Community Studio is an interdisciplinary, community-centric project engaging students in civic action in their rural towns. Community Studio aims to foster critical thinkers and mindful citizens who play an active role in the civics that shape their rural communities. The program works within the classroom to provide a platform for small town revitalization through youth empowerment.
Community Studio began in 2013 in rural Northeast Nebraska. In collaboration through the senior government class at Lyons-Decatur Northeast school in Lyons, Nebraska, students design and implement self-directed projects to positively affect either the Decatur (pop. 462) or Lyons (pop. 851) community.
Students learn the basics of place-based practice, understanding local government, concept development, fundraising, public speaking, and time and project management. By providing these necessary tools to turn their ideas into reality, students apply these skills within hands-on initiatives. Their projects mimic the processes integral to effective civic action, preparing students for post-graduation citizen engagement.
Emma C : Where do you live?
Skylar: I live in Decatur, NE
Emma C: What do you like to do in your free time?
Skylar: I like to take care of my horses and when i’m not I’m doing a lot of other things. I’m usually always busy.
Emma C: What is your favorite animal?
Skylar: I love horses. They are my top favorite animal
Emma C: What is your favorite breed?
Skylar: My favorite breed would have to be the Quarter Horse
Emma C: Do you plan on leaving Decatur?
Skylar: Yes and No,I plan on moving out into the country whenever I get the chance and when I save up enough money to be able to.
Emma C:What is your favorite subject in school?
Skylar: I don’t like anything in school but if I had to choose it would have to be Physical Education. I don’t like homework
Emma C: Do you have any other animals?
Skylar : Yes, I has a doggo named Rambo.
Brayden LaVere Anderson, the oldest of three siblings, was born on April 8, 2002. He is the son of Kara and Kevin Anderson. Brayden grew up in Lyons until his freshman year, where he moved to rural Lyons. He has always worked hard in school and sports. He plays basketball, runs track and cross country, and is an FFA leader. His favorite FFA events are Parlaw and Livestock Management. His team in Livestock Judging got third at the state level. His sports success shows. Brayden has made it to state twice in track, cross country, and basketball. He is a C2 state champion in basketball. He enjoys raising and showing pigs at the county and state level. His favorite memory of high school is joking around with his friends. Brayden plans on going to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to major in Animal Science. After completing college, he plans on finding a job with livestock. With Brayden’s hard work and dedication, he has a great future ahead of him.
Emma Coen a Lyons, Nebraska resident, attends school at Lyons-Decatur Northeast. She was born in West Point, Nebraska on November 28, 2001. She really doesn’t like anything or anyone, school included. In Emma’s free time, she works at the mini mart in Lyons. Some of Emma’s favorite activities/hobbies are playing football and also listening to music. Emma’s favorite animals are reptiles, out of all the reptiles, her favorite is snakes. More specifically her favorite snake is a ball python. Emma has held around four ball pythons in her time. Emma also has many fears, but her biggest all time fear is heights. Emma has moved between six to seven time in her seventeen years of life. Emma also has three siblings, Preise, Paeyton, and Grace. One fun fact about Emma’s sister is that she is in school at Harvard. Emma is maybe going to school for Mechanics at Northeast in Norfolk, NE.🤗
Arizona William Roger Riecken was born August 30, 2001. He is the youngest of three brothers. His parents are Bill and Lori Riecken. The boys have been raised on the same farm their whole life. Arizona is very active in Lyons Decatur Northeast Schools. He plays basketball and excels in golf, his team making to state his junior year. Arizona also works hard in FFA. His favorite event is livestock management, and he has qualified to go to state convention twice. He also enjoys the Natural Resources event. Arizona also enjoys helping his dad around the farm, working with cattle and crops. He also enjoyed shooting hoops with his older brothers in his driveway. Arizona plans to attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and major in Agricultural Economics. After completing college, he plans to find an agriculture based job. Arizona has a great future ahead of him. I can’t wait to see what he does in this world.
