Maj. Gen. Daryl Bohac, who serves as Director of the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), this week announced the winners of Nebraska's annual Severe Weather Awareness Poster Contest.
Nebraska third graders provided tips for being prepared for disasters that can affect Nebraskans during the spring and summer. The winning and honorable mention posters will be featured in NEMA’s Severe Weather Awareness Calendar. Two Sarpy County youth received honorable mentions.
The top four students were honored at a news conference at the State Capitol. Also during the news conference, Gov. Jim Pillen signed a proclamation declaring March 27-31, 2023 as Nebraska Severe Weather Awareness Week.
The 2023 winners are:
First Place: Lucas Rabstejnek, 8, Southern School District, Blue Springs, Gage County, “April Showers Bring May Floods”
Second Place: Gunnar Fernau, 9, Valentine Elementary School, Valentine, Cherry County, “Stay Inside During a Storm”
Third Place: Barrett Boynton, 9, Ruth Hill Elementary School, Lancaster County, “Tornado: Take Shelter Immediately”
Fourth Place: Allison Jerri Johnson, 9, Adams Elementary School, Lincoln, Lancaster County
Honorable Mentions:
• Karyss Carufel, 8, Isanti Community School, Niobrara, Knox County
• Elianna Clay, 8, Southern School District, Blue Springs, Gage County
• Natalie Dolezal, 8, Gordon- Rushville Elementary School, Rushville, Sheridan County
• Jeanette Vizcay Martinez, 9, Chandler View Elementary School, Sarpy County
• Brooklyn Pavelka, 9, Adams Central School, Hastings, Adams County
• Lilly Pracheil, 9, Dorchester Public Schools, Dorchester, Saline County
• Capri Rodriquez, 8, Gordon-Rushville Public Schools, Rushville, Sheridan, County
• Heidi Rutt, 9, Lourdes, Central Catholic School, Nebraska City, Otoe County
• Josie Zagozda, 8, Westmont Elementary School, Bellevue, Sarpy County
Submissions from Sarpy County:
By Josie Zagozda, Sarpy County
By Jeanette Vizcay Martinez, Sarpy County
By Cecilia Yzaguirre, Sarpy County