West
Morgan Kay Novak	Eliza Conique Zaragoza
Jacob Jerry Nuckolls	Kallynn Paula Zeleny
Joseph John Pestal	Christy Zheng

Senior Plans: 

(* indicates National Honor Society Member)

Sean Thomas Anson, son of Kim & John Anson, plans to attend the University of Nebraska at Omaha where he will pursue a degree in Business.

Jeremy Robert Barnhill, Jr., son of Debra Zara and Jeremy Barnhill, Sr., enrolled at Metropolitan Community College where he received a Grant. He plans to continue working at the Wigwam Café while pursuing a degree in Computer Information Technology on Metro’s Elkhorn Campus.

*Ana Marie Boesiger, daughter of Nichole Boehmer and Jose Boesiger, plans to attend Southeast Community College in Lincoln where she will pursue a degree in Human Services. Ana received a Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation Scholarship.

Emily Autumn Faith Colgan, daughter of Jill & Rick Colgan, was admitted to the University of Nebraska at Lincoln where she will major in Pre-Secondary Education with an emphasis in Spanish.

*Lauren Christina Crockett, daughter of Ann & Gregory Crockett, was offered admission to the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, where she was offered a Regents Scholarship and recognized as a University Honors Scholar, and to the University of Nebraska at Omaha, where she was offered a Regents Scholarship. Lauren plans to attend UNL to study Pre-Medicine and upon college graduation hopes to attend medical school. Lauren received a Runza Student of the Week Scholarship, the “Willard Hunzeker” – Wahoo Area Lion’s Club Scholarship, a Student Council/National Honor Society
Blood Drive Scholarship and a Wahoo Area Kiwanis Club Scholarship.

Tayler Anthony Emil Cuda, son of Angie & Loren Cuda, applied to the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Tayler plans to pursue a degree in Business at UNO.

Jerome Michael Dalton, son of Bobbie & Grove Dalton III, will attend Peru State College where he received a Bobcat Selfie Scholarship. Jerome plans to major in Criminal Justice with his long-term plans including a career as a military officer.

Zachary Lee Frain, son of Kitty & Steve Frain, will resume his post-graduate education through the WHS Transitions Program and work full-time at Region V.

Jordan Cole Franklin, son of Karen Franklin and Ty Franklin, plans to work full time after high school for a year then decide whether to pursue a degree in Auto Technology. Jordan was offered a Learn to Dream Scholarship sponsored by Southeast Community College and Wahoo Public Schools.

*Anna Katherine Gottschalk, daughter of Susan & Erica Gottschalk, was offered admission to the University of Nebraska at Kearney, the University of Nebraska at Lincoln where she was offered a David Distinguished Scholarship and recognized as a Pepsi Scholar, and the University of Nebraska at Omaha where she was offered a Regents Scholarship. Anna plans to attend UNO where she was admitted into the Honors Program and will pursue a degree in
Education. She was awarded the Ron & Tim Larsen Memorial Scholarship and a Saunders County Farm Bureau Scholarship.

*Dani Jo Groff, daughter of Amy & Dennis Groff, was offered admission to the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, where she received a David Distinguished Scholarship and recognized as a University Honors Scholar, and to the University of Nebraska at Omaha where she was offered a Regents Scholarship. Dani was invited into the Honors Program at both universities. She is undecided as to which university she will attend as well as her program of study. Dani
received a Student Council/National Honor Society Blood Drive Scholarship.

Tyler Jordan Haden, son of Rachel & Jeff Whitaker, plans to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice at Peru State College.

Austin Jay Hand, son of Tina Morales, plans to attend Southeast Community College in Lincoln and major in Welding Technology.

*Taylor Jordan Homes, daughter of Kim & Brian Homes, was offered admission to Augustana College in Illinois, where she was awarded a Presidential Scholarship, an Out-of-State Award and an Augustana Photo Contest Award, Northwest Missouri State University, where she was offered a Bearcat Advantage Scholarship, a Tower Scholarship, and to the University of Nebraska at Kearney where she was offered a Chancellor’s Scholarship. Taylor enrolled at Northwest Missouri State where she will major in Dietetics then continue to graduate school with the goal to become a Registered Pediatric Dietary Nutritionist. Taylor was awarded a “$1000 scholarship given by Ken Hanke in memory of Grace Hanke.” She also received the 2016 Karen K. Duncan Scholarship affiliated with Duncan Aviation.

