By TYLER ELLYSON UNK Communications KEARNEY – “I love you little buddy. I’ll be back in a bit.” Ryan Woitalewicz will always remember those words. It’s the last thing his father Kenny said to him on that fateful Valentine’s Day in 2004. The volunteer captain with Wood River Fire and Rescue never returned home. Kenny Woitalewicz and fellow firefighter Bob Heminger were called to a house fire that morning. Both men entered the home in an attempt to rescue an … [Read more...] about Inspired by his late father, Ryan Woitalewicz is determined to make a difference
Kearney Public Schools
PAWS University Prep Academy closes COVID learning gap
By TYLER ELLYSON UNK Communications KEARNEY – The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted elementary students across the country. When schools were forced to abruptly close their doors in spring 2020, teachers and administrators had to adjust on the fly. They quickly transitioned to remote education, knowing that even their best efforts to teach children online may not be good enough. One year later, COVID-related learning loss remains a concern. On top of the … [Read more...] about PAWS University Prep Academy closes COVID learning gap
UNK graduate Lindsie Thiems recognized for work with KPS students
By HALEY APEL UNL Communications LINCOLN – Lindsie Thiems, a preschool teacher at Kearney Public Schools, is the recipient of the 2020 Christa McAuliffe Prize for Courage and Excellence in Education. The College of Education and Human Sciences at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln presents the annual award to a Nebraska teacher who exemplifies the character of Christa McAuliffe, the first teacher in space, who died in the 1986 Challenger space shuttle … [Read more...] about UNK graduate Lindsie Thiems recognized for work with KPS students
Chelsea Bartling named interim director of Early Childhood Education Center
By TYLER ELLYSON UNK Communications KEARNEY – The University of Nebraska at Kearney has selected an interim director to lead its LaVonne Kopecky Plambeck Early Childhood Education Center. UNK alumna Chelsea Bartling was appointed to the position effective today. Bartling has 11 years of experience in the early childhood field as a preschool teacher and early childhood specialist with Grand Island and Kearney public schools. She also worked as a teacher’s aide and … [Read more...] about Chelsea Bartling named interim director of Early Childhood Education Center
Commencement speaker Ryan Clark discovers unexpected opportunities at UNK
By TYLER ELLYSON UNK Communications KEARNEY – Ryan Clark is an unremarkable person. At least that’s how he views himself. “I don’t have any crazy story to tell or any inspiring moment,” Clark said. Yet, much to his surprise, the 23-year-old will be on stage Friday during the University of Nebraska at Kearney’s winter commencement to deliver the student address. “I wanted to know why so many people said no before they got to me,” joked Clark, who is … [Read more...] about Commencement speaker Ryan Clark discovers unexpected opportunities at UNK
