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Bids For Kids 2023

May 16, 2023 | by Kathrine Buth | Make A Comment | Filed under news

An Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation Fundraiser

Join us for an evening of hanging with your gals and supporting Elkhorn students!

Who: You and your friends

What: Bids For Kids is an annual fundraiser hosted by the Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation.

Where: Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation & Alumni Center

When: Thursday, October 5th, 2023 from 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Why: Bids For Kids is an annual fundraiser hosted by the Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation. Proceeds of this event fund the Math & Reading Clubs that take place in Elkhorn’s elementary schools before and after school and other foundation programming.

Stay tuned for more information!

You can read about last year’s successful event below!

✨ About Bids For Kids: Bids For Kids is an annual fundraiser hosted by the Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation. Proceeds of this event fund the Math & Reading Clubs that take place in Elkhorn’s elementary schools before and after school. Formally known as “Math and Reading Intervention,” these clubs help students gain confidence through small group tutoring and improve their overall math and reading comprehension.

In the 2021-2022 school year, over 400 elementary students needed additional instruction in math and reading. Because of the generous support of our Bids For Kids sponsors, donors, and bidders, we’re able to continue to fund these vital programs as the need for them increases.

If you are interested in making a donation to help fund these important programs, you can donate online or call the Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation office at (402)289.1727. Thank you for your support!

In 2022, Bids For Kids event fundraised $74K for Math & Reading Assistance Programs in Elkhorn Public Schools

Last year, the Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation hosted its most successful Bids For Kids fundraiser to date thanks to the generosity of the event’s auction donors, bidders, and sponsors.

From September 28th to October 6th, more than 400 members of the Elkhorn community came together and raised $74K to help fund the Math & Reading Assistance Programs that take place in the Elkhorn District’s elementary schools.

“What an amazing and super successful night!” Said Susan Lumsden, Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation Special Events Coordinator. “I loved seeing our attendees and volunteers having fun, and all of our planning come to life! Giving is not just about making a donation. It’s about making a difference.”

In support of the fundraiser, attendees heard from Math Interventionist Mallory Lantzer, an Elkhorn Public Schools teacher who leads P.A.W.S (People At Westridge Succeed), an afterschool Math Program at Westridge Elementary that provided additional support for more than 60 students last year alone.

“Some people might think that students wouldn’t want to stay after school for an extra 30 minutes to practice math, but for most kids quite the opposite is true,” said Mallory Lantzer. “Our students love the opportunity to work in a small group with their teachers and their peers. They enjoy the more individualized attention from their teachers, and are willing to ask questions and share their thinking out loud– Something that most of them aren’t confident enough to do in a whole class setting.“

This year’s Bids For Kids event featured 313 auction items, many of which were donated by local businesses and friends of the Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation. Some of the most coveted items included a Husker Volleyball package, Blake Shelton Pinnacle Bank Suite tickets, an in-home wine tasting from WineShop, and a round of golf at the Lost Rail, Nebraska’s new exclusive golf course. Nearly 2,000 bids were made over the nine-day auction.

“Thank you to everyone who bid on this year’s items!” Said Stacey L. Falk, Executive Director of the Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation. “It’s because of you that we’re able to fund these important programs that help our District’s young students receive the extra help they need to be successful.”

Interested in becoming a sponsor?

Check back for a complete list of sponsorship opportunities!

The Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation

The Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation is a nonprofit organization that promotes student achievement and the unity of our community and its public schools by encouraging, supporting, and recognizing excellence in innovative education, quality school programs, and civic involvement. We offer scholarships, classroom grants, before & after school care, teacher tuition reimbursement, and more.

2023 Elkhorn South High School Scholarship Recognition Ceremony

April 27, 2023 | by Kathrine Buth | Make A Comment | Filed under news

The Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation recognized our Elkhorn South High School scholarship winners at our Scholarship Recognition Ceremony on April 27th, 2023.

The Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation, Elkhorn South High School, the scholarship selection committees, and our scholarship donors are proud to recognize this year’s scholarship recipients for their many successes. Congratulations to each of you. We are proud of your hard work and wish you the best as you embark on your next exciting adventure. Your commitment and dedication is an example to us all.



Community-Funded Scholarships

The Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation currently administers 111 unique scholarship funds on the behalf of Elkhorn families, businesses, and organizations. This year, the Foundation is awarding 198 community-funded scholarships worth $282,300 to Elkhorn Public Schools’ seniors! We are extremely grateful for our scholarship donors, our scholarship representatives, and our 95 volunteer selection committees who partner with the Foundation to provide these great scholarship opportunities for our Elkhorn students!



