College grads receiving diplomas across state
College graduates with ties to Chase County are receiving post-secondary diplomas across Nebraska.
Here is a recap on graduates’ degrees and future plans.
Chris Bartels
Earning his Master’s degree in School Principalship 7-12 Saturday from the University of Nebraska-Kearney was Chris Bartels of Imperial.
The 2011 graduate of Wauneta-Palisade High School earned his undergraduate degree in math education from Hastings College in 2015.
His immediate plans are to continue to teach math and coach at Chase County Schools.
“I really enjoy what I am doing right now, so I’m not interested in entering administration at this point in my life, but maybe someday,” he said.
He and his wife, Kaylee, also a teacher at CCS, have a son, Kallan.
His parents are Stuart and Kathleen Bartels of Wauneta.
Nolan Spady
Nolan Spady received a BS degree in Aviation Systems Management during commencement at the University of Nebraska-Kearney on Friday.
The 2017 graduate of Chase County Schools is the son of Mark and Michelle Spady of Imperial.
He has returned to Imperial and is working in the aerial department at Frenchman Valley Coop.
Lauren Gockley
Graduating from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln on Saturday, Lauren Gockley earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education & Human
Sciences.
She was a 2018 graduate of Chase County Schools, and is the daughter of Joel and Julie Gockley of Imperial.
She plans to continue her studies at the University of Nebraska-Kearney, working toward a Master’s degree in Counseling.
Blair Hartman
Blair Hartman earned a Master’s of Arts in Education in Professional School Counseling from Chadron State College. Commencement ceremonies were held Saturday.
The 2014 graduate of Chase County Schools earned her undergraduate degree in Ag Education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in December 2017. She started work on her Master’s program in May 2019.
She is completing her third year as the ag teacher at Ansley Public Schools.
She is the daughter of Rob and Carma Hartman of Champion.
Katelyn Wheeler
A Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (BSW) was received by Katelyn Wheeler during commencement exercises at Chadron State College Saturday.
She has already begun work towards a Master’s degree online in Professional School Counseling from Chadron, and will be living in Imperial for now. She was a 2017 graduate of Chase County Schools.
During Ivy Day Awards Friday night at the college, Wheeler was recognized for outstanding social work. Two seniors earned that recognition in each of Chadron’s academic departments.
Her parents are Brad and Heidi Wheeler of Imperial.
Rose Sullivan
Rose Sullivan graduated summa cum laude (GPA of 3.9 to 4.0) from the University of Nebraska-Kearney on Friday.
She earned a Bachelor of Science in Education degree, specializing in Communication Disorders.
She was part of the UNK honors program during her college career.
She plans to continue her education with graduate school studies at UNK, pursuing a Master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology.
She was a 2017 graduate of Chase County Schools. Her parents are Bill and Marianne Sullivan of Imperial.
Anna Bauerle
Anna Bauerle earned a Juris Doctor Degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Law at commencement exercises in Lincoln Friday.
The 2014 graduate of Chase County Schools earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Doane University in 2018.
She will be married in June, then take the bar exam in July. After the bar, she will be working as an associate attorney at the law firm of Smith, Johnson, Allen, Connick and Hansen in Grand Island, doing civil litigation and family law.
Her parents are Mike and Jill Bauerle of Imperial.