Dakota James Jaskulski, son of Lisa Jaskulski and the late Michael Jaskulski, plans to attend Southeast Community College in Lincoln where he will complete Professional Truck Driver Training, then follow in his father’s footsteps and drive a flatbed truck and trailer.

Brianna Nichole Johnson, daughter of Melanie Walsh and Ross Johnson, plans to pursue training as a dog groomer or attend the University of Nebraska at Lincoln where she will pursue a degree as a Veterinary Technician.

Joshua Daryl Johnson, son of Julie & Daryl Johnson, was offered admission to Nebraska Wesleyan University where he was offered an Archway Scholarship and N.W.U. Achievement Scholarship, the University of Nebraska at Kearney, the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Josh plans to attend UNL where he will pursue a degree in Psychology. Josh was awarded the new Jane Marie Gross Memorial Scholarship.

*Paeton Rae Johnson, daughter of Nicole & Aaron Johnson, plans to go to the Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing and Applied Health, where she received an Admissions Scholarship. Paeton will pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. She received the Mark Massie Memorial Scholarship, a Saunders Health Services Foundation Health Education Scholarship and a Student Council/National Honor Society Blood Drive Scholarship.

Noah James Kolterman, son of Darlene & John Kolterman, plans to enroll at Southeast Community College in Lincoln where he will pursue a degree in Welding Technology.

Alexis Winter Libal, daughter of Michelle & Jason Libal, plans to attend Morningside College where she received an Academic & Athletic Scholarship to play softball. She plans to major in Advertising and Public Relations.

Jeffrey Robert Malina, son of Heather & Robert Malina, plans to work at a dealership while attending Southeast Community College in Milford, where he will pursue studies in the MOPAR – Chrysler/Dodge/Ram/Jeep College Automotive Program in cooperation with a dealer sponsorship. Jeff will major in Automotive Technology.

Lakota James Marvin, son of Staci Redwing and Charles Marvin, plans to work at Sid Dillon and attend school at Southeast Community College in Lincoln.

*Elise Kathleen McIlhaney, daughter of Mary & Nate McIlhaney, applied to Boston University where she was offered a Boston University Grant, Carleton College where she was offered a Carleton Grant/Scholarship, Case Western Reserve University where she was offered a University Scholarship and a CWRU Grant, Grinnell College where she was offered a Founders Scholarship and a Grinnell Grant, and Luther College, where she was offered a Founders Scholarship, a “Become” Award, and a Luther Grant. Elise will attend Carleton College in Minnesota where she plans to pursue a doctorate degree in Archeology. She received the Saunders County Independent Bankers Association Scholarship, the Steven Smith Memorial Fine Arts Scholarship and the Patricia Starr Music Scholarship.

Shelby Marie Milliken, daughter of Marla & Keith Milliken, applied to Peru State College, the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, and the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Shelby plans to attend Peru State College and major in Elementary Education and minor in Coaching. Shelby received the Wahoo Education Association Scholarship.

*Caitlyn Lee Moore, daughter of Mehgan & Gary Moore, will attend the University of Nebraska at Lincoln where she will pursue a degree in Political Science. Caitlyn received a Student Council/National Honor Society Blood Drive Scholarship and a 2nd Place Regional Scholarship as a member of the Academic Decathlon Team.

Mayson Lynn Nicholls, daughter of Annika & Michael Nicholls, will attend Metro Community College starting this summer. She plans to complete her General Education requirements then do an academic transfer to a four-year college to complete a degree in Business.

Morgan Kay Novak, daughter of Melissa Novak and Jon Novak, enrolled at Iowa Western Community College where she will pursue a degree for Physical Therapy Assistant.

Jacob Jerry Nuckolls, son of Mary & Jesse Nuckolls, plans to attend Southeast Community College in Lincoln where he will pursue a degree in Welding Technology. Jacob received a Dr. William Karl Stefan Memorial Scholarship.

Joseph John Pestal, son of Paula & Kenneth Pestal, plans to work at Dairy Queen, teach swimming and lifeguard at the Wahoo Aquatic Center, Job Shadow Nebraska Game & Parks at Wahoo, while attending Midland University to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice. Joe received a Midland University Vocal Fine Arts Scholarship and a Midland University Campus Visit Scholarship. He also received a Saunders County 4H Scholarship, a Saunders County Livestock Association Scholarship and a Dr. William Karl Stefan Memorial Scholarship.

