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Retired Teachers’ Luncheon 2025
As attendees entered the Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation’s Alumni Center for the Retired Teachers’ Luncheon, they saw throwback pictures of event attendees from their teaching days scattered on each of the tables. There were black and white photos taken from high school yearbooks as far back as the 70s to group shots in color featuring 90s hairstyles and fashion.
Each of the pictures captured a memory for these retired Elkhorn Public Schools’ teachers. Throughout the room, you could hear teachers laughing and wondering how the Foundation found these old photos. Others found pictures of their friend and brought the photos to them or posed with images of their younger selves.
At this event filled with love, nostalgia, and connection, the throwback photos were a great way to celebrate how the Elkhorn schools were and what they’ve grown to be now. Attendees were encouraged to take their pictures home and show them to friends who weren’t at the event.
The annual Retired Teachers’ Luncheon took place on Wednesday, November 12th. The luncheon was an opportunity for former colleagues to catch up and reminisce while also learning about the EPS’ security plan from Elkhorn High School 2006 alumni and current EPS Director of School Safety, Brian Kempf. Other featured guests were a barbershop quartet with two retired EPS teachers, Gene Torrens and Charlie Rohlfing.
The Foundation hosts this annual luncheon as an opportunity to thank and give back to retired EPS teachers for their service to the district by providing them an opportunity to connect with former coworkers and friends while also giving them an update on the district.
To begin the luncheon, the barbershop quartet sang several songs including “The National Anthem,” “The Wonderful Day Medley,” and “This Little Light of Mine.”
Charlie, former school counselor, and Gene, former choir director, both taught at Elkhorn High School, and Charlie noted that this was the first time they’ve sung together for an Elkhorn crowd since 2003!
The songs were a great, hopeful introduction into this year’s presentation from Brian Kempf. Brian began his presentation by sharing how it feels “full-circle” to grow up in Elkhorn, spend years in various security roles, and now return to Elkhorn and work for EPS. He said, “Many of the students you had, we go on to do very good things, and I’m really happy and excited that … I’m bringing it back to Elkhorn.”
As the Director of School Safety, Brian discussed the importance of layered security at the Elkhorn Public Schools, some of the key security projects from his three years in the job, and the role of empowering teachers and students.
For Brian, teaching students and staff proper safety protocols is an essential life skill. In critical situations, “our staff and our students are the first responders. We know rapid notification saves lives,” Brian said. “What-ifs are endless, but my goal is to provide a framework that our teachers can apply to any situation.”
Ultimately, the goal is to provide students and staff with tools and training in order to feel empowered if a situation would occur. “The testament [for the Elkhorn Public Schools] isn’t that it hasn’t happened here because we’ve been lucky. It’s because all of you as educators have been influential in someone’s life, and you never know who you’ve intervened with and who’ve you been nice to,” Brian explained.
Following Brian’s presentation, the quartet ended the luncheon with singing “When There’s Love at Home” and “That Old Quartet of Mine.”
The Retired Teachers’ Luncheon is the perfect cross section of attendees from individuals who have been retired for a long time, recent retirees, former superintendents, the current superintendent – Dr. Bary Habrock, and alumni.
This year more than 55 people attended the luncheon, and we are hoping to have more next year! We would love to grow this event every year and bring more retired teachers together.. If you or someone you know is a retired Elkhorn Public Schools’ teacher, please let us know at alumni@elkhornfoundation.org, and we will get you on our guest list for next year!
Event Pictures & Video
You can view the pictures in the slider at the top of the page, visit our Facebook page, or click the button below to view and download pictures.
Watch our video recap featuring a song from the barbershop quartet!
2025 Bids For Kids Recap
An Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation Fundraiser
The 2025 Bids For Kids Event Raised over $72,000!
Thank you to to bidders, event attendees, sponsors, and auction-item donors for helping making Bids For Kids so successful!
At Bids For Kids on October 9th, Elkhorn Grandview Middle School band teacher, Chris Johnson, was still smiling months after the Loess Hill Jazz Orchestra workshopped and performed with the Elkhorn summer band program in July. This activity was a classroom grant funded by the Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation.
