LINCOLN – U.S. Bank® and the Nebraska School Activities Association (NSAA) are proud to
announce the 2013-14 Believers and Achievers. Believers & Achievers is a state-wide program
designed by U.S. Bank and the NSAA to give recognition to Nebraska’s future leaders.
Starting in October and continuing through May, 48 Nebraska high school seniors will be
honored as Believers & Achievers. From those 48 finalists, eight will receive $500 scholarships
from U.S. Bank to the college or university of their choice.
“Believers and Achievers are triple threat students that embrace academics, activities and
overall leadership. These students are true representatives supporting the mission of
interscholastic participation.” Rhonda Blanford-Green, NSAA Executive Director.
All of the students nominated for the Believers & Achievers awards program represent the very
best of Nebraska’s high schools. This year, the NSAA and U.S. Bank received 370 nominees from
NSAA member schools. This resulted in a 13% increase is overall applications, with
approximately 70% of all NSAA member schools submitting at least one student for the award.
Below you will find a list of the 2013-14 recipients of this prestigious award. These
students will be recognized at NSAA State Championships throughout the year 2013-14 activities
year as well as in monthly press releases sent to media outlets across the state of Nebraska.
“The Believers & Achievers program allows U.S. Bank and the Nebraska School Activities
Association the opportunity to showcase the outstanding student-athletes we have in the state of
Nebraska.” said Jeff Stauss of the NSAA. “These students are currently leaders in their school
and community and will soon be the leaders of our great state.”
2013-14 NSAA/U.S. Bank® Believers & Achievers
Student High School
Nicholas Akins South Sioux City
Imani Wilson Lincoln East
Jackson Cutsor Omaha North
Cesar Alberto Echevarria Mendez Omaha Bryan
Abigail Kutlas Grand Island
Erin McClellan Omaha Marian
Keiteyana Parks Lincoln High
Jack Polerecky Creighton Preparatory School
Peter Read Lincoln Southeast
Brooke Ronhovde Fremont
Carolin Velez Omaha South
Lily Wilkinson North Platte
Paola Briones Lexington
Tyler Martin Elkhorn South
Alexis Banker Omaha Skutt Catholic
Trenton Boyer Gretna
Brandon Deunk Norris
James Drake Conestoga
Ashlyn Hanson Seward
Kellan Heavican Schuyler
Colleen McGrath Ralston
Elizabeth Opperman Hastings
Samantha Stoupa Omaha Duchesne Academy
Brett Velasquez Bennington
Clay Chohon Ainsworth
Phoebe Lockhart Ogallala
Courtney Hunsaker Kimball
Candy Jimenez‐Caballero Columbus Lakeview
Kurt Karcher Fillmore Central
Halleigh Lockhorn Ravenna
Joseph O’Connor Grand Island Central Catholic
Jesse Paxton McPherson County
Jessie Poskochil Palmyra
Megan Stuart Bayard
Seth Woods Dundy County‐Stratton
Derek Zimmerman Freeman
Bethany Lambert Chambers
William O’Brien Newman Grove
Tristan Brott Paxton
Amzie Dunekacke Johnson‐Brock
Justine Fischer Hartington
Gabriel Fisher McCool Junction
Chase Grizzle Pawnee City
Laura Lundeen Axtell
Hannah Niemeier Heartland Lutheran
Natalie Tegtmeier Bruning‐Davenport
Lane Vasa Arthur County
Paul Weber Cedar Bluffs