Cheyenne Elizabeth Peterson, daughter of Tammy & David Peterson, applied to Central Community College and Metropolitan Community College. Cheyenne plans to attend Central Community College in Columbus and pursue a degree in Media Arts.

*Lydia Catherine Privett, daughter of Chris & David Privett, applied to Chadron State College, the University of Nebraska at Kearney, the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and Wayne State College. Lydia plans to attend Chadron where she will participate in the Rural Health Opportunities Program (RHOP) for Pre-Nursing. Lydia also received a Lambert Family Scholarship, a 2nd Place Regional Scholarship as a member of the Academic Decathlon Team and a
Saunders Health Services Foundation Health Education Scholarship.

Jordan Tyler Ptacek, son of Jamie & Vincent Tesinsky, was offered admission to Concordia University where he was offered an Academic Scholarship and to Midland University where he received an Athletic Scholarship to play football. Jordan plans to attend Midland University where he will pursue a degree in Elementary Education. He received the Daniel F. Pestal Memorial Scholarship.

Clayton Joseph Redding, son of Laurie & David Redding, plans to work for M.E. Collins Contracting over the summer then serve a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. When he returns, he will attend Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.

Anthony Wayne Reed, son of Patricia Reed and Blaine Reed, plans to attend the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, but is undecided as to the major he will pursue.

Jacob Daniel Robichaud, son of Shandie & Jeffrey Robichaud, was accepted at Peru State College, where he plans to study Criminal Justice with a focus on the Justice Counseling option.

Maria Guadalupe Rodriguez-Medina, daughter of Abigail Medina & Antonio Rodriguez.

Taylor Marie Rouse, daughter of Chris Rouse and Galyn Rouse, plans to attend Creighton University where she received a Creighton University Grant and a Linn Award. Taylor plans to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing with the goal of becoming a Trauma Nurse.

Cynthia Margarita Ruiz, daughter of Tina Morales, plans to continue working at South Haven as a Dietary Aide, then enroll at Southeast Community College in Lincoln where she will pursue a degree in Business Management. Cynthia was offered a Learn to Dream Scholarship sponsored by Southeast Community College and Wahoo Public Schools.

*Makeda Elise Russ, daughter of Lisa Russ and Kevin Russ, applied to Midland University, Nebraska Wesleyan University, where she was offered a President’s Scholarship, a NWU Achievement Scholarship, a Vaughn Scholarship and a Nebraska Opportunity Grant, the University of Nebraska at Kearney where she was offered a Chancellor’s Scholarship, the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, where she was offered a Canfield Scholarship, a Nebraska Achievement Scholarship, and a Nebraska Emerging Leaders Scholarship, and the University of Nebraska at Omaha where she was offered a Dean’s Scholarship. Makeda plans to attend UNO where she will major in Athletic Training, with the ultimate goal of attending graduate school to become a Physical Therapist. She received a Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation Scholarship, the new Charles Divis Scholarship, the "HTR Merit Based Scholarship" through the Wahoo Community Foundation, the Rosie & Ed Rastovski “Overcoming Adversity” Scholarship, the South Haven Health Care Scholarship, a Saunders Health Services Foundation Health Education Scholarship, and a Student Council/National Honor Society Blood Drive Scholarship.

Mason Randolph Russell, son of Laura Flessner, plans to enlist in the Nebraska Army National Guard in June. He will go to Army Basic Training then complete Advanced Individual Training (AIT) in a field of his choice. When he returns from AIT he will enroll at Southeast Community College in Milford for the winter quarter. Mason intends to pursue a degree in the General Motors Automotive Service Educational Program.

Justin Dakota Sabatka, son of Nanette & Donald Sabatka, plans to attend Southeast Community College at Milford where he will earn an Associate’s degree as Diesel-Ag Equipment Service Technician. Justin received the Ken Good Scholarship, the Ed Koutny Memorial Scholarship, the Mark A. Swanson Memorial Scholarship, a Saunders County Livestock Association Scholarship and a Saunders County Farm Bureau Scholarship.

Reuben James Sanchez, son of Elizabeth Williams and James Sanchez, plans to attend Southeast Community College at Lincoln to pursue a degree in Welding Technology, then continue studies with a focus in Business Administration.