“It was a phenomenal experience. [The Loess Hills Jazz Orchestra] did a whole hour-long workshop with our students, and they did a concert afterwards and presented stuff,” Chris said at Bids For Kids. Chris was asked to speak at the event to share about his grant. All the proceeds from Bids For Kids goes to funding before-and-after school Math & Reading Intervention at the elementary schools and the district-wide Classroom Grant Program.
The Elkhorn middle schools have an annual summer band program that attracts hundreds of students and goes on for three weeks at EGMS during the summer. Last December, Chris was brainstorming experiences that he could bring to the students when he came up with this idea for a classroom grant.
“We have a jazz band, and I wanted to bring in a jazz band, a big band, so they could hear what it’s really supposed to sound like,” Chris said as chuckles filled the room as attendees remembered their middle school band experiences or currently have children in band.
The 2025 Bids For Kids silent auction and in-person beer and wine tasting raised $72,000 thanks to the support of the (near and far) bidders, event attendees, sponsors, and auction-item donors. The funds will be used to pay teachers who lead the before-and-after school math and reading clubs while also funding classroom grants like Chris Johnson’s.
Math and reading can be very difficult subjects, and sometimes students just need a little extra support for a concept to finally click. The before-and-after school Math & Reading Intervention program is structured like a club at the various schools. Students get to work on concepts in small groups and even one-on-one with the teacher leading the group. For the 2024-2025 school year, approximately 300 students participated in the clubs across the district, and there 86 teachers who led a club.
The Foundation’s Classroom Grant Program also received funding from Bids For Kids because the program continues to grow alongside our expanding district. For the 2025-2026 school year, 76 classroom grants were awarded, totaling $158,800! Individual teachers, whole grade levels, or schools can apply for a grant. Some grants this year included classroom sets of books, funds for robotics at the middle and high school levels, reading and math curriculum/materials, calm boxes, a speaker for the middle schools, and more!
These two impactful programs help support Elkhorn students and staff and provide additional materials to deepen learning and make it fun! Again, thank you to everyone who, in one way or another, participated in Bids for Kids! We are so thankful for your support!
Chris said it best. “Thank you again to the Foundation for everything they do. Please help and donate to the Foundation,” he said. “They just do fantastic work, and I’m a big fan.”
Bids For Kids Event Photos
Special thank you to our Bids For Kids sponsors!
Alumni News: Elkhorn Alumni William Holling Scholarship at UNL
A new scholarship connecting Elkhorn Public Schools and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln honors the memory of beloved alumnus and Elkhorn businessman, William (Bill) Holling. Bill graduated from Elkhorn High in 1947 and UNL’s College of Business in 1951. He lived his entire life in the Elkhorn community, outside of time away for college and military service. Funded by his son, Mike (Class of ’81), the William Holling Scholarship Fund has been endowed at the University of Nebraska and is targeted to graduates of Elkhorn High School, Elkhorn South High School, and Elkhorn North High school who reach their junior and senior years in the UNL College of Business. Recipients of the scholarship are selected by the University of Nebraska Foundation each February, and the scholarship is renewable so that a student may receive an award in both their junior and senior years.
The inaugural scholarship recipients for the 2025-2026 academic year are Cassy Limley (Elkhorn High School Class of 2023) and Preston Gordman (Elkhorn North High School Class of 2024). Cassy and Preston were recognized at a brunch hosted by the UNL College of Business in September, and are pictured here with their donors, Mike and Christina Holling. Mike’s long-term goal is to grow the scholarship endowment so that a greater percentage of EPS graduates within the College of Business receive the support they may need to get to the finish line. Anyone who wishes to support Elkhorn Public School alumni in the College of Business at UNL and honor William Holling’s legacy can make a tax-deductible donation to this scholarship fund by contacting the NU Foundation at (402) 458-1175.
