(Back row, L to R): Cacen Hicks, Emi Marquezhoyos, Riley Einspahr, Barrett Frecks and Gentry Moe. (Second row from top, L to R): Dane Johanson, Tayton Wessels, Gunner Cox, Bobby Fields, Charlie Hilbert, Micah Bley and Makenzie Carl.(Third row from top, L to R): Ryatt Richardson, Kaia Applegarth, Amelia Monnahan, Mckinley Stoller, Story Carl, Aubrey Ramirez, Kaia Klentz and Emersyn Magnetti.(Front row, L to R): Andrea Almanza, Marlee Kramer, Kamryn Fanning, Emma Acton, Millie Peterson, Ansley Bartles and Savannah Millhouse. Not pictured: Kenzie Bardsley, Addy Einspahr, Kaysha Fuller, Mariah Peterson, Casey Walker, Levi Walker, Natalie Walker, Caidy McCrumb, Christabella Thomas, Creighton Frecks, Jose Marquezhoyos, Amya Keenan, Cheyenne Parrish, Hannah Smith, Kasey Ward, Jack Ward, Kreyton Wiese, Chase Bucchli and Lucas Linner.
Wauneta-Palisade students earn top honors at Nebraska State Fair
Several Wauneta-Palisade students showcased their creativity, research, and knowledge at this year’s Nebraska State Fair, earning numerous honors in the Education Division. Competing against students from schools across Nebraska, Wauneta-Palisade students earned top placements in career displays, science and art competitions.
In the grades 6-8 career display competition, Riley Einspahr earned second place, followed by Barrett Frecks in third, Marlee Kearmer in fourth, and Creighton Frecks in fifth. Students created displays highlighting various agriculture careers and professionals from the Wauneta area.
Wauneta-Palisade students also excelled in the grades 9-12 career display division. Mariah Peterson earned first place, while Ansley Bartles placed second. Each student selected an agriculture profession to research and created a display board highlighting their findings and information about their chosen career.
In the grades 9-12 science display competition, McKinley Stoller earned top honors with her experiment comparing cooking with beef tallow and regular cooking oil. Her project received additional recognition when the NebraskaLAND Foundation selected it for display at the Nebraska State Capitol during Statehood Day in March 2027.
Other Wauneta-Palisade students earning honors in the science division included Emiliano Marquezhoyos, second; Amelia Monnahan, third; Micah Bley, fourth; and Natalie Walker, fifth.
Students also earned recognition in several art competitions. In the “Know Nebraska” art competition, Kenzie Bardsley received an honorable mention.
In the grades 6-8 wall art competition (paper composition), Story Carl earned fifth place for her sketch of a pug. Christabella Thomas, Emersyn Magnetti and Story Carl also received honorable mentions in the category.
Wauneta-Palisade students continued their success in the grades 9-12 wall art competitions. In the paper composition division, Kaysha Fuller placed third, while Kenzie Bardsley and Lucas Linner received honorable mentions.
In the grades 9-12 wall art competition (canvas composition), Hannah Smith earned first place for her floral landscape painting. Kaysha Fuller placed third and Kenzie Bardsley placed fourth. Addy Einspahr, Amelia Monnahan, Caidy McCrumb and Millie Peterson also received honorable mentions.
Casey Walker’s canvas painting depicting two cowboys riding into the sunset earned additional recognition when the NebraskaLAND Foundation selected it for display at the Nebraska State Capitol during Statehood Day in March 2027.
The accomplishments extended beyond individual awards, as Wauneta-Palisade High School earned the grades 9-12 Sweepstakes Runner-Up trophy, finishing second only to Lincoln East High School. The award was based on the total points earned by entries placing first, second or third in their respective competitions.
All students who displayed individual or group art projects received a T-shirt sponsored by the NebraskaLAND Foundation. The Nebraska State Fair sponsored ribbons and premium money.
From agriculture and science to art and career exploration, Wauneta-Palisade students demonstrated that hard work and creativity can lead to success on a statewide stage.