At Ogallala Public Schools, meaningful spaces often tell meaningful stories. Prairie View School is now home to a beautiful new sculpture that will serve as both a point of pride for OPSD and a lasting reminder of the power of community partnerships, generosity, and the arts.
The sculpture was generously purchased and donated to OPSD by George and Jan Acker in loving memory of their son, Sam Acker, a 2006 graduate of Ogallala Public Schools. Through this meaningful gift, the Acker family has helped create a welcoming and inspiring space at Prairie View that students, staff, and visitors will enjoy for years to come.
The installation of the sculpture was truly a collaborative community effort. Zeb Peterson of ZAP Construction played a major role in bringing the project to life through sculpture installations and de-installations, welding work, and painting the bases. Cody Garcia of Sandhills Architectural assisted with the creation and installation of the sculpture’s base, helping ensure the piece found its permanent home at Prairie View.
The sculpture is part of the Western Trails Sculpture Walk (WTSW), a program through Sculpture Walk Across Nebraska (SWAN). The Western Trails Creative District (WTCD) facilitates the WTSW program, with Keith County Area Development (KCAD) serving as the district administrator of WTCD.
Projects like this are a reflection of what makes the Ogallala community special. Through the generosity of donors, the support of local businesses and organizations, and a shared belief in enhancing opportunities for students and families, Prairie View now has a unique piece of public art that will be enjoyed by countless students and visitors each day.
OPSD extends sincere gratitude to the Acker family and everyone involved in making this project possible and for helping continue to make Prairie View a place where community, creativity, and connection thrive.
#CultureOfConfidence
The sculpture was generously purchased and donated to OPSD by George and Jan Acker in loving memory of their son, Sam Acker, a 2006 graduate of Ogallala Public Schools. Through this meaningful gift, the Acker family has helped create a welcoming and inspiring space at Prairie View that students, staff, and visitors will enjoy for years to come.
The installation of the sculpture was truly a collaborative community effort. Zeb Peterson of ZAP Construction played a major role in bringing the project to life through sculpture installations and de-installations, welding work, and painting the bases. Cody Garcia of Sandhills Architectural assisted with the creation and installation of the sculpture’s base, helping ensure the piece found its permanent home at Prairie View.
The sculpture is part of the Western Trails Sculpture Walk (WTSW), a program through Sculpture Walk Across Nebraska (SWAN). The Western Trails Creative District (WTCD) facilitates the WTSW program, with Keith County Area Development (KCAD) serving as the district administrator of WTCD.
Projects like this are a reflection of what makes the Ogallala community special. Through the generosity of donors, the support of local businesses and organizations, and a shared belief in enhancing opportunities for students and families, Prairie View now has a unique piece of public art that will be enjoyed by countless students and visitors each day.
OPSD extends sincere gratitude to the Acker family and everyone involved in making this project possible and for helping continue to make Prairie View a place where community, creativity, and connection thrive.
#CultureOfConfidence
Reminder, OHS Juniors, banner pictures are TODAY!
🗓 May 8 | 1:30-3:00
📍 MaKenzi’s Boutique & Photography
Be on time, be ready, and help represent OG Nation!
Athletes, wear jeans.
#CultureOfConfidence
🗓 May 8 | 1:30-3:00
📍 MaKenzi’s Boutique & Photography
Be on time, be ready, and help represent OG Nation!
Athletes, wear jeans.
#CultureOfConfidence
The Ogallala boys golf team showed up and competed hard at the Southwest Conference Invite, bringing home a 3rd-place team finish with a score of 342! Huge day on the course for OHS golfers!
Rylan led the way with a 78, finishing 3rd overall and earning SWC 1st Team honors!
Gavin: 87
Easton: 88
Sawyer: 89
Connor: 94
Anthony: 95
Proud of the grit, consistency, and fight these guys continue to show every time they hit the course. Keep rolling, OG Nation!
#CultureOfConfidence
Rylan led the way with a 78, finishing 3rd overall and earning SWC 1st Team honors!
Gavin: 87
Easton: 88
Sawyer: 89
Connor: 94
Anthony: 95
Proud of the grit, consistency, and fight these guys continue to show every time they hit the course. Keep rolling, OG Nation!
#CultureOfConfidence
At Prairie View, our students are using their PBIS points in some pretty special ways! Mia, one of our kindergarteners, chose to use her points to read to her sister Ella’s 3rd-grade class, while Raelynn, one of our 3rd graders, spent time reading to Mrs. Elmshauser’s 2nd-grade class.
There’s something pretty powerful about students stepping into leadership roles, building confidence, and sharing their love of reading with others!
#CultureOfConfidence
There’s something pretty powerful about students stepping into leadership roles, building confidence, and sharing their love of reading with others!
#CultureOfConfidence
Mrs. Max took Monday afternoon library classes outdoors to connect with nature in the best way! Students listened to the book 'Be a Tree,' by Maria Gianferrari, exploring the structure of trees, how each part works together, and why they matter.
With a little Nebraska wind, students stretched, swayed, and moved just like real trees in action.
Hands-on learning, fresh air, and a whole lot of imagination!
#CultureOfConfidence
On Sunday afternoon, our OHS Key Club students spent time at Wel-Cov Assisted Living for their “Chalk the Walk” project, filling the sidewalks with colorful messages and uplifting art. It was so special to see residents and visitors come out, share smiles, and enjoy the creativity!
Moments like these remind us what community is all about... Connection, kindness, and showing up for one another. We love seeing our students make a difference in the lives of those in our community!
#CultureOfConfidence
Moments like these remind us what community is all about... Connection, kindness, and showing up for one another. We love seeing our students make a difference in the lives of those in our community!
#CultureOfConfidence
Make an impact where it matters most!
