By Allison Peck
Listen to the full interview on our Kubota Podcast
The North Platte Public Schools Foundation is continuing to support students, educators and families across the district through academic recognition programs, fundraising efforts and upcoming community events.
Executive Director Terri Burchell said one recent highlight was the Academic Pep Rally, which recognizes North Platte High School students for their ACT scores.
“We’re not necessarily celebrating touchdowns and all that good stuff, but we’re shining off academics,” Burchell said.
Students who score between 25 and 29 on the ACT receive an iPad, while students scoring 30 or higher receive a MacBook Pro through donor-supported funding.
“It’s just the bigger picture, the community coming around and supporting the students,” Burchell said. “It’s not about your score. It’s one test. It’s one moment. It does not define you.”
Burchell said the incentive program helps encourage students to prepare for the ACT while also highlighting academic achievement.
“I believe so,” Burchell said when asked if the program encourages more studying and excitement around the ACT. “It gives them something to strive for.”
The foundation is also continuing to support Kids Club programming following a successful Giving Day campaign that raised nearly $5,000.
“We cannot not have Kids Club,” Burchell said. “I think our businesses would also feel that scrunch because the way we’ve got Kids Club, they stay in their school building.”
Burchell said the foundation also works alongside Kids Club through its Homework Club program, which provides after-school academic support for students needing additional help.
“We’re hoping to expand that, the Homework Club especially,” Burchell said.
The foundation is now preparing for its Golf Classic on May 29. Burchell said two four-person teams remain available and registration is open to the public through the foundation’s website.
The organization is also planning its Christmas in July-themed Evening of Excellence fundraiser, which will include silent auction items and student-made centerpieces created by North Platte High School welding students.
In addition, the foundation recently recognized the district’s 2026 educators and employees of the year.
This year’s honorees include:
- Rookie of the Year: Samantha Clark, Washington School
- Employee of the Year (Pre-K through 5): Melissa Green, Buffalo Early Childhood
- Teacher of the Year (Pre-K through 5): Melissa Palacios, Jefferson Elementary
- Specialized Educator of the Year: Alexa Blackburn, Washington School
- Employee of the Year (6-12): Teresa Shoemaker, North Platte High School
- Teacher of the Year (6-12): Bobby Cahill, North Platte High School
- Counselor of the Year: Shelby Welsh, Lincoln Elementary
- Administrator of the Year: Vicki Carlson, Director of Secondary Teaching and Learning
Burchell said selecting recipients is always difficult because of the quality of educators and staff throughout the district.
“It is really hard,” Burchell said. “We value everyone that works at the district.”