At the April OPSD School Board meeting, the board honored 3 model students and one dedicated educator! These students & staff have shown what it means to do things “The OG Way.” They are risk-takers in and out of the classroom, show grit in all they do, and take ownership of their learning. We are so proud of our April students of the month, Noah Loera (elementary), Arya Dethlefs (middle grades), Carson Roland (high school), and staff member of the month, Jared Austin! Keep up the great work! We greatly appreciate our community sponsors for donating prizes for these individuals to honor their accomplishments! #CultureOfConfidence
We’re down to the final stretch of the school year, with just 2 weeks left to get those minutes in. There’s still plenty of time to jump in or keep your streak going.
If you haven’t logged in a while, this is your reminder! If you’ve been reading all along, keep it up… It’s paying off! Let’s finish the year strong and see a few more new names on that winner list!
#CultureOfConfidence
Always learning. Always growing.
Several members of our OPSD team spent the day at the Google for Education Nebraska Summit, diving into new ways to support our students and staff. From exploring how Gemini can enhance learning, to discovering tools within Google that help keep our schools and systems safe, it was a day full of meaningful learning and forward thinking.
Even more exciting, Jennifer Jones (9–12 Science Teacher & Teaching and Learning Coordinator at OHS) took the stage during the Demo Slam, sharing how she uses Gems within Google Gemini to solve visualization challenges for her students. When the right resources didn’t exist, she built what she needed using AI—creating new ways to help students truly understand complex concepts.
Shoutout to Joshua Jerome (IT Director), Jennifer Jones, and Rachel Max (Prairie View Librarian & Community Engagement Director) for representing OG Nation and bringing back ideas that will continue to move our district forward.
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The team consists of (front row from left to right): Sadie Flansburg, Hayden Shaw, Paige Armijo, and Ethan Auwerda. Back row from left to right: Ella Mueller, Edan Cain, Brooklyn Robb, and Paeton Brown, not pictured - Leon Sybrant
State Runner Up: Paige Armijo and Hayden Shaw - Broadcast Sports Story
Ella Mueller: 8th place - Entertainment Review Writing and 6th place - Editorial Writing
Brooklyn Robb: 8th place - Editorial Cartooning
Edan Cain: 8th place - Photo/Artistic Illustration
Sadie Flansburg: 6th place - Broadcast News Story and 6th place - Broadcast Feature Story
Hayden Shaw: 2nd place - Broadcast Sports Story, 5th place - Broadcast News Story, 6th place - Broadcast News Story, and 6th place - Broadcast Feature Story
Paige Armijo - 2nd place - Broadcast Sports Story and 5th place - Broadcast News Story
Ethan Auwerda - 1st place Unified Journalism - Editorial Writing
Ethan Auwerda and Paeton Brown - 1st place Unified Journalism - Broadcast Sports Story
Ethan Auwerda and Leon Sybrant - 1st place Unified Journalism - Broadcast News Story
#CultureOfConfidence
A group that has left a lasting legacy and continues to represent the very best of OG Nation.
👏 Pick Nichols - Class of 1931
👏 Diane Mendenhall - Class of 1977
👏 Angie Milliken - Class of 1985
👏 Jake Holscher - Class of 1995
👏 3x Girls Golf State Champions (2016, 2017, 2018)
Join us as we honor these incredible athletes and their impact on Ogallala athletics.
📅 Saturday, May 23, 2026
⏰ 1:00 PM
📍 OHS Performing Arts Center
Social hour to follow at Driftwood.
Let’s pack the house and celebrate the history, pride, and tradition of OG Nation!
#CultureOfConfidence
Brandi takes home the traveling trophy and a banner to hang in the rafters. Opportunities like this are a fun way to build connections and strengthen the positive culture across our district.
Congratulations, Brandi!
#CultureOfConfidence
These students were recognized for showing fairness. These students were seen playing by the rules, including others, and making sure everyone is treated with respect. Your actions make our school a better place, and we are so proud of you!
Our winners - Louden Brown, Nora Lauts, Ivy Wood & Elise Samuelsen
A huge shoutout to Mr. Schut and Mr. Baldwin for their leadership and dedication in bringing such a polished, high-quality production to life. What a fantastic weekend of entertainment and talent!
#CultureOfConfidence
Please join us in congratulating Gary Cobaugh as he steps into the Head Girls Basketball Coach position!
We are excited to have him lead our OHS Lady Indians and can’t wait to see all they accomplish!
#CultureOfConfidence
Varsity | McCook Invite
Rylan Gilmore led the way with a 76, earning 4th place, as the team battled to a strong 3rd place finish with a 342.
Gavin Peters (86), Easton Knispel (88), Connor Bell (92), and Sawyer Smith (97) rounded out a solid day on the course.
JV | Perkins County Invite
The JV squad put together a great team effort, finishing with a 393.
Evan Heilman (90) paced the group, followed by Rockton Rezac (99), Rhys Gilmore (102), Lincoln Stephens (102), and Jagger Barnhill (106).
Strong competition, steady improvement, and a lot to build on as the season rolls on. Keep it going, Indians!
#CultureOfConfidence
Proud of the effort, growth, and grit they continue to show at every meet. Keep it rolling, O!
#CultureOfConfidence
Mrs. Grafford’s Art Club competed at the MCC Paint-In and Art Competition, and they made it count!
Out of 300 entries, Joslyn Wyatt earned 1st Place AND Judges’ Choice in the Drawing category. An incredible achievement!
OHS also brought TWO teams to compete, and out of 30 schools across the state, Ogallala Team #2 captured an impressive 3rd place finish!
We are so proud of all of these talented artists for representing OHS with creativity, dedication, and heart.
Congratulations, OHS Art Club!
#CultureOfConfidence
Happy Administrative Professionals Day to Mrs. Towell and Mrs. Kipple!
#Rockstars
✔ Work with amazing students
✔ Follow the school schedule (hello, holidays and summers!)
✔ Competitive pay starting at $15/hour
✔ Great benefits, including low-cost insurance
Apply today at www.opsd.org →employment opportunities or call 308-284-4060 to learn more!
#CultureOfConfidence
Please join us in celebrating Kellie Johnson as she takes on a new role within OPSD!
Kellie will serve as a kindergarten teacher at Prairie View Elementary, where she will bring her experience in our district to a new role supporting and inspiring our youngest learners as they begin their educational journey.
We are excited to see her continue to grow within OPSD and can’t wait to see the great things ahead!
#CultureOfConfidence
Time is running out to submit your nominations for Teacher & Staff Member of the Year. Do not miss the opportunity to recognize someone who has made a meaningful impact.
Let’s celebrate the amazing people who help make our schools the best they can be. Submit your nomination today!
https://www.opsd.org/forms/202526-staff-member-teacher-of-the-year