Ella Whitaker was born in Council Bluffs on October 14th, 2001 on a Sunday at 10:17 a.m.. She lived in Council Bluffs till she was just a little over one then moved to Lyons where she has remained since. Her favorite hobbies include anything outside and likes exploring the Deep, Dark, and Dangerous woods. Where she is currently the most dangerous thing that exist out there. Her favorite animal sadly doesn’t exist. It is an animal called the Tycoon, a cross between her two favorite animals the tiger and raccoon. It has the body and face of a raccoon but has the stripes of a tiger. Her biggest fear is non-existent. Why? Because she is the most dangerous thing on the planet, we should all fear her. She’s not even afraid to be cleated in the arm or scratched up in the hands by the people who fear her.
Devin Hegge was born on August 29th, 2001 at Sioux City Iowa. Two years after Devin was born his brother Zach was born. Devin’s parents moved to Lyons after his dad took a job at the bank. Shortly after Devin started Kindergarten his mom started a job at the Lyons school. During Kindergarten Devin’s Third brother Brayden was born. Some of Devin’s favorite memories were when Reid Preston almost peed himself on the way to one of the meets. Another memory of his was taking Spanish for 2 years and not being able to speak it very well. One of his last memories of his high school career was playing trench warfare (Dodgeball) in Mr. Swanson’s class. Devin wants to go to college and major in financing and if he has the opportunity he will play college baseball. He plans to leave Lyons after and will keep the same small-town atmosphere.
Nicholas Tolle, a 17-year-old senior, came to Lyons when he started third grade and has been a member of the community ever since. Before moving to Lyons, Nick lived with his four siblings in Bellevue, Nebraska. He currently lives with his mother and four siblings. Nick enjoys going for a run, cooking spaghetti, taking a cruise around town in his Volkswagen, and dunking over someone on the little hoops. The senior at Lyons-Decatur Northeast participates in cross country, track, one-acts, and FFA. Nick’s favorite part of school is just joking with his fellow classmates and the countless opportunities and memories sports and activities have created. After high school, Nick plans to attend college with a major in music production or audio engineering. Nick likes the small-town atmosphere Lyons provides but will move somewhere else where there will be a McDonalds and more opportunities for his profession.
Dustin Burgett was born September 24, 2000. He has an ox named Dog, or maybe it’s a dog named Ox. Dustin has grown up by the quote,”If you ain’t first you’re last.” He played football in his front yard, and now is pursuing his dream of playing college football. Here he will become the world’s highest paying business man after graduating college with a major in business. Even though he will become the richest man, he will still live off his favorite food, Hamburger Helper. While Dustin is still in highschool, he will patiently wait for Thanksgiving break, since that is his favorite holiday. To make the dream of becoming the richest businessman, he will continue to work hard at the Center of Rural Affairs and S&S Lawn Care.
Christian Macario was born on February 9th, 2000. He lives here in Lyons and has really enjoyed living here. His favorite hobbies are playing basketball and tinkering with computers. His greatest memory was when they resurfaced the basketball court at the school. Ever since that day, you can probably find Christian at the basketball court shooting hoops with anyone who is willing. Christian’s plan for life after he leaves high school is to go to college and major in a music-related study. He wants to see if he can make music a career and wishes to join an orchestra after college.
Brandi was born at the Pender Hospital on May 22, 2001.She works at Wedding Storytellers in West Point. She also works at the Pender Nursing Home. After high school, Brandi wants to go to UNL and then transfer to a medical school in New York. After college, she wants to live her life, be a trauma surgeon and start a family. Her favorite thing to do is eat waffles at Perkins. She loves their berry syrup but hates their pancakes. She does not have a favorite high school memory. Brandi thinks that Dustin’s niece is way cuter than Ryan’s niece.
Layne Miller, the youngest of four siblings, was born in West Point on April 22, 2000. Layne grew up in Lyons until recently moving out to a farm near Oakland. He is extremely active within high-school participating in speech, one-acts, spring play, quiz bowl, student council, mock trial, speech, band, and golf. Layne enjoy raising sheep and showing competitive show lambs for 4-H, FFA, and several open shows. After high school, Layne plans to attend UNL and major in Integrated Sciences with a focus on Agronomy. In the future, Layne plans to return to a rural community and work within the Ag industry.
