Battle Creek senior is exploring a future in education through our Work-Based Learning program. She’s gaining valuable experience and learning from one of the best in the business.
Thank you to Mr. Heng for investing your time and making a difference!
#FutureEducatorCoach
Reminder: 3 peat orders are due 3/27 at 10am!
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Mariska Michelle Makelin, daughter of Lucas and Jolynn Makelin and Jessica Gullicksen and Justin Mandl, attended Stanton Public Schools for kindergarten through sixth grade before coming to Battle Creek High School, where she has remained ever since.
Mariska participated in one-act play production for three years, speech for one season, and she was a Trailblazer for two years. Excelling in play production, Mariska received multiple acting awards.
Mariska mentioned that her fondest memory from her time at BCHS was the junior class Blaze Day at Timberlake Ranch. She stated that everyone got along well and had a fun time. When asked to name a favorite instructor at the school, Mariska listed Mrs. Stephanie Nelson, stating, “Her classroom was just easy to be in; she always made class feel comfortable.” She added, “Mrs. Nelson cares about her students, not just about their academics.” Mariska named her favorite class asher college literature course with Mrs. Leigha Kern.
Outside of school, Mariska enjoys working, going on walks, and hanging out with her dog, friends, and boyfriend. She also spends her time working at St. Joseph Rehabilitation and Care Center, a job she has held for about two years.
After graduation, Mariska plans to work for the Norfolk Police Department as a Community Service Officer while taking classes at Northeast Community College. She will study criminal justice. Once she is 21 years old, she will go to the police academy in Grand Island.
Mariska participated in one-act play production for three years, speech for one season, and she was a Trailblazer for two years. Excelling in play production, Mariska received multiple acting awards.
Mariska mentioned that her fondest memory from her time at BCHS was the junior class Blaze Day at Timberlake Ranch. She stated that everyone got along well and had a fun time. When asked to name a favorite instructor at the school, Mariska listed Mrs. Stephanie Nelson, stating, “Her classroom was just easy to be in; she always made class feel comfortable.” She added, “Mrs. Nelson cares about her students, not just about their academics.” Mariska named her favorite class asher college literature course with Mrs. Leigha Kern.
Outside of school, Mariska enjoys working, going on walks, and hanging out with her dog, friends, and boyfriend. She also spends her time working at St. Joseph Rehabilitation and Care Center, a job she has held for about two years.
After graduation, Mariska plans to work for the Norfolk Police Department as a Community Service Officer while taking classes at Northeast Community College. She will study criminal justice. Once she is 21 years old, she will go to the police academy in Grand Island.
Easton James Hardy, son of Marshall and Stacy Hardy, attended Norfolk Public Schools before coming to Battle Creek High School for his junior year. Easton is a member of Lifepoint Church in Norfolk.
Easton participated in track and field during all four years of high school, and he played football for three seasons: two in Norfolk and one in Battle Creek. Additionally, he played summer baseball with the Braves before his junior year of high school.
Aside from athletics, Easton earned Character Student of the Month honors on one occasion. When asked to name a favorite staff member at the school, Easton listed Mr. Dylan Hawk, stating, “He is always positive, and we learn while having fun.” Easton listed History of Nebraska/History of Sports as his favorite class during the day. He mentioned that because the class is small, he has been able to get closer to some students he would not have interacted with otherwise.
Outside of school, Easton is employed at Metcalf Property Services, where he has held a crew manager position for two years. In his free time, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and playing guitar.
After graduation, Easton will attend South Dakota State University in Brookings, South Dakota. He will study architecture.
Easton participated in track and field during all four years of high school, and he played football for three seasons: two in Norfolk and one in Battle Creek. Additionally, he played summer baseball with the Braves before his junior year of high school.
Aside from athletics, Easton earned Character Student of the Month honors on one occasion. When asked to name a favorite staff member at the school, Easton listed Mr. Dylan Hawk, stating, “He is always positive, and we learn while having fun.” Easton listed History of Nebraska/History of Sports as his favorite class during the day. He mentioned that because the class is small, he has been able to get closer to some students he would not have interacted with otherwise.
Outside of school, Easton is employed at Metcalf Property Services, where he has held a crew manager position for two years. In his free time, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and playing guitar.
After graduation, Easton will attend South Dakota State University in Brookings, South Dakota. He will study architecture.
With tomorrow (March 25th) being National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day, our students and staff at Battle Creek Elementary will be wearing green to raise awareