Where are They Now? Alumni
The Covid Class: 2020 Graduates
By Josie Painter
Everyone remembers the year of masks no one wanted to wear, isolation from society, and no toilet paper. However, only some remember the graduating class that did not get to enjoy part of their senior year or have their graduation ceremony until July with families six feet apart and most watching by Zoom call. What happened to them? Some went off to college, others went to work, and a few are not with us today. But here are a few of those graduates and where they are now.
Carson Oestreich, the valedictorian of 2020, is a graduate student at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary. It is his first year at the seminary and Oestreich has been pretty overwhelmed, but still filled with gratitude with all the blessings in his life. For the first time in many years, he does not have any football, and he feels healthy and content with where he is at. After being asked about any regrets he has had since high school he states, “I do not have any regrets. Following where God has been leading me in my life has been so rewarding and so freeing. (I’m) excited to see where He takes me in my future as I live out the purpose God has for my life!”
The salutatorian of 2020, Gavin Larson, is currently in Arlington, teaching a class called Jobs for America’s Graduates at their high school, while also coaching high school boys basketball and middle school track and field. Some of his greatest accomplishments since graduating are earning his teaching certificate and being an assistant track coach for the state runner-up team, Arlington High School, last year.
“I spend most of my free time with my lovely girlfriend, Tiffani. We enjoy being involved in the school and experiencing a number of sporting events. We enjoy basketball, football, volleyball, track, and hockey,” Larson comments.
The class of 2020 has two vice presidents and one of them, Hailey Abler, is presently working for Kiewit in Denver, Colorado, as an engineer and project controller. This means Abler is controlling and reporting on the finances for construction projects for Kiewit across North America.
“I’ve moved to a couple of different states now, and it never gets easier, leaving my friends and my family behind and going to a different city or state. And so I’ve realized how hard that is, but it has also helped push me out of my comfort zone and taught me that I can handle more than I had initially thought,” Abler states regarding what she had learned after graduating. She then goes on to say, “I have a pretty stressful job at times, and that can impact my mental health, but I just work hard to try and maintain a work-life balance and connect with my friends here in Denver, and talk to my family a lot.”
The other vice president, Klarissa Norris, is in med school for nursing. She had moved to Lincoln for her undergraduate diploma at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and now Omaha to attend the University of Nebraska Medical Center, and is much busier than she ever was in high school.
“I think there’s a certain level of maturity that comes with being away from home and having to figure things out for yourself. Especially with COVID happening right when I graduated and carrying into my freshman year of college, there was a lot to handle at times. It’s been a big change compared to high school but I’ve loved it so far!” Norris says.
Brett Tinker, soon to be married to Kailey Marks, is currently in college at Briar Cliff University working to get his teaching degree and playing football. When asked what difficulties he faced after high school, he replies, “The biggest challenge after leaving high school was definitely relationships. Trying to make new friends and stay in contact with high school friends was a struggle. More importantly, trying to maintain my relationship with Kailey was extremely challenging as we went from seeing each other every day to not at all.”
Dylan Svoboda, also a 2020 grad, is now a precision ag specialist/product specialist for True Ag & Turf in Osmond. He deals with issues such as auto steer on tractors and technology on planters. Regarding his mental health, Svoboda states, “I have great friends and family who support me. Some days I do get down just with work, but I have people behind me supporting me.”
These graduates have shown remarkable resilience and adaptability, stepping into a world of unprecedented challenges with courage and determination, making everyone’s future a little bit brighter with each step they take.
Class of 2015
By Alanna McKeown
As alumni gatherings start, memories of high school start to resurface. It's been almost a decade since the class of 2015 graduated.
Rachel McGill Brenden, was one of the six valedictorians of her class. She believes that growing up in Pierce and going to Pierce High School instilled a strong work ethic and a love for a sense of community wherever she goes. What Brenden remembers most about high school is the faculty and staff genuinely caring for her and pushing her to do her best. She also met her husband at Pierce High, and she made long lasting friendships.
Some advice Brenden wants to give students now is, “Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and keep an open mind. You might find something new you like or even something you don’t like and that’s okay too.”
When interviewing other people who graduated in 2015, there were a lot of similar answers to the questions. They remember when all the hallways were full of friends, whether it was students or teachers, and they were always there for them. Everyone was positive and the atmosphere was great.
Another one of the students from the class of 2015, Jared Cheney states, “Pierce High taught me to control myself, whether it was the way that I live, the way that I work, the way that I behave and act, and especially the way to achieve a goal. Through this, I knew how to treat others, how to respect one another, and respect myself in every situation. Any goal that you have, any hardship can be achieved or worked through with mental discipline. Push myself, teach myself, and treat myself right and anything can be achieved.”
The class of 2015 will mark a decade out on their own this year.
The Class of 2010
By Addisyn Ludden
The class of 2010 graduated 15 years ago. The senior class officers were president Kaelee Stuchlik, first vice president Emily Polt, second vice president Adam Geiger, secretary Meghan Vogt, and treasurer Chelsea Atkins. The class of 2010 valedictorian was Brittney Dinkel, and the salutatorian was Chelsea Akins.
After interviewing president Kaelee Stuchlik-Steffensmeier, she believes that PHS had a positive impact on her. “I am a firm believer that anyone who is a graduate from Pierce Jr/Sr High should feel honored and privileged. I can still recall saying in our high school graduation speech that it is so important to not forget where we came from. I still truly believe this, as I personally feel that attending Pierce High greatly contributed to who I am today. At Pierce High, we are provided with some of the best opportunities – opportunities that are comparable to large urban high schools. We have the opportunity to partake in such great learning experiences while still having the benefits that come with attending school in a small town,” states Stuchlik-Steffensmeier.
Stuchlik-Steffensmeier is now doing big things. She says, “I obtained my BSN from UNMC’s College of Nursing in 2014, my Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in Acute Care Pediatrics from Creighton University’s College of Nursing in 2018, and my post-graduate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certificate in 2019 (also from Creighton). I have worked at Children’s Nebraska for 10 years. I am a Nurse Practitioner with our in-patient Acute Pain Service and with our out-patient Chronic Pain Clinic. I am an adjunct faculty with Creighton University’s CON. My husband, Michael, and I live in Omaha with our daughter Kambree, age 3, and our son Kallan, (who is) 3 months old.”
When asked what advice would she give high school students now she says, “Connections are so important. Don’t be afraid to put in the effort to connect with individuals that work in the field you aspire to work in. Most importantly, be available to reciprocate this mentorship by being present for others when the opportunity presents itself. Also, always remember that each decision that you make for yourself will have an impact on your future. Lastly, never be afraid to set boundaries because, first and foremost, you deserve to and need to take care of your own well-being. Learn to say ‘yes’ to those things most important to you and ‘no’ to the lesser things.”
Stuchlik-Steffensmeier says her favorite teacher from Pierce High was Crys Bauermeister. “Not only was she a phenomenal teacher and speech coach, but she also served as a highly regarded mentor. She prepared me for the transition to adulthood. She does more than simply educate students. She strives to teach important life skills in all interactions that she has with us students.”
She expresses that she is not too surprised that most of the teachers are still teaching since she's been in high school.
When asked about the one piece of life advice she wished someone had given her sooner, Stuchlik-Steffensmeier exclaims, “I wish that I would’ve been more attune to the vast opportunities that exist in our society. I feel fortunate that I have been able to experience many wonderful life experiences, but this certainly involved being willing to take educated risks. You never know the experiences that are available without first being willing to step outside of your comfort zone. Don’t be afraid to pursue the life that you have always envisioned living.”
Next after talking to Chelsea (Akins) Witt, she stated that she had a really good time at Pierce High, and it was a positive experience. “Overall, I had a really positive experience while I was at Pierce High. I was involved in a lot of extracurriculars and did well in school. I loved knowing most everyone in my grade. I did have a harder time my senior year when my closest friends left the school, and it was also a little hard in college when friendships I thought I had in high school didn't really continue. Ultimately, that kind of separation is natural for some people and okay, even if it hurts. It doesn't mean there's anything wrong with you. Sometimes breaking away is a good thing, even if it's hard and even if it wasn't your choice. Overall, I am extremely grateful for the experiences I had at Pierce High! I was able to be involved in a lot of different things all at once and had teachers who were really passionate about their job. I realized later in life that it's not an experience everyone gets to have,” Witt expresses.
Witt is now a professor at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln and teaches psychology courses.
If she could give any advice to a high schooler student she says, “Try a little bit of everything you can! Also, don't worry if you feel you haven't found your people yet. There are bigger ponds out there. Just focus on doing your best and being the best possible version of yourself, regardless of what others around you are doing.”