Abby Thompson, Elkhorn High School Class of 2006
Interview conducted by Ann Huddleston, Alumni Relations
2006 Elkhorn High School graduate Abby Thompson keeps busy as the vocal music teacher at Elkhorn High School teaching three choirs, music theory, directs both show choirs, directs the musical, and other small ensembles including Jazz Choir.
Your parents, LeAnn Thompson (Mrs. T), and Scot Thompson, taught in the Elkhorn district; what was it like growing up with parents who taught here? Did their teaching style or passion for education influence the way you teach?
School in Elkhorn was always an enjoyable place and felt like home. Like many teacher’s kids, I grew up playing school and wanting to be a teacher. This “back to school” time of year reminds me of spending many hours in my parents’ classrooms as they prepared for the school year, something I enjoy doing as well. Planning, dreaming, creating for the year ahead. Teaching has always been a lifestyle for our family. We enjoy the way we interact with our school community outside of the classroom and cheering on our students in their activities and life endeavors.
Music opportunities, especially in high school with my directors Mr. Torrens and Mr. Hays, were especially memorable and formative. Today, I enjoy music-making and facilitating musical experiences at the high school level where students are working to become independent musicians and their musical strengths/preferences become more evident.
What’s the most rewarding part of directing a choir or musical?
The most rewarding part of directing a choir or musical is finding a song, show, or concept meant to challenge and grow students’ skill as performers and having them take ownership and make creative decisions that exceed what they (and sometimes even I) dreamed they could do. The few months a year of preparing a musical is demanding but so rewarding. Students get to show off skills on stage and behind the scenes, taking on projects that showcase their skill sets as singers, dancers, actors/actresses, designers, etc. There are so many different facets to a well-run production and so many students step up to learn the skills required each year. I especially value the relationships built with students and their parent/guardians who always take such a huge role in set building, set decoration, painting, etc. There are so many costume pieces, set pieces, musical numbers to coordinate and it is not possible without an extraordinary amount of commitment, time, and expertise from an entire community who cares about the arts.
How do you choose the right songs or shows for your students?
I do a lot of planning over the summer, when I can listen and research a lot (especially for creative decisions about a show choir show or musical). Because I often get to work with students over four years, I consider the strengths of returning students/classes as well as areas we can challenge and grow. Over a student’s four years, I hope they have the opportunity to experience different styles, time periods, and types of music they wouldn’t have otherwise encountered on their own.
Do you see former students still involved in music? How does that feel?
I love seeing students involved in music beyond high school, especially in college choirs, student-led a cappella groups, churches, and musicals within the community. I have former students on both coasts and everywhere in between, many pursuing musical/drama or technical theatre as a career. I often catch many musicals in the Omaha Metro (especially during the summer) that involve EHS alumni!
You recently hosted an Elkhorn High 50th year musical event. What inspired that and please give us a brief synopsis and photos!
A few years ago, we decided to list the past EHS musicals in our musical program for patrons to see. At the time (with the help from EHS historians like now retired teacher Bob Wolf), we believed the first-ever EHS music was Brigadoon performed in the EHS Cafetorium (current EPS Teacher Training Center). (Side note: I grew up playing middle school basketball and attending EMS “5th quarter” social events at the Cafetorium.)
We were set to hit 50 musicals in the 24-25 school year, which we thought was a good time to celebrate, especially with the EPS bond which allocated major renovations in the EHS auditorium which has been such a huge part of our musical history (shows since 1980 on have taken place in our auditorium).
During my trips to the Elkhorn Historical Society, we were able to determine that Brigadoon was the first of 50 consecutive EHS musicals, but there had been 4 previous shows, so now 54 total!
When I attended EHS (2002-2006), I was taught by both of the previous two directors who are still active in the Elkhorn community and the metro Omaha music community. The three of us combined directed 48 of these musicals: Gene Torrens (28), Dan Hays (6), and Abby Thompson (14). Thanks to these two, we had great archives at EHS and also some materials in our own personal archives to represent the span of the 50+ years well. I was also extremely impressed with the coverage of musicals in the EHS yearbooks for shows that predated a lot of other print related materials.