Makayla Rayann Simmons, daughter of Lisa Trapp and Damien Simmons, plans to take a year off to work, then decide what program of study to pursue.

Zain Logan Smith, son of Maegan Lamprecht and Nick Smith, was admitted to Southeast Community College at Lincoln and Peru State College. He plans to pursue a degree in Elementary Education at Peru State.

Robert John Spicka, Jr., son of Sara & Robert Spicka, applied to ITT Tech, Metropolitan Community College and Southeast Community College. Bobby plans to earn an Associate’s Degree in Computer Information at Southeast then continue to a 4-year university to complete a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. Bobby was awarded a Learn to Dream Scholarship from the Larry Dean Cejka Scholarship Foundation sponsored by the Wahoo Scholarship Partners and Southeast Community College. He also received the Wahoo Senior Center Association Scholarship and a Dr. William Karl Stefan Memorial Scholarship.

Mason Cruise DaFoe States, son of Lesley States, plans to enlist in the U.S. Army, complete Basic Training, then Infantry School, then volunteer for the Ranger Assessment and Selection Program with the hope of joining the ranks of the of the U.S. Army’s Special Operations and Command Unit 75th Ranger Regiment. After serving in the Army, Mason plans to pursue a degree in Welding at a community college.

Ethan Russell Stratman, son of Tori & Chris Stratman, was admitted to Midland University, Morningside College, the University of Nebraska at Kearney and the University of Sioux Falls. Ethan enrolled at Morningside College where he received an Athletic Scholarship for Football and an Ambassador Award. He plans to pursue a double major in Elementary Education and Special Education.

Jacey Danielle Sutton, daughter of Rose & Mark Sutton, plans to attend Peru State College and pursue a degree in Business Management.

Colton Andrew Talbert, son of Sarah & Mark Talbert, enrolled at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln where he will pursue a degree in Computer Engineering and audition for the Cornhusker Marching Band and the Big Red Express Pep Band. Colton received the Ruth H. Aufenkamp Memorial Scholarship, the Patricia Starr Music Scholarship, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Beaver-Bartek Post 4502 & Auxiliary “Patriots” Scholarship for Wahoo Public Schools, and a scholarship awarded by the Wahoo First United Methodist Church.

Tyler William Timm, son of Tara & Mark Timm, plans to attend Iowa State University where he received a Freshman Award. He intends to enroll in Aerospace Engineering and participate in the U.S. Air Force ROTC program. Tyler received a 2nd Place Regional Scholarship as a member of the Academic Decathlon Team.

Brittany Renay Vech, daughter of Susan Smith and David Vech, plans to attend Southeast Community College where she will pursue a degree in Accounting.

Humberto Junior Villarreal, son of Leticia & Ramon Sotelo, applied to Metropolitan Community College, Peru State College and Southeast Community College. He plans to attend Southeast Community College in Lincoln where he will pursue a degree in Criminal Justice.

*Alexis Hardy Vrana, daughter of Ann & Steve Vrana, applied to Chadron State College, Northwest Missouri State University where she was offered a Bearcat Advantage Scholarship and a Tower Scholarship, the University of Nebraska at Kearney and the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. She plans to attend UNL, but is undecided as to which program of study she will pursue. Alexis received the Michael Shada Memorial Scholarship.

Devin Robert Weichman, son of Cara Weichman, plans to continue working at Region V, then attend Job Corps and complete a career-training program in Welding.

Jared Guy West, son of Shaunna Harter and Steve West, was admitted to Peru State College where he will pursue a degree in Criminal Justice.

Eliza Conique Zaragoza, daughter of Claudia & Jesus Zaragoza, plans to attend Southeast Community College in Lincoln to major in Early Childhood Education, then do an academic transfer to a four-year college to complete a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education.

Kallynn Paula Sue Zeleny, daughter of Candy Zeleny and Thomas Zeleny, was accepted to Northeast Community College where she will pursue a degree in Early Childhood Education with the intention of running her own child day care center.

Christy Zheng, daughter of Lin Meng & Guo Zheng, plans to attend the University of Nebraska at Lincoln where she will pursue a degree in Health Sciences. Christy received a College Opportunity Scholarship from the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation and a Dr. William Karl Stefan Memorial Scholarship.