Reid Preston was born on May 30th, 2001. He does everything to the best of his abilities to make sure he doesn’t regret anything in the future. He wants to be involved in public office sometime during his life. He has been growingly interested in politics. His interest in politics started from a game called Political Machine 2016 and from there the torch was lit. Reid loves dogs and has only lived one day of his life without a dog. He was president of FFA twice and he finds that to be one of his greatest accomplishments.
On September 7, 2000 in Pender, Nebraska, Scott and Tina Ronnfeldt unknowingly welcomed a future nincompoop into this world. Nick Ronnfeldt’s peers have described him as loud and arrogant, yet somehow motivational. His favorite childhood memory is watching Austin fall out of the back of the bus during evacuation drills. Nick’s life goals include being “really rich, having a lot of money so I can do whatever I want.” Although he’s not sure whether or not he will always live in Lyons, he plans to attend college for animal science. Nick’s hobbies including watching and playing sports. The words Nick lives by are, “One person’s garbage is another person’s good ungarbage.”
Austin Pickell was born in Omaha Nebraska on January 17, 2000. He did not like school when he first started and still doesn’t to this day because it isn’t his highest paying job. He likes animals, especially dogs. In his free time, he enjoys playing video games and going outside to play with his brothers, Keith and Andrew. He enjoys his job at McDonalds and likes his coworkers. His classmates will remember him as a funny and a very good singer. He would like to pass his senior year with flying colors. After high school, he would like to work with robotics and be an engine technician. He plans on moving to Iowa after graduation.
Tyler Riddle, a former and previous student of LDNE was born in West Point Nebraska on June 14, 2000. Tyler has an older sister and a younger brother. Tyler is interested in and enjoys video games, as well as four-wheeling and fishing. He came back to the Lyons community because he had the opportunity to see old friends and finish school where he started. Tyler plans on attending Milford College and major in Automotive collision repair.
Cassidy “The Red Farren” Farrens was born on August 7th, 2001 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Cassidy lives in the middle of nowhere somewhere by Decatur. She has horses at her house and she rides them around on trails and around barrels and poles and to school. Everyone thinks Cassidy likes horses but she really doesn’t like them that much. Instead she likes dogs and racoons even though they are wild animals. Cassidy wants to go to the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and have a great time. Cassidy has one sibling and his name is Mason Walid Lami. He is way cooler than Cassidy and she should be more like him. Cassidy wants to grow up to be a horse jockey and win millions at horse races. Cassidy said, “I probably won’t do this but it’d be pretty cool.”
Tony Oswald Macario was born February 9th, 2000 in West Point, NE. Tony lives in a Spanish speaking household and in his household he spends a lot of his free time peforming music. Tony has a twin brother named Christian, Tony and Christian both have never really had a father figure in their life. On the weekends Tony spends his time with his lifelong best friend, or playing basketball at the school park. During school, Tony was involved in Band, and Choir. In Band he plays the Bass Clarinet and regular Clarinet, and in choir he is a bass II. Tony’s biggest accomplishment he thinks would have to be getting honorable mention at District Music Contest.
Ryan Payton is a Senior at Lyons-Decatur. He was born on July 2, 2001. He lives in Lyons, Nebraska. He worked at the Pool and Harvest Moon pumpkin patch. His Mother and Father are divorced. On the weekends he works, visits his grandma, or hangs out with his Sister and his Niece. He plays sports and he is apart of FFA and FBLA. In his free time he enjoys to playing video games or does sports. Ryan’s Favorite childhood memory was going to the pool everyday he could. He plans to go to Southeast Community College and go into business. He wants to own his own business and make lots of money one day.