Community-Funded Scholarship Winners at ESHS



EPSF ACHIEVE Scholarships

The Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation (EPSF) funds the ACHIEVE Scholarship Program. Students who challenge themselves by taking 4 or more AP classes and are actively involved in their school and community are eligible for an ACHIEVE Scholarship. ACHIEVE Scholarship recipients will wear a special honor cord during their graduation ceremony in May. This year, the Foundation is awarding 243 ACHIEVE Scholarships worth $260,850 to Elkhorn Public Schools’ seniors.

EPSF ACHIEVE Scholarship Winners at ESHS

A big thank you to our 2023 Scholarship Recognition Ceremonies
Event Sponsor, Bland & Associates!



Check out Facebook for photos from the event!

2023 Elkhorn High School Scholarship Recognition Ceremony

April 27, 2023 | by Kathrine Buth | Make A Comment | Filed under news

The Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation recognized our Elkhorn High School scholarship winners at our Scholarship Recognition Ceremony on April 26th, 2023.

The Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation, Elkhorn High School, the scholarship selection committees, and our scholarship donors are proud to recognize this year’s scholarship recipients for their many successes. Congratulations to each of you. We are proud of your hard work and wish you the best as you embark on your next exciting adventure. Your commitment and dedication is an example to us all.

Community-Funded Scholarships

The Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation currently administers 111 unique scholarship funds on the behalf of Elkhorn families, businesses, and organizations. This year, the Foundation is awarding 198 community-funded scholarships worth $282,300 to Elkhorn Public Schools’ seniors! We are extremely grateful for our scholarship donors, our scholarship representatives, and our 95 volunteer selection committees who partner with the Foundation to provide these great scholarship opportunities for our Elkhorn students!

Community-Funded Scholarship Winners at EHS

EPSF ACHIEVE Scholarships

The Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation (EPSF) funds the ACHIEVE Scholarship Program. Students who challenge themselves by taking 4 or more AP classes and are actively involved in their school and community are eligible for an ACHIEVE Scholarship. ACHIEVE Scholarship recipients will wear a special honor cord during their graduation ceremony in May. This year, the Foundation is awarding 243 ACHIEVE Scholarships worth $260,850 to Elkhorn Public Schools’ seniors!

EPSF ACHIEVE Scholarship Winners at EHS

A big thank you to our 2023 Scholarship Recognition Ceremonies
Event Sponsor, Bland & Associates!

Check out Facebook for photos from the event!

Elkhorn Family Honors Son by Establishing the Sam Osborn Memorial Scholarship

November 28, 2022 | by Melanie Lucks | Make A Comment | Filed under news

Next April, a graduating senior from an Elkhorn public high school will be awarded “The Sam Osborn Memorial Scholarship” for the first time. This opportunity was made possible by the Osborns, an Elkhorn family who lost their son to muscular dystrophy earlier this year. Sam would have graduated from Elkhorn South High School in 2023.

Sam Osborn was the youngest of four tremendously close siblings. At six months old, his journey to a diagnosis of congenital muscular dystrophy began.

“The progressive disease debilitates the body, yet leaves the mind intact,” said the Osborn family. “As the disease affected him physically, Sam never let the condition limit his spirit or capacity for kindness. As his body grew more fragile, Sam became a greater source of strength and positivity that brightened the lives of those around him.”

Brilliant, yet never too serious, Sam used his remarkable intellect to bring warmth, humor, and happiness to all. He was expected to live to age eight. He passed away at age 17, having just finished a spectacular academic year as a junior in the 2021/2022 school year. Sam scored a 34 on his ACT exam, which surpassed his brother’s and sister’s score (a fact he would be glad to share).

“Sam illuminated a more fulfilling way to approach life,” said the Osborn Family.

Facing tremendous challenges, he chose to push beyond them. He never resented his disease and instead focused on the opportunities brought to him by being differently abled. With the help of friends and family, Sam enjoyed a lifetimes’ worth of experiences — he was blessed to have many friends who helped him be as independent as possible both inside and outside of school.

The Sam Osborn Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to a graduating Elkhorn Public Schools senior who has confronted their own disabilities to achieve academic success, and/or a student who has helped another gain independence from their disabilities.

This scholarship is just one of over 200 community-funded scholarships that will be awarded to EPS graduating seniors this spring. The Foundation works with Elkhorn families and local businesses to award over $500,000 in scholarships every year. Applications for all EPSF scholarships are open from December 1st to February 1st, annually.