Witt states, “I really loved all of my teachers. I especially admired Mr. (Les) Piper for trying a really unique grading system in his classes (even though it was unpopular at the time; it took courage and a person who truly cared about teaching to try something new like that) and Mr. Ed (Tom Edmisten) who always pushed his students to their full potential and was honest in his feedback (which made any kind of compliment mean that much more!). I will forever have a super special place for Mr. (Gary) Shada and Mr. (Mike) Sindt who always believed in me and really helped me grow as a person in a lot of different ways through cross country and band. Thank you as well to my freshman English teacher, Mrs. (Danielle) Goetsch, who took the time to intentionally and sincerely praise a paper I had spent a lot of time on; the positive feeling I had from that conversation is still with me. And thanks to Mrs. (Crys) Bauermeister/Hemphill for the countless hours spent trying to make me better at speech! I never reached the level I wanted in high school, but I have found those skills immensely helpful in my current job. Seemed like I just needed a little more time/'growing up' for everything to 'click.' All of my teachers were highly positive and formative in the type of person I am today. Thank you, all!”
When asked, What's the one piece of life advice you wish someone had given you sooner? Whitt remarks, “Your worth is not measured by the number of friends or accomplishments you have. You are innately and wonderfully awesome; so is everyone else around you. Know your worth and know others.”
The class of 2010 has a lot of successful people coming from Pierce High School. These two were just a couple of them and where they are now.
Where are they now: Class of 2005
By Addison Frye
The class of 2005 has ‘broken out’ nearly 20 years ago and many Pierce High School students today wonder where they are now.
“I loved high school, some of the best years spent with some of my best friends still to this day,” Megan Sedlacek, salutatorian, and secretary says. “I would tell my high school self to enjoy every moment of being carefree and young.”
Sedlacek moved to Pierce when she was a freshman in high school. Throughout her high school career, she participated in activities including FFA, FCCLA, volleyball, basketball, track, and golf. She also played softball and 3v3 soccer in the summers. After high school, Sedlacek graduated with a bachelor's degree from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln (UNL), and she worked in marketing and sales for agricultural and medical-based companies and currently is employed by Farm Credit Services of America in Omaha.
“I would say the most important history that the class of ‘05 made was the legacy of lifelong friendships. Several of us have remained friends with fellow classmates to this day. Our class has always remained close and a large percentage attend major milestone reunions,” Trevor Bertsch, the 2005 class president says.
After high school, Bertsch went to Wayne State College, where he met my wife Alyssa, and got a bachelor's degree in business management, graduating in 2009. He then went to Creighton University, where he got his MBA and Doctor of Pharmacy degrees and graduated from Creighton in 2013. Bertsch lived in Norfolk for close to 10 years and recently moved to Le Mars, Iowa, where he is a pharmacy manager for Floyd Valley Healthcare.
“Enjoy the time ya get, and continue to focus on school, but make sure to have fun along the way,” treasurer Chad Christiansen says. “Also, remember high school is just a small part of your life, enjoy it, but it’s not everything. You’ll find more about yourself after high school than you will in high school.”
While in high school, Christiansen participated in FFA, football, wrestling, track, National Honor Society, student council, and Spanish club.
“Adulthood is great but comes with great responsibility, enjoy the lack of responsibilities while you're a kid.” Since high school, he went to college at Northeast Community College, received his associate's in biology, and then attended UNL to get his bachelor's in fish and wildlife management. “I spent some time in Wyoming working for Wyoming Game and Fish, then worked for Pheasants Forever in North Platte.”
Now Christiansen is working for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Valentine for the past eight years.
“Oh boy, the hustle and bustle is real,” Stacy Robinson, a graduate of the class of 2005 says. “It's hard! I have had so much fun and love my adult life. Adulting is confusing and I always think I'm probably making the wrong choice, but I just follow my gut and try to be a good person. That's all you can do!”
In her high school years, Robinson participated in speech, one act, all school play, band, jazz band, and flag line. After Robinson graduated, she moved to Lincoln to go to school. She then stayed there for about eight years. Robinson then worked for a dental office as their head of Marketing, then got a job at a marketing and fundraising agency, working primarily with humane societies. She then met Steve Robinson and they moved to Omaha.
“Something I would say to my high school self is go travel the world. Study abroad if you can. It is so eye-opening, and you’ll grow so much as a person,” Jadrianne Smith, the second vice president says.