Last year, in conjunction with the 50th Musical Anniversary Celebration we had archives representing all the EHS past shows as well as an Open House/Reception to show off the new space and welcome back alumni and alumni families. It was a joyful day spent sharing memories through photos, video/audio clips, and introducing our current students to the truly amazing and storied history of music and musical theatre at Elkhorn High.
What do you enjoy doing outside of school?
I enjoy traveling to see my brother and his family in Atlanta and spending many weekends with extended family in Wahoo (where my parents grew up). I enjoy house/yard projects, attending concerts/musicals, and naps to catch up on sleep after long days at school!
What was it like to see the school from a student’s perspective, and now a teacher’s?
I really enjoy the culture of Elkhorn High School, especially how it has maintained its “classic” spirit through (now two) school splits and many changes in staff/admin/departments. Despite changes, Elkhorn High has a unique spirit and pride and it’s a special place to spend time as a former student, now staff member.
Markus Case, Elkhorn South High School Class of 2018
Interview conducted by Ann Huddleston, Alumni Relations
2018 Elkhorn South graduate Markus Case found himself on an unexpected trajectory to becoming a fighter pilot. Read on to see how the First Lieutenant got to where he is now!
What does Elkhorn mean to you?
Elkhorn is where I grew up and went from being a kid to a bigger kid. Whenever people ask me where I’m from, I say Elkhorn, Nebraska, then I say Omaha because they don’t know where Elkhorn is.
You played soccer at South and were a team captain your senior year – what memories stand out from that time and what did being a team captain mean to you?
Making it to three state championships definitely stood out along with quality time with my teammates on and off the field. Being a team captain provided me with the building blocks of what being a leader meant and has translated well to being an officer in the military.
Did you participate in other activities while in high school and college?
High school: I ran cross country freshman and sophomore year and I was the kicker on the football team my senior year. College: Mainly consisted of ROTC where I had the opportunity to be the Cadet Wing Commander and the Booster Club President. I also ran a deck staining business during the summer and participated in several intramural sports.
What made you choose mechanical engineering and ROTC at UNL?
I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with my life when I graduated from high school so I applied for an AFROTC scholarship. My dad did Army ROTC and encouraged that path for me as the military offers the opportunity of getting to be a part of something bigger than you, educational benefits, and unique career fields. The scholarship I received required me to pursue a technical degree so I chose mechanical engineering because I enjoyed playing with Legos when I was a kid and thought it would be similar (it was not).
What sparked your interest in becoming a pilot?
The first spark was when I applied for the You Can Fly Scholarship in my junior year of college. I was awarded a scholarship to fly at a local aviation school and see if flying was for me. I really enjoyed it and made the decision to pursue the career field of aviation.
What’s been the most exciting or memorable moment in your pilot training so far?
I am seven weeks into the program which has consisted of ground school, academics, and flight sims. The most exciting part for me is my commute to work. Every day I drive past the flightline. T38s and T6s taking off and flying overhead in formation 10 feet apart is incredibly exciting. Knowing the everyday work I am putting in is paying dividends for me to be in that position in a few weeks to months is an incredible feeling and extremely motivational.
Currently, you’re training at Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas, which is a multi-national combat pilot training program for NATO. That is exciting! What led you there?
What got me into the program was my academic scores/GPA, physical fitness performance, and class ranking. What led me there was my family, mentors/advisors, and peers. They were the ones who provided me with the tools to be able to put myself into a successful position. Always ask those people for help when you need it. At one point during my junior year I was told my test scores were too low to be a pilot. Instead of giving up, I asked what I could do about it, now I am at ENJJPT (Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program)!
When you get a day off from training, how do you like to spend your free time?
I like to spend my time with my wife, Taylor. The Air Force gets me from Sunday afternoon to Friday afternoon/evening, she gets me for the rest. We try to go on weekend trips to Dallas/FW or Oklahoma City once or twice a month since we are in a small town.
What advice would you give to current students who dream big but aren’t sure how to get there?
Don’t be afraid to fail, be ready to get up and try again, and ask others for help/advice.
