Sidney High School Recognizes 2020 Graduates

The Sidney High School Class of 2020 met as students one last time Saturday at the high school football field.

The breeze and high temperatures welcomed a new day as students waited to hear their names called for completing the requirements of Sidney High School.

The service was opened with District Superintendent Jay Ehler addressing the crowd.

"These graduates have lived through some major challenges in the last five years," Ehler said.

He mentioned the community struggles as Cabela's was bought by Bass Pro, then the announcement of the corona virus.

"Everyone should be proud of this community," he said.

He said history shows how the class has changed.

"As we look back at your journey, we can see how far you've progressed," he said.

He encouraged graduates to nurture friendships as they move forward in life.

"Soon you will be making more of your decisions. Have faith in yourself and the decisions you make," he said.

He encouraged students to develop caring as part of who they are.

Valedictorian Benjamin Bashtovi addressed the crowd and his fellow graduates.

"It has taken longer than I expected, but we made it," he said.

He encouraged graduates to not back away from challenges, to face life as it comes.

"No matter what path we take, we'll face challenges. To overcome challenges, we must first face them."

He joked about this year's class flower, the "corona iris," and the class song "Don't Stand So Close To Me."

2020 Sidney High School Scholarships

Angelea Taighlor Arnett – University of Nebraska Lincoln David Distinguished Scholar; University of Nebraska Lincoln Thompson Scholarship; NIAAA Scholarship; Clara E. Muehlburger Scholarship; Hendriks Scholarship; SEA Scholarship; Haven and Virginia Smith Scholarship; University of Nebraska-Lincoln Panhandle Alumni Scholarship .

Benjamin Gregory Bashtovoi -- Baylor University President's Gold Scholarship, Colorado School of Mines President's Merit Scholarship, South Dakota School of Mines Silver Scholarship, University of Wyoming Brown and Gold Commitment, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Regents Scholarship, Hendriks Scholarship, Castner Family Scholarship, High West Energy Scholarship, Western Conference Student Activities Scholarship.

Erik Beyer – Nebraskans for Peace Scholarship, Sidney Education Foundation: Paul L. Martin Leadership Scholarship, 2020 Rural Students in Technology Scholarship (Alt), University of Nebraska O. & G. Kammerer Scholarship, Crossroads Coop Future of Agriculture Scholarship.

Nicole Morgan Birner – University of Nebraska Lincoln Husker Traditions Scholar Scholarship, University of Nebraska Lincoln Chancellor's Leadership, Scholar Scholarship, Education Foundation Scholarship, Paul L .Martin Leadership Scholarship, PEO Cheyenne Scholarship.

Dani Lynn Brockhaus – Dr. Herb and Nelson Scholarship, Presidents Success Award, Bobcat Scholarship, Knights of Columbus Scholarship .

Grant Ryan Campbell – Wayne State College Dean's Commitment Scholarship.

Alexah Fort – National Honor Society Semi-Finalist Scholarship, Sidney Education Foundation Fine Arts Scholarship, Lee and Angie Jacobsen TeamMates Scholarship, Husker Power Scholarship.

Sidney School Board Award and Honors Course of Study

Sidney School Board Award, signifying students with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher and the Honors Course of Study Awards for those students who successfully completed the honors course of study with a 3.5 GPA or higher in those courses.

Angelea Taighlor Arnett – School Board, Honors Course of Study.

Benjamin Bashtovoi – School Board Award, Honors Course of Study.

Amanda Beier – School Board Award, Honors Course of Study.

Nicole Birner – School Board Award, Honors Course of Study.

Dani Brockhaus – School Board Award, Honors Course of Study.

Josie Dowse – School Board Award, Honors Course of Study.

Alexah Fort – School Board Award, Honors Course of Study.

Karsyn Huck – School Board Award, Honors Course of Study.

Jonas Johnson – School Board Award, Honors Course of Study.

Mattie Johnston – School Board Award, Honors Course of Study.

Madyson Johnstone – School Board Award, Honors Course of Study.

Alaina Kuhns – School Board Award, Honors Course of Study.

Chesly Lara Mendez – School Board Award.

Corinne Lilley – School Board Award.

Caleb Luptak – School Board Award, Honors Course of Study.

Cole Luptak – School Board Award, Honors Course of Study.

Felicity Neeman – School Board Award.

Kendra Nesbitt – School Board Award, Honors Course of Study.

Mason Nightingale – School Board Award, Honors Course of Study.

Sophia Price – School Board Award, Honors Course of Study.

Tia Pritchard – School Board Award, Honors Course of Study.

Aspen Schilz – School Board Award, Honors Course of Study.

Jaylee Shaw – School Board Award, Honors Course of Study.

Thomas Short – School Board Award.

Sarah Wamsley – School Board Award, Honors Course of Study.