Since Smith graduated from Pierce, she went to Wayne State College and had a successful track and field career. After graduating college, she moved to Europe with her Pierce classmate Dani Watts and did a lot of traveling. Smith has been to 12 countries now. Her husband, Micah, is a college football coach at Chadron State College. Smith currently lives in Chadron, and owns her own digital marketing business. She builds websites, does graphic design, and does social media marketing. She has clients all over the US (including Drew Breese, the former NFL quarterback). Smith is also involved with her church and is the education coordinator for Keep Chadron Beautiful, her local nonprofit that keeps her town clean, green, and beautiful. Clubs and activities she was involved in while at PHS include volleyball, basketball, track, dance, club soccer, student council, letter club, Spanish club, National Honor Society, and yearbook.
“The hustle and bustle of adulthood is a balancing act, especially with children. I always say bloom where you are planted, get connected and involved. But carve out dedicated time for your family” Smith says.
The journey of the class of 2005 is an interesting one. From their formative years in high school to their diverse paths in their careers and families, they have always had a story to share and inspire. Here’s to the future of the class of 2005, where their next chapters await, filled with possibility and purpose. Let’s hope they keep staying successful.
Class of 2000
By Alanna McKeown
Former students of Pierce High School shared their memories and reflections on their high school experiences in 2000.
Kelly Hoffart, a member of the class of 2000, described Pierce High School as a sheltered time and a place to grow up before the tragic events of 9/11 and the Columbine shooting. “We had everything we needed to learn and grow,” he said.
The fondest memories for many included the friendships formed and the unique teachers who left lasting impressions. Hoffart recalled he could fit an entire box of Little Debbie Swiss Cake Rolls in the back pocket of his wide-leg jeans, so he would sneak them into the darkroom in journalism class to share, even though they were not supposed to have food in there.
David Koepke, another alumnus, emphasized the importance of hard work and discipline, a lesson he learned during his time in FFA. He encourages current students to study diligently, reflecting on his own regrets about not applying himself more in school.
Alisha Woslager Bolling shared a lighter side of high school, recalling the pranks pulled on teachers by her classmates. “We were an ornery class,” she stated. Her advice to today’s students is “Enjoy those high school years; they go by so fast.”
As they reflected on their high school days, it became clear that while the world has changed significantly since May of 2000, the lessons learned and friendships at Pierce High School remain timeless.
Class of 1995
By Chloe Bernhardt
As the 2024-25 school year keeps rolling, some people wonder where the class of 1995 is now that they have been out of high school for almost 30 years.
Amy Bloomquist was one of the two valedictorian’s for the class of 1995.
“I think Pierce High shaped me by allowing me to become very well-rounded. By having a wide variety of activities, I was able to be involved in multiple things without feeling like I was leaving something else out. There was strong leadership in the staff that helped to guide and shape the students. There was also accountability and caring that is sometimes lacking in today’s bigger schools. So I feel very grateful for my time at Pierce High School,” says Bloomquist.
She remembers band as one of her favorite memories in high school with Mr. Schumacher. Marching band and pep band were a big part of her high school experience, and she had some really fun times in band.
Some advice Bloomquist would give students now is, “Don’t take everything too seriously. I was a perfectionist and was very focused on good grades and doing everything right. While I did have fun throughout high school, I think if I would’ve relaxed a little more, it could’ve been a more enjoyable experience rather than something I felt I just had to get through to move onto the next thing. You’re only in high school once, so take advantage of all the activities and social events you can.”
One class of ‘95 graduate was Kelli Sporleder. “I think going to a smaller school and knowing almost everyone and pretty much everyone got along helped me become a better person in life to give chances to everyone you meet. I remain friends with a lot of them,” Sporleder comments. The thing she remembers most about high school is the friendships she built. Some regrets Sporleder has is not going out for more activities and not going to more sporting events to cheer on her friends. Life advice she would give to students is “take everyday like it’s your last and have the best time. It goes by so fast.”
Another graduate of the class of 1995 was Jeremy McKeown. “Pierce High shaped me by teaching me good work ethic and not to expect anything for free,” McKeown states.
What he remembers most about high school is that most of his class got along with each other and were not as clicky as other classes. He also remembers shop classes, especially when his pickup engine blew up outside the shop and the life long friendships he gained.
“Advice I would give would be don’t let negative people affect you and don’t dwell on small things, worry about yourself and what makes you happy.”
The regrets McKeown has from high school are that he should have tried a little harder to get good grades, and he should have worked more on his physical health.
The class of ‘95 was an interesting group of people. These were just a few of them and where they are now.
