New Teachers at Pierce High School
Pierce High Welcomes Ryan Ohnoutka as a New English Teacher
By Alanna McKeown
Next school year Pierce High School will welcome Ryan Ohnoutka as a new English teacher. Ohnoutka grew up in Columbus, and he enjoys reading classics and nonfiction.
He has a dog named Rex, and he takes up a lot of time at home. In his free time, he likes to listen to music and to travel to new places. He enjoys basketball, baseball/softball, and football games.
Ohnoutka went to Wayne State College and earned a bachelor’s degree in middle level education with endorsements in English and social studies.
“He was a good teacher, coach, and person. He did student teaching here about 8-9 years ago. He taught with Mr. Adams and Mrs. Legate. He also helped Mr. Emory with the basketball team while he taught and for a couple years after,” principal Mark Brahmer says.
Before coming to Pierce, Ohnoutka taught at Hastings St. Cecilia.
He will be a teacher but will also be a basketball and softball coach.
“I went into teaching because I like the process of growing, developing, and practicing to achieve a goal. Students and athletes go through this process, and it is rewarding to help kids reach an accomplishment. Also, my mom and dad are the reasons why I became a teacher and coach. I also did my student teaching at Pierce High, and I’m excited to work with the teachers who helped me get my start in education,” Ohnoutka says.
Let's help welcome Ohnoutka to our Pierce High community.
Meet Jaxson Daake: New Teacher and Coach at Pierce High School
By Zane McKeown
Jaxson Daake is the new face at Pierce High School, and he’s excited to get started. He’ll be teaching business and helping out with sports like wrestling and football. He’s from Kearney originally, graduating from Kearney Catholic, but now he’s ready to make Pierce his new home.
This will be Jaxson’s first year ever teaching, but he’s pumped about it. "The school size is just right, and I’m excited to work in a place with great athletics and a community that supports each other," he said.
After spending five years at the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK), Daake earned his degree in Business Marketing and Information Technology (BMIT). He’s ready to bring what he learned to the classroom.
But Daake’s not just here to teach. He’s also going to be involved with sports. He plans to help out with the wrestling program and coach football, either at the junior high or senior high level. "I’m excited to get involved with sports, and I’m not sure yet about what I’ll coach in the spring, but I’m open to anything," he said.
Daake’s main goal is to put down roots in Pierce. "I’m really looking forward to helping others, whether it’s in class or through sports," he shared.
While this is his first teaching job, Daake’s excitement and passion for both teaching and coaching make it clear that he’ll have a positive impact on the students and athletes at Pierce High School. The community is looking forward to seeing what he’ll bring to the school.
New Addition to Pierce High School
By Addisyn Ludden
With the new school year coming up, new staff members will be around. Kathryn Steskal will be joining Pierce Public staff in the 2025-26 school year.
Steskal lives in Norfolk with her husband and four children. She plans to stay living in Norfolk while working in Pierce. She has a bachelor's degree in human services counseling from Wayne State College. She also earned her teaching degree and masters in education from the University of Nebraska Kearney.
“I decided to come work in Pierce for the smaller town feel. I went to a smaller school and enjoyed it,” Steskal comments.
For the past seven years, Steskal has worked at Norfolk Public Schools.
“I've been working at Norfolk Public Schools the past seven years and wanted to try something different,” she says.
“I’m really looking forward to getting to know the students and staff.”
Steskal will be a 6th and 7th grade special education teacher for the upcoming school year.