If you would like more information on establishing a scholarship or making a donation to an existing scholarship, please visit our Scholarship Program page.

Hall Of Fame 2022

November 9, 2022 | by Melanie Lucks | Make A Comment | Filed under news

On November 3rd, the Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation EPSF held its annual Hall of Fame Banquet & Awards Ceremony at the EPSF Alumni Center.

Every fall, the Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation honors Elkhorn teachers, staff, alumni, volunteers, and community businesses that have significantly impacted the Elkhorn Public Schools community and its students at its Hall of Fame Reception.

Nearly 200 members of the Elkhorn community attended the event to honor nine Hall of Fame Recipients.

“We have many educators within the Elkhorn Public Schools District who go ‘above and beyond’ every day,” said Stacey L. Falk, Executive Director of the Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation. “It is the dedication of our teachers, volunteers, and community that sets us apart from other school districts. Your support truly exemplifies why Elkhorn Public Schools and our community are among the best in the state!”

2022 Hall of Fame Recipients

2022 Hall of Fame Award Recipients

Thank you to our 2022 Hall of Fame Patrons!

Dr. Nancy Rogic-Greufe & Mr. Jim Greufe

2022 End-of-Year Giving Campaign

November 8, 2022 | by Melanie Lucks | Make A Comment | Filed under news

Help fund Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation Programs by making a contribution to our End-of-Year Giving Campaign!

With your support, we are able to fund impactful programs including Classroom Grants, Scholarships, Math & Reading Assistance, Teacher Tuition Reimbursement, and more. Please read about our programs below.

Classroom Grants

We enrich the classroom experience of Elkhorn Public School students by providing multiple grants to all 20 schools in the District, impacting students at every grade level.

Scholarship Program

We administer scholarships on behalf of community businesses, families, and organizations in addition to funding the Achieve Scholarship Program. These scholarships have benefited thousands of Elkhorn Public Schools’ graduating seniors.

“Being rewarded for the hard work done during my time as a high schooler in Elkhorn is greatly appreciated. The ACHIEVE Scholarship gave me something to work toward that fueled my motivation in my AP classes.” -2022 Elkhorn South High School Graduate & EPSF Scholarship Recipient

Kids in Need

We provide financial assistance to Elkhorn families in need, ensuring financial hardships do not stand in the way of our students’ physical, social, and emotional needs or their ability to achieve success within our schools.

Math & Reading Assistance

We fund the extra hours that our Elkhorn teachers spend outside their school day assisting hundreds of elementary school students who need extra assistance in math and reading comprehension. This includes before and after-school math & reading clubs.

“At first I didn’t think that my child would want to attend Math Club, but he LOVES it!  I have seen such improvement in the work he is doing!” -Emily Penry

Teacher Tuition Reimbursement

We encourage our Elkhorn teachers and teacher assistants to prioritize their continued education by providing partial tuition reimbursement. The Foundation provides thousands of dollars in tuition reimbursement every year.

Retired Teachers Luncheon

October 11, 2022 | by Melanie Lucks | Make A Comment | Filed under news

The Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation will be hosting our annual luncheon for retired Elkhorn Public Schools teachers on Thursday, November 10th at 11:30am!

In honor of Veteran’s Day, we will be hosting guest speaker Bill Williams of Patriotic Productions during our annual Retired Teachers Luncheon. A catered lunch will be provided with time to socialize and network with other retired Elkhorn Public Schools Teachers.

There is no charge to attend this event, but an RSVP is required. You may RSVP online at: https://www.elkhornalumni.org/eps_retired_teachers_luncheon

If you know other retired teachers that may be interested in attending please spread the word! If you have questions regarding the event, please contact Sara McArdle at smcardle@elkhornfoundation.org or (402) 289-1727.

Would you like to keep in touch with other retired teachers and the Elkhorn Public Schools community? Please take a moment to fill out this short survey to receive updates and information on upcoming events: https://forms.gle/cm7MbrhCVTtNjtpq8

About the Speaker | Bill Williams co-founder of Patriotic Productions:

Patriotic Productions has helped over 3,500 WWII, Korea, and Vietnam veterans travel to see their memorials in Washington D.C. from 2008 to 2019. Raising funds and organizing flights spurred an interest in creating more events and opportunities to honor our country’s veterans and their families, as did the Williamses’ four sons, who have changed their family’s legacy to that of one serving in the military. Bill and Evonne are not veterans, nor do they come from military families, but their four sons have all volunteered to serve our country; two soldiers and two Marines.