On July 21, 2000 an amazing little girl, Kassandra, was brought into this world in room 214 of the West Point, Nebraska hospital. You’ll either find Kassandra walking the halls minding her own business, or working a concession stand to get out of pep band. She is a very reserved girl working to overcome her fears through different activities such as speech and FFA. Outside of school, you probably won’t see Kassandra for at least an hour after making plans with her, as she would have to eat her daily granola and greek yogurt! Her passion is to help endangered animals and that is exactly where she wants to take her future. She wants to pursue zoology, have a family, and a huge house. Kassandra has a very little love life, so that family might be an issue. She mostly just resides with her dog Louie cuddled up in some warm blankets on her couch watching YouTube. She babysits in order to raise money, which she saves until Cassidy asks her to go to Raising Canes, which she usually buys both meals. She’s the best. Some words Kassandra would like everyone to remember about her when she dies are “We were born to be real, NOT perfect!”
Amanda Marie Margaret Alford was born in Tambov, Russia on September 14, 1998. She moved to Lyons, Nebraska in 2004 after spending five years in an orphanage in Russia. Her parents and older sister, Sarah, have helped shape her into the person she is today. She has a great amount of gratitude towards them for being so patient during the process of her learning the English language. She enjoys reading, sketching and taking pictures of nature. After high school she plans on attending the Central Community College in Columbus, Nebraska for two years. She’s going wherever the path leads her.
Jayme LeAnn McCullock was born on December 18, 1999. She currently lives four and a half miles north of Decatur in Thurston County. Jayme is fascinated with horses, dogs, and cats. She lives on a farm where she has two horses, three dogs, five geese, fifteen chickens, six ducks, and seventeen cats. She takes enjoyment in antler hunting as well and trying to compete with her family to find the biggest antler. Jayme also likes to go camping at Blackbird Hill in the summer time, where they ride four wheelers, set around the fire, and have a fun time. Her favorite foods are deer meat, sugar cookies, and pineapple. Her favorite colors are green, black, and pink. Although Jayme is a shy person in school, she is very outgoing when she is with her friends. After graduating she is planning on pursuing a career where she gets to work with animals.
Madison JoAnn Tompkins born February 12th, 2000 has lived in Decatur, Nebraska for most of her life. She is someone who enjoys the outdoors where she goes camping and fishing. She also likes to play with her three dogs and two cats. Madison also enjoys watching Netflix, sleeping, listening to music, and eating Spaghetti. Her favorite color is black because it is dark. And after she graduates she wants to go to college to double major in Psychology and Criminal Justice. Madison Tompkins has a quote that she lives by and it is, “Live like today’s your last day.”
On May 11, 2000 a short tempered, stubborn, good-looking baby was born to Brian and Terri Mentink. They called her Cassidy Mentink and she was born in Lincoln, NE. She lived there for about 18 months of her life then moved to Lyons, NE where she currently lives. After high school she plans to attend UNL or UNO and major in Broadcast Journalism, hoping to someday make her debut on KETV News Watch 7 at 10 pm. In her free time, she likes to watch Netflix, because who doesn’t and play with her prized possession Kyle, a cat. Her life lesson that she wants everyone to know is, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.”
Janice Wuestewald, a high school senior of Lyons Decatur. Grew up in smiley texas, but was in Fremont for the most of her life. Janice is 17 and now lives in Decatur, Nebraska with her dad and three dogs. I asked Janice who she admires the most, she said her dad because he always found a way to get stuff for her and her brother and always made everything work out. Janice wants to be a cosmetologist when she is older. Janice remembers as a baby being in her crib seeing an old lady that died in a rocking chair knitting.
Meet Destanie French she’s 17 years old and has lived in the old town Decatur Nebraska pretty much her whole life! Growing up she had 2 sisters Shyanne and Cierra plus her older brother Jake so she always had someone to play with and make memories with. She values the time she gets to spend with her family because you never know what tomorrow will bring. She loves her dog Bruno he’s always there for her to cheer her up when she’s feeling down. To Destanie her mother is her rock. She looks up to her because she’s always has been the one to support her without giving up. Her goal in life after she graduates is to hopefully go onto college and later in life, start a family, and become a billionaire!