OPSD is hiring paraeducators across the district for the 2026-27 school year. If you enjoy working with students and being part of a supportive team, we would love to hear from you.
Apply at www.opsd.org → employment opportunities or call 308-284-4060 for more information.
#CultureOfConfidence
OPSD is hiring paraeducators across the district for the 2026-27 school year. If you enjoy working with students and being part of a supportive team, we would love to hear from you.
Apply at www.opsd.org → employment opportunities or call 308-284-4060 for more information.
#CultureOfConfidence
Due to weather conditions, today’s track meet in Cozad has been cancelled.
We know our athletes, coaches, and families were ready to compete, and we appreciate everyone’s flexibility as safety remains our top priority.
Thank you, OG Nation, for your understanding and continued support.
We know our athletes, coaches, and families were ready to compete, and we appreciate everyone’s flexibility as safety remains our top priority.
Thank you, OG Nation, for your understanding and continued support.
⛳️ OHS Boys Golf team hit the course again today! The boys teed it up at the North Platte Invite and competed hard from start to finish. Another day of growth, grit, and getting better with every swing!
Easton: 82
Sawyer: 89
Gavin: 89
Connor: 94
Team Score: 354
#CultureOfConfidence
Easton: 82
Sawyer: 89
Gavin: 89
Connor: 94
Team Score: 354
#CultureOfConfidence
Sunshine, competition, and some strong tennis from the Lady Indians while competing in McCook! The girls battled all day and showed a lot of grit on the court. Proud of the way they competed and kept getting better point by point!
Brooklyn: 1-3
Chloe: 2-2
Sadie & Paige: 2-2
Kooper & Harper: 3-1 (2nd place finish)
Evann & Avery: 1-3
#CultureOfConfidence
Brooklyn: 1-3
Chloe: 2-2
Sadie & Paige: 2-2
Kooper & Harper: 3-1 (2nd place finish)
Evann & Avery: 1-3
#CultureOfConfidence
The Southwest Conference Track Meet brought the energy on Saturday, and our tracksters showed up! From start to finish, it was a day full of grit, growth, and a whole lot of PR’s. These athletes are putting in the work, and it’s showing every time they step on the track.
Big effort. Even bigger results!
#CultureOfConfidence
Big effort. Even bigger results!
#CultureOfConfidence
⚫️🖤 OPSD STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK | DAY 1 🖤⚪️
We’re starting Staff Appreciation Week at Ogallala High School, and it’s hard to put into words just how much this group does.
They’re preparing students for what’s next, while still showing up for what students need right now. Pushing, supporting, listening, encouraging… day in and day out. Not every moment makes it into a picture, but the impact is everywhere.
👇 Drop a comment and shout out an OHS staff member who has made a difference!
#CultureOfConfidence
We’re starting Staff Appreciation Week at Ogallala High School, and it’s hard to put into words just how much this group does.
They’re preparing students for what’s next, while still showing up for what students need right now. Pushing, supporting, listening, encouraging… day in and day out. Not every moment makes it into a picture, but the impact is everywhere.
👇 Drop a comment and shout out an OHS staff member who has made a difference!
#CultureOfConfidence
Sometimes the hardest feelings are the ones we don't talk about. But the earlier we reach out, the sooner healing can begin. 🧡
If you know someone who is struggling, Safe2Help is here, 24/7. 🕐
📱 833-980-SAFE (7233) | https://safe2helpne.org #MHAM2025
If you know someone who is struggling, Safe2Help is here, 24/7. 🕐
📱 833-980-SAFE (7233) | https://safe2helpne.org #MHAM2025
Spring is in full bloom, and so is the OHS Greenhouse!
Don't forget to join us May 6th and 7th from 3:45 to 6:00 PM at the OHS Greenhouse (west side near the track) to shop a great selection of plants grown by our students! Come support their hard work and take home something beautiful for your garden.
#CultureOfConfidence
Don't forget to join us May 6th and 7th from 3:45 to 6:00 PM at the OHS Greenhouse (west side near the track) to shop a great selection of plants grown by our students! Come support their hard work and take home something beautiful for your garden.
#CultureOfConfidence
OHS Drama Department had the fantastic opportunity to attend a performance of Mamma Mia at the Orpheum Theatre in Omaha! The departments viewing of the performance came after their beautiful execution of their own showing of Mamma Mia! This wonderful opportunity was set up by OHS Choir Teacher and Musical Director, Mr. Schut. A huge thanks to all those that made this opportunity possible for our students!
#CultureOfConfidence
Another solid day on the course for OHS Boys Golf Team at the Scottsbluff Invite!
Rylan led the way with a 77 and a 3rd place finish, followed by:
Easton - 86
Sawyer - 91
Evan - 103
Rockton - 106
The team finished 5th overall with a score of 357.
Keep grinding, boys!
#CultureOfConfidence
OHS Juniors, it’s your time to shine!
Athletic, FFA, and Music banner pictures are coming up. Make sure you’re there and ready!
📆 May 8 | 1:30-3:00
📆 May 13 | 3:30–5:00
📍 MaKenzi’s Boutique & Photography | 101 North Spruce Street
Athletes, don’t forget to wear jeans.
We can't wait to see you represent OG Nation!
#CultureOfConfidence
Athletic, FFA, and Music banner pictures are coming up. Make sure you’re there and ready!
📆 May 8 | 1:30-3:00
📆 May 13 | 3:30–5:00
📍 MaKenzi’s Boutique & Photography | 101 North Spruce Street
Athletes, don’t forget to wear jeans.
We can't wait to see you represent OG Nation!
#CultureOfConfidence
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
Prairie View students and families, we’ve got 3 more weeks of Beanstack winners to celebrate… and it’s been so fun watching our readers stay consistent and keep logging those minutes!
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
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.
