Press Release | North Platte Public Schools Foundation
The North Platte Public Schools Foundation invites the community to celebrate education, honor excellence, and invest in the future during its annual Evening of Excellence – Christmas in July on Friday, July 24, at Venue 304.
The evening combines holiday fun with a meaningful mission—raising funds that support North Platte Public Schools students and teachers through scholarships, innovative classroom grants, emergency student assistance, and educational programs that help students reach their fullest potential.
Guests will enjoy Christmas carols, silent and live auctions, festive food and fellowship, while recognizing educators whose dedication makes a lasting impact on students every day.
A highlight of the evening will be the recognition of three distinguished North Platte High School alumni whose careers have inspired countless others:
- Rev. Herb Burch, Class of 1963
- Bishop Craig Loya, Class of 1995
- Tad Haneborg, Class of 1998
Each alumnus will share how their journey began in North Platte Public Schools and the experiences and educators who helped shape their paths to success. Their stories serve as a reminder that the investment made in today's students creates tomorrow's leaders.
"Our schools have always been about more than classrooms," said Terri Burchell, Executive Director of the North Platte Public Schools Foundation. "They are where dreams begin, where teachers inspire students to believe in themselves and where a community comes together to create opportunities that last a lifetime. Evening of Excellence celebrates those stories while ensuring we can continue creating new ones."
The Foundation is also launching its silent auction in conjunction with Canteen Cruisefest weekend. This items will be located in the car show with Johnny Zogg, former NPHS Auto Teacher. Two featured auction items that will support the NPHS Skills USA—a classic 1990 Cadillac (needs some work) and a Drift Trike—are available for bidding now. The complete silent auction opens July 17 and remains live through 8:10 p.m. on July 24 during the event.
Community members can begin bidding by texting BULLDOGS to 79230.
Every auction bid, sponsorship, and ticket purchased directly supports Foundation programs that benefit students and educators across the district.
Tickets for Evening of Excellence are available now at NPPSF.ORG. Community members are encouraged to gather family, friends, classmates, and colleagues for an evening of celebration, inspiration, and giving back.
This Christmas in July, the greatest gift isn't under the tree—it's the opportunity to invest in the future of North Platte students.