LINCOLN – The Nebraska State Association of Secondary School Principals recently recognized two University of Nebraska at Kearney graduates for their exemplary leadership and enthusiastic support of students and staff.
Luis Nieto was selected as the 2024-25 Assistant Principal of the Year and Amber Lewis was named the Outstanding New Principal of the Year.
‘A HEART FOR THE STUDENTS’
Nieto received a bachelor’s degree in 7-12 social science education from UNK in 2012 and later earned a master’s degree in educational administration from Chadron State College.
He started his career as a social studies teacher at Lexington Public Schools before becoming an assistant principal at Lexington High School in 2020. Nieto has been a member of the Nebraska Council of School Administrators (NCSA), Nebraska State Association of Secondary School Principals (NSASSP) and National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) for the past five years. He currently serves as the NSASSP membership coordinator for the group’s executive board.
“One of Mr. Nieto’s biggest strengths is his ability to build relationships with our students. Mr. Nieto isn’t afraid to sit down and visit with students during lunch, cheer for them at activities or participate in the homecoming student/teacher dance at the pep rally. Students appreciate his honesty and willingness to provide assistance,” said Eric Bell, principal at Lexington High School.
Language arts teacher Jerry Buck said: “His most prominent characteristic as an administrator is his positive and consistent communication to staff, students and parents. Mr. Nieto is always calm and approaches every situation with an even keel. No matter your position in the school or community – teacher, student, paraeducator, coach, parent, school board member – respect and fairness is shown to all.”
Lexington High School parent Danielle Dickman also praised Nieto for his sincere character and “heart for the students.”
“I have experienced him taking the time to listen and support both teachers and students in difficult situations. Mr. Nieto doesn’t simply tell people what they want to hear, he strives to help everyone and is always looking for the betterment of the student,” Dickman said.
‘INSPIRING ROLE MODEL’
Lewis holds three degrees from UNK. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Education in 2008, Master of Arts in History in 2011 and Master of Arts in Educational Administration in 2017.
Her career started in the classroom as a social studies teacher at Kearney High School. She moved into an assistant principal role at Horizon Middle School in 2019 and became the principal there in 2022. Lewis has been a member of the NCSA and NSASSP for five years and NASSP for one year. She currently serves as the NSASSP Region IV president.
“Amber’s strength lies in her ability to build meaningful relationships within the school community. She has created an environment where students feel valued and heard, and her rapport with staff fosters a collaborative spirit. Parents appreciate her accessibility and commitment, which has greatly enhanced community engagement,” said William Schmidt, assistant principal at Horizon Middle School.
Language arts teacher Emily Davidson describes her as an “inspiring role model.”
“She leads with grace and strength, especially in highly stressful situations, maintaining a calm and composed demeanor that helps guide the team through challenges,” Davidson said. “Her leadership is not only effective but also deeply compassionate.”
Lewis called the Outstanding New Principal of the Year award a “tremendous honor.”
“My career in education has given my life immeasurable meaning and purpose, which I hope has allowed me to make a positive impact on those I interact with each day,” she said. “I am blessed to work in a fantastic school with the most amazing colleagues and students. I am grateful for our district leaders at Kearney Public Schools for their constant support and mentorship. Lastly, I am so lucky to have a husband and daughters who understand the importance of education and make sure that I am able to find balance in my personal and professional lives.”
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
The NSASSP also recognized Brandon Mowinkel, junior/senior high school principal at Milford Public Schools, with the Distinguished Service Award.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial technology education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln before receiving his Master of Arts in Education in 7-12 school principalship from UNK. Mowinkel also holds a graduate degree in school leadership from UNL, as well as an educational specialist degree and doctorate from Doane University.
He’s been an active member of several professional organizations, including the NCSA, NSASSP and NASSP, with leadership positions on the NSASSP Region I Board, NSASSP State Board and NCSA Executive Board. His honors include NSASSP Assistant Principal of the Year in 2010 and NSASSP Secondary Principal of the Year in 2017.
“One of the best qualities about Dr. Mowinkel is that he cares deeply about the success of all students in and out of the classroom. He works tirelessly to create an environment in which every student can thrive and be successful in their own individual way and that they are ready for their next chapter after graduation from MPS,” said Kevin Wingard, retired superintendent at Milford Public Schools.
Former student Kellie Roth, now a fourth grade teacher, said: “While it may be easy for someone with great qualifications to step into a principal role, it takes someone skilled in compassion, humility, knowledge and motivation to do the job well. Dr. Mowinkel goes beyond this and I am a testament of his dedication today.”