Sophia Moeine Henneman was born on March 2, 2000, in Sioux City. When asked “What she plans on doing with her life after your graduation?” She said she planned to go to the University of Lincoln to become a Neuro PA. Being the youngest of eight siblings, her family has helped her be the person she is today because they gave her advice. The eclipse trip and Mrs. Sharp “She’s flipping Crazy” is what she will remember about high school. When Sophie has free time, Which she rarely has, She spends it with her family. Her dream is to work at a Children’s Hospital.
At the age of only 17, Brock, resident of Lyons, Nebraska and only child of Pat and Shawn Vetick, has the dream of ending all world hunger. This passion of his comes from working with his father and being able to see the good of the world. The National FFA Organization has also given him this beautiful dream of helping the world by teaching him about the issue. By reading nonfiction law and science books and articles, he opens his mind to the world. Letting in the ideas of others to help him address the issue that plagues the world. Brock Vetick is the future of the United States.
On November 29, 1998 a small town girl with high expectations and big dreams was born. Lexie Bacon has been living in the town of Lyons for 17 years now. She is a senior at Lyons-Decatur Northeast. In one year she is headed off into the big world on her own. Not sure where she is headed yet, she is planning on attending college after high school. She wants to major in elementary teaching and also has an interest in playing college basketball somewhere near home. After college she wants to build her own house at her farm with her loving husband with three kids.
On April 22nd, 1999, Kelly Wakeley, a unique young lady from small town Lyons, Nebraska was born. Kelly is currently attending Lyons-Decatur Northeast to finish off her last year of high school. This 17 year old girl isn’t going to stop from chasing her dreams. In a year, Kelly plans on attending Northeast Community college to take up a degree in nursing. After she has finished college, Kelly plans on moving to Lincoln, Nebraska to settle down and start her own family with her husband and three children. Kelly plans on attending many games for the Nebraska Huskers to cheer on her home state.
“How can I be the greatest hog farmer to ever walk on this planet?” This is what Jon James Christiansen says to his reflection in the mirror every morning, while a single tear rolls down his cheek. Jon (born December 13, 1998) has dedicated his life to acquiring skills to become a master hog farmer. Jon’s early life was filled with exploring the outdoors. His favorite hobby was going on nature walks. Mr. Christiansen’s love of the wilderness and pigs has made him want him to pursue a career as a hog farmer. Jon plans on attending college to gain information on farming, agricultural economics, and genetically modified animals.
A hard working girl that has her heart set on the future. Amelia has lived in Lyons all of her life, but she moved into town at 9. Her future goals are set and she is looking forward to going to college and studying Music Therapy. One day she hopes she can have private practice. National Youth Group and USD has really shaped her life. She is now stronger in her faith. She has found the career she loves to do. What is really unique about her is that she is very outgoing and very easy to talk to. She also never gives up and is hard working. I’m proud of her.
When I think of patient and trustful, I think of Lupita Prieto. She has lived in Lyons, Nebraska all of her life, which is equivalent to 18 years. She grew up in a spanish speaking home, which made starting school harder than normal. With her new skill, she translates for her parents. She also helps her mom take care of her sisters. Recently her mom had baby. This helped Lupita learn how to take care of younger kids and get her prepared for the future. Lupita plans to go to college, have a career she loves, and raise a family in the future. Her goals include making a difference and be the best she can be. I am really proud to call her my best friend.
What is it that makes Tommy Fuston different from the rest of the world? Is it his YouTube fame? Or maybe it’s his alter ego, The Dog Whisperer. Whatever it is that makes Tommy one of the most captivating people on the planet, we all wish we had it.
The legend himself was born on June 7, 1999 in Lyons, Nebraska. He has spent all of his seventeen years living in Lyons and has become very popular within the community. During his early childhood he would often be seen angling for river monsters on the Lyons Lagoon. Now he has become a youtube sensation while his channel has amassed a whopping 3,000 views and is nationally renowned. He now resides with his father, the mayor Andy Fuston, and mother, Fae, in their beautiful estate on 3rd St. His plans for the future are to go to college, start a family, and make lots of money.