2025 Hall of Fame
Annual Hall of Fame Banquet & Awards Ceremony
Thursday, November 6, 2025
The Hall of Fame Banquet & Reception is a Foundation-favorite event where we honor educators, school staff, Elkhorn alumni, volunteers, and community businesses!
Sponsorship opportunities are available. Proceeds help offset the cost of this free-to-attend event that honors our community members. All donations are tax-deductible contributions to the Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation.
Click the link below and select “Hall of Fame” in the allocation drop-down menu.
Thank you!
RSVPs are closed. If you are RSVP’d for the event, it will take place on Thursday, November 6th at the Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation Alumni Center (20272 Veterans Dr., Elkhorn, NE 68022). Doors open at 5:30 pm. Catered dinner & refreshments will be provided starting at 6:00 pm with the awards ceremony beginning at 7:00 pm.
Congratulations 2025 Hall of Fame Recipients!
| Carl L. White Educator of the Year | Nicole Heller, Manchester Elementary |
| Golden Apple Educator of the Year | Jorey Prange, Arbor View Elementary |
| Kevin Garrison Support Staff Member of the Year | Andrea Abrahamson, Hillrise Elementary |
| Former Educator of the Year | Mike O’Kane |
| Alumnus of the Year | John Carda |
| TeamMates Mentor of the Year | Nikki Kirshenbaum |
| Community Booster of the Year | Charleston Homes |
| Volunteer of the Year | Kolleen Benjamin |
You can view a comprehensive list of past Hall of Fame Honorees here.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsorship Opportunities are available as listed below. Proceeds help offset the cost of this free-to-attend event that honors our Hall of Fame recipients. All donations are tax-deductible contributions to the Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation.
Sponsorships can be purchased through our Donor Perfect site (available in September) or by invoice/check. If you have questions regarding a sponsorship or your RSVP, please feel free to give us a call at the Foundation office at (402) 289.1727 or email foundation@elkhornfoundation.org. Thank you for your consideration!
Hall of Fame Benefactor: $2,500
- Thank you on our social media pages and email
- Business logo or family name on EPSF website
- Recognition in event presentation
- Business logo or family name in event program
Hall of Fame Patron: $1,000
- Business logo or family name on EPSF website
- Business logo or family name in event presentation
- Business logo or family name in event program
Hall of Fame Sponsor: $500
- Business logo or family name in event presentation
- Business or family name in event program
Friend of the Foundation (any other amount)
- Business or family name in event program
Thank you to our Hall of Fame Sponsors!
Hall of Fame Benefactor
Hall of Fame Patron
Jake & Katie Ramsbottom
Hall of Fame Patron
Hall of Fame Sponsors:
Dr. Roger & Judy Breed
Steve & Becky Baker
Judith A. Miller (In Memory of Larry K. Miller)
Friend of the Foundation Sponsors:
Dianna Carda
James & Jennifer Davenport
Stephanie Dowell
Elkhorn Women’s Collective
Elkhorn Ridge Middle School Booster Club
Elkhorn Valley View Middle School Booster Club
Fire Ridge Elementary PTO
Dr. Bary & Ronda Habrock
Dave & Gwen Heller
Angie Hempel
John & Carmen Housley
Kirshenbaum Family
Wayland & Joyce Magee
Brad & Patti McArdle
Forrest & Kristi Newburg
Ed & Julie Patchen
Steve Patras & Gretchen Finke Patras
Donald & Nicole Pechous
Larry & Kathleen Peterson
Dan & Kathy Radicia
Monk & Mary Scott
Kelsi Simpson
Teresa Svoboda
ACHIEVE Career & Technical Education (CTE) Scholarship Requirements
The goal of this scholarship is to encourage Elkhorn Public Schools’ students to get a more expansive view of careers in the skilled & technical trades and provide opportunities for hands-on experiences during their high school years.
Refer to the chart below for the ACHIEVE CTE Scholarship Requirements. EPS seniors must submit an online application (12/1/26 through 2/1/27) for the highest scholarship level for which they qualify.
| ACHIEVE CTE Scholarship Requirements | ACHIEVE CTE Bronze ($500) | ACHIEVE CTE Silver ($900) | ACHIEVE CTE Gold ($1,350) |
| High School Math Requirement | 4 years on high school transcript | 4 years on high school transcript | 4 years on high school transcript |
| Social Studies OR Science Requirement | Not Applicable | Not Applicable | 4 years on high school transcript |
| Program of Focus Requirement (1) | 3 semesters in ONE Program of Focus | 3 semesters in ONE Program of Focus | 3 semesters in ONE Program of Focus |
| Career Exploration Experience Requirement (2) | 4 DIFFERENT Experiences (At least 1 experience must cover a 4-month duration (i.e. Job or Internship)) | 5 DIFFERENT Experiences (At least 1 experience must cover a 5-month duration (i.e. Job or Internship)) | 6 DIFFERENT Experiences (At least 1 experience must cover a 6-month duration (i.e. Job or Internship)) |
| Resume and Cover Letter (3) | Required | Required | Required |
| School Based Extra-Curricular Activity Requirement (4) | 2 years | 3 years | 4 years |
| Community Service Requirement (5) | 50 hours | 75 hours | 100 hours |
(1) Click on the following for the “Elective Course Sequence Program of Focus” chart. Note that you must receive a grade of 70% or better for the semester to qualify.
(2) Download the “ACHIEVE Career Exploration Experience Verification Form” to document your experiences. Questions – ask your counselor for guidance.
(3) The cover letter should be written to either a Prospective Employer or to the ACHIEVE Scholarship Committee.
(4) Does not have the be the same activity each year.
(5) Download the “ACHIEVE Community Service Documentation Form” to document your hours. NHS Forms or Helper Helper forms are also accepted. Note that service hours cannot benefit family members (i.e. yard work for grandparents, household chores, etc.).
Scholarship Recipients must enroll at a post-secondary educational institution the fall after the scholarship is awarded to receive their scholarship payment. Scholarship checks are written to the student and their educational institution and must be used for tuition, fees, on-campus room/board, books, and required supplies.
ACHIEVE Advanced Placement (AP) Scholarship Requirements
This scholarship recognizes and rewards students who engage in academically rigorous coursework while maintaining balance in other areas of interest within our schools and community.
Refer to the chart below for Scholarship Requirements. EPS seniors must submit an online application (available 12/1/26 through 2/1/27) for the highest scholarship level for which they qualify.
| ACHIEVE AP Scholarship Requirements | ACHIEVE AP Bronze ($500) | ACHIEVE AP Silver ($900) | ACHIEVE AP Gold ($1,350) |
| AP Course Requirement (1) | 4 AP Courses | 5 AP Courses | 7 AP Courses |
| AP Placement Final Exam Requirement | 2 AP Exams | 3 AP Exams | 4 AP Exams |
| Career Exploration Experience Requirement (2) | 4 DIFFERENT Experiences | 4 DIFFERENT Experiences | 4 DIFFERENT Experiences |
| School Based Extra-Curricular Activity Requirement (3) | 2 years | 3 years | 4 years |
| Community Service Requirement (4) | 50 hours | 75 hours | 100 hours |
(1) You must receive an average grade of 70% or better in the AP Class for the year for the course to qualify. The actual percentage grade (before rounding) for the 1st & 2nd semesters are averaged.
(2) Download the “ACHIEVE Career Exploration Experience Verification Form” to document your experiences. Questions – ask your counselor for guidance.
(3) Does not have the be the same activity each year.
(4) Download the “ACHIEVE Community Service Documentation Form” to document your hours. NHS Forms or Helper Helper forms are also accepted. Note that service hours cannot benefit family members (i.e. yard work for grandparents, household chores, etc.).
Scholarship Recipients must enroll at a post-secondary educational institution the fall after the scholarship is awarded to receive their scholarship payment. Scholarship checks are written to the student and their educational institution and must be used for tuition, fees, on-campus room/board, books, and required supplies.
Interested in Starting a Scholarship?
The Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation administers scholarships on behalf of families, businesses, and organizations. Our standardized process makes it easy for donors to award scholarships to Elkhorn Public Schools’ seniors to help them with college expenses. Please see below for frequently asked questions from prospective scholarship donors.
| Frequently Asked Questions | “In & Out” Scholarship | “Endowed” Scholarship |
| When is the deadline to finalize paperwork to create a new scholarship fund? | October 1st | October 1st |
| How will I fund my scholarship? | Annual Donations | Large Initial Donation |
| How much money must I contribute to my scholarship fund to get it started? | $ amount to be awarded in the 1st year | $50,000 or more |
| What is a typical scholarship dollar amount? | $500-$5,000 | $5,000-$10,000 |
| Will my scholarship fund be eligible for matching funds from the Foundation? (1) | Yes | Yes |
| Will my scholarship fund earn net investment income/loss? | No | Yes – pro rata share of profit or loss net of third-party investment fees. |
| Will I be charged an administration fee by the Foundation? | No | Yes – 1% of the fund’s December balance is deducted from the fund. |
| Who will select my scholarship winner? | Objective committee members selected by the Donor | Objective committee members selected by the Donor |
| When do selection committees review online applications and select winners? | February 15th-March 23rd | February 15th-March 23rd |
| When are Scholarship Winners announced? | The last week of April at the Foundation’s Scholarship Ceremony | The last week of April at the Foundation’s Scholarship Ceremony |
| When must the Foundation receive my initial donation to my scholarship fund? | May 1st | May 1st |
(1) The Foundation will match up to $5,000 of donations made to a newly established scholarship fund within the first year of its inception. This is a one-time opportunity, and there is a limit of two unique scholarship funds per donor. The one-year window starts the date that the Scholarship Agreement is signed.
Interested in taking the next step? Our Scholarship Team would love to meet with you either over the phone or in person at the Foundation office to walk through our process and start you down the path to creating a Legacy of Giving! Email Genice Chochon at gchochon@elkhornfoundation.org to set up an appointment or request a Scholarship Interest Packet.
Josh Evert, Elkhorn High School Class of 1996
Written by Ann Huddleston, Alumni Relations
Josh Evert and his wife Nikki became the owners of Big Dog’s Beverage on April 1, 2018. Josh graduated from Elkhorn High School in 1996. When asked what Elkhorn means to him, Josh notes: “Elkhorn is a great place to live and have a business. The community as a whole is a tight, friendly group of people that still remember the old little town. But a great place to raise a family.” When asked about his favorite teacher growing up, Josh reminisces, “Bill Kohl was my homeroom teacher and hated watermelon bubble gum but would play the banjo for us most mornings.” In high school, he played soccer and “started playing with the same guys from 5 years old through high school.”
Before taking over Big Dog’s Beverage, the couple got a feel for the business firsthand: “My wife and I worked in Big Dog’s for about 3 months prior to purchasing.” Josh was no stranger to retail. “My father started a Pawn Shop in Fremont in 1985,” he says. “I moved home in 2003 to work for my father.” That experience helped lay the groundwork for running their own shop—and staying closely connected to the people they serve.
Big Dog’s is quite active on Facebook and Instagram, sharing new products, deals, and customer highlights. Inventory at Big Dog’s isn’t chosen on a whim. “Customer input, social media, requests, and new products,” Josh says. “Social media is how we promote new products.”
Since taking over, Josh and Nikki have made the store their daily focus. “My wife and I work everyday at the store,” he says. The store’s “loyal customers and the personal relationships that we have developed,” that’s what makes him proudest, Josh noted. Like his days in the pawn world, the stories keep coming. “Kind of like the Pawn Biz, we hear great stories everyday,” he shares.
Owning a business while raising three kids isn’t always easy. “Sometimes it’s very hard due to all the hours that we put in,” Josh admits, “but you just have to adapt and teach your children when you work hard and are proud of what you do, life will have rewards and will just fall into place.” The biggest lesson he hopes to pass on to his kids? “Work hard.”
