Celebration honors youth pre-admitted to Nebraska

April 25, 2018

Lincoln, Neb. — A celebration held April 23 honored Nebraska youth who are getting a jump-start on preparing for college by earning early admittance to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Students earned pre-admittance through their enrollment in Nebraska 4-H, which administers Next Chapter at Nebraska, a college-readiness program which helps students prepare for college by teaching them the skills they need to reach their academic goals.

The Next Chapter program is collaboratively administered by Nebraska 4-H and the Office of Admissions at Nebraska. At the celebration, 61 eighth-grade students were individually recognized as they celebrated their pre-admittance to the university and their involvement in the Next Chapter program.

Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources Harlan Vice Chancellor Mike Boehm, Director of Admissions Abby Freeman and Nebraska 4-H Program Administrator Kathleen Lodl welcomed the students to campus, providing inspiration and encouragement to the students as they prepare for their high school careers.

“This is an opportunity to celebrate the academic and leadership potential of these young scholars and the shared efforts of admissions, extension and 4-H as we work to support them in their path to college,” said Freeman.

Following the recognition ceremony, students participated in career exploration activities, learned about university resources available to students and had the opportunity to tour City and East Campus, Memorial Stadium and the State Capitol.

Throughout high school, Next Chapter scholars will engage in events, activities and curriculum where they will participate in career exploration, develop research skills and experience a variety of learning methods that will help them transition to and succeed in college. Topics covered include reading comprehension, note taking, college visits, and resume and interview skills. All of the activities align to Nebraska State Educational Standards.

In Nebraska, one in three age-eligible youth participates in 4-H, which is present in all 93 counties. These youth, ages 5-18, participate through camps, clubs, school enrichment and after-school programs. College and career readiness is a program priority for Nebraska 4-H and Next Chapter at Nebraska perfectly aligns with this goal

“Nebraska 4-H strives to empower youth to reach their full potential, and we believe that’s achieved through education. Through Next Chapter at Nebraska, not only do we want to inspire youth to choose to continue their education after high school, but also ensure that they succeed once they start college,” said Lodl. 

Students honored listed by hometown include:

ALBION: Jacob Devine

ARLINGTON: Jamey Rhea

AURORA: Taylor Janda

BANCROFT: Haley Bovee

CAMBRIDGE: Autumn J Deterding

CENTRAL CITY: Megan Blomstedt, Addysen Bryant, John Hostler, Fallon Wells

CLARKSON: Natalie Brabec

CLEARWATER: Charley Mlnarik

COLERIDGE: Jeremiah Polak

COLUMBUS: Elizabeth Adamy, Bo Behlen, Grett Kinnison, Sophie Palmer, Hannah Renner, Rylee Renner, Maia Velecela

CURTIS: Aretta R Brennemann

DENTON: Julia Soukup

DORCHESTER: Tyler Sysel

EAGLE: Elijah Bolin

FIRTH: Erin Oldemeyer, Anna Rohrer, Elizabeth Rohrer

HICKMAN: Katie Malina

HOOPER: Brooklyn Reynolds, Holden von Seggern

IMPERIAL: Jesse Krausnick

INLAND: Garrett Parr

JOHNSON: Maggie Clark

JUNIATA: Hannah Crawford, Claire Kiolbasa

KEARNEY: Rachel Fidler, Charlie Wolford

LEIGH: Kanyon Held, Makenna Held

LINCOLN: Brayden Boehle, Jonah Elley-Lanik, Lilly Hanley, Cadi Wilbeck

LODGEPOLE: Allison Lofton

LOUP CITY: Ella Jaixen

MALCOM: Carman Kinkaid

MINDEN: Connor Carpenter

NEBRASKA CITY: Andrew Stukenholtz

NELIGH: Hannah Vraspir

NORTH PLATTE: Kaitlyn Connelly, Mckenna Renner

O’NEILL: Andrew Koehlmoos

OVERTON: Addison Luther

PAGE: Madison Melcher

PLATTSMOUTH: Cody O'Tool, Victoria O’Tool

RAYMOND: Braxton Dalton

ST. LIBORY: Gavin Seyler

STAPLETON: Megan Amos

THURSTON: Alexis Bodlak

UNADILLA: Tucker Crownover

WEST POINT: Jordan Howell

For more information about Next Chapter at Nebraska, visit admissions.unl.edu/nextchapter.