Set goals, work hard, and reach your potential. These are the words that 17-year-old Bren Shatto lives by. The high school senior isn’t your average student. He is highly involved in activities and challenging coursework, along with finding time to work in his father’s construction business. “My father has opened my eyes to a world of job opportunities,” says Bren. Speaking of job opportunities, he aspires to someday own a very successful business and become a millionaire. And I know Bren will do just that. This young man’s work ethic and determination will lead him to achieve whatever he sets his mind to.
Cole Christoffersen has lived in the town for 17 years. He wants to go to college after this year and get a good paying job so he can make money. Sports has shaped Cole throughout his life because it has taught him how to become a stronger person and how to be a leader in his family and in the community. His family has taught him the ins-and-outs of life. Cole is unique because he has the gift of being able to talk in front of people. Life plans for him are to work until retirement and hopefully be able to retire and live somewhere warm. Something not everybody doesn’t know is that Cole has 3 older siblings.
Montana Riecken has lived in the country of Lyons for his whole life. His goals for the future are to go to a University. Another goal he has is to own a house by himself. Sports are a thing that has shaped him throughout the years because it has taught him leadership and a good work ethic. Family has also shaped him because they have taught him how to succeed in life and become the best person he could. His work ethic is a thing that has separated him from everyone else in the world. People don’t know that he enjoys his little debbie doughnuts.
NC- What do you plan on doing with your life after you graduate?
CF- I plan on moving to Oregon after I graduate. I am going to go explore all the different towns, and view different scenery.
NC- What has built you up to being the person you are today?
CF-My high school career, I’ve always been in my shell. People have told me to come out of it and become more confident, and those people have been helping me.
NC- Explain your high school experience to me.
CF-When I was in junior high I didn’t do very well in school. I didn’t have very many friends. When I got into high school I started caring about school more, but I still didn’t have very many friends. To me that is fine, because with the friends that I do have, I know they will stick by my side.
Cierra French: How long have you lived in Decatur?
Natalia Castle: I have lived in Decatur for 17 years, so my whole life. I do plan on moving later in life.
CF: Where do you plan on moving to after you graduate?
NC:I plan on moving to Colorado. To get a good job, an apartment for myself.
CF: What do people not know about you?
NC: I’ve been through a lot growing up, they don’t know how I live. They don’t know my emotions. I’m this way today because of the past. Some good parts and some not so good but the past will often affect your future.
CF: What makes you unique?
NC: I’m unique by how I’ve grown up. I grew up without a mom or a dad. Most kids have them both in their lives. I’ve grown up to be strong and independent, so that’s what makes me unique.
He has three sisters and is very committed to what he loves and what he loves is technology. Benny found out that he loves technology from playing video games when he realized that there was so much behind the works of the game system. Which kicked off his curiosity, so when ever Benny is working on something he likes he tries much harder most of the time. He spends most of his time sitting behind the desktop searching the web for the latest in tech, watching videos on tech, or even buying to test them out. He says he really wants to be a computer developer some day.
Joseph O’Connor was born in Boston on November 27, 1998. Joseph moved to Lyons when he was two and is currently enrolled at Lyons Decatur Northeast. He wants to get a degree in wildlife management and wants to eventually become a park ranger. Athletics and working on the farm has shaped what he is today. Joseph’s life plans are graduating college and settling down in a small town. He wants to start a family and live on a farm. He like to take care of his animals in his free time. In addition, Joseph likes to go target shooting and hanging out with friends and family.
Jacob Whitaker was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa on October 1, 1998. He took the journey all the way to Lyons Nebraska when he was four. During his time in Lyons he quickly realized that he wanted to help people so his future goal is to get a degree in the Criminal Justice Department. With the help of people in his life such as teachers and coaches he has a positive attitude towards any hard work. His life plans include graduating college, moving back to a small town like this one, then starting a family. In his free time he enjoys hanging out with friends and spending a lot of time shooting to prepare him for a job in the Law Enforcement later in life.
Bow Whitley has lived in lyons with his mother and 3 siblings all of his life. His fatherly figure in his life is what shaped Bow. By being just him and his younger siblings, Bow doesn’t mind being different and he likes to stand out from the crowd, and that is what makes bow unique. His life plan is to have a house either small or big, and wouldn’t care of having a family of his own. what people don’t know about Bow, is that he used to volunteer with elderly people, and he plans for military education.
A person that takes commitment and pleasure in doing what he loves is Michael. He enjoys cars, fast cars. He has always devoted himself in doing what he loves. Michael has a great sense of humor, he’s a simple man and really proud of it. Michael takes pride and joy in everything he does. Engineering and manufacturing is something he wants to specialize and perfect. Michael will someday be an engineer and build the fastest and most powerful muscle car known to humankind.
Nicholas Taylor was born on July 30, 1998. Nicholas has lived in Beemer Nebraska for all his life until two days ago. He moved to Lyons on August 21, 2016. After High School Nicholas plans on going to college to study mechanic. He wants to become an auto body mechanic and fix any problems that people have with their cars. After going to college and getting the job he wants, he wishes to get married and raise a family. After this he said that, “ The future will then on decide.” What is unique about Nicholas is that his favorite band is Pink Floyd.
When I think of a unique person, I think Samantha because she is from Guam. She has not lived here for a long time, only for two years! What interests her in school is what makes her a unique person. Some examples are choir, plant science and natural resources. Her life plans are to go back to Guam for some time and then come back here and start a daycare business. Something that most people wouldn’t know about her is her family.
When I think of good person, I think of Jacob Nelson. He was born in Texas in 1998. He moved to Lyons in his early childhood. He lives with his mom and sister. After high school he would like to study construction in college. Eventually, he wants to buy himself a house. He is a very private person, but he loves playing in band. He plays the bass drum. He is a senior at Lyons-Decatur high school and he is graduating in May.
I have endeavored to create community-centered events aiming to empower community members to think beyond their limits, understanding how their voices can truly make a positive impact from their small Nebraska town. My events, collectively titled “Rural Voices”, have included Lyons Literary Night and Community Dialogue. Lyons Literary Night was focused around having individuals share literature and […]
Our project is to create a movement for beginning film enthusiast around the community. We created a workshop to describe how stop motion works. We also planned on having the film enthusiast create a stop motion video with legos that we had brought. We also had free food and drinks that we gave out at […]
I, Bow Whitley, and my partner Trystan Vink decided to do the gazebo down at the town park. After hard work and dedication we finished working on the Gazebo. This process was very strenuous. We repainted and added bench along with cleaned up some of the weathered wood work. After this whole project was done the […]
Our project was to create the first Career Fair at Lyons Decatur Northeast. While doing this we gained a lot of experience from contacting people to come and speak to our students to setting up the layout for this large event. We have achieved this goal with hard work, dedication, and work ethic. Our process […]
Derek Lahm is a principal and government teacher at a rural school district in northeast Nebraska. Derek has been a social studies teacher for the past 7 years. His experience includes 2 years of teaching at a large school district of Carl Junction, Missouri, and his past 5 years have been at the Lyons-Decatur Public School District.
Derek is a co-creator of Community Studio. He is passionate about incorporating the government curriculum with practical application of bringing the school and community closer together. His dream is to ignite in students a desire to be active citizens in whatever community they so reside. Derek and wife Cassandra have a daughter that is the light of their lives.
402.687.2363 dlahm@esu2.org
Jamie Horter is an artist and community developer based in rural Lyons Nebraska (pop. 851). She believes that the collective knowledge of communities should be utilized to drive solutions and action on local issues. Her work as an artist includes facilitating community-driven solutions.
Jamie is a co-creator of Community Studio. She coaches students in place-based practices and helps mentor students on the fundamentals of successful project management. As editor of the local newspaper, Jamie leverages media coverage to promote student projects and inspire community conversations about them.
402.765.8118 jamie.horter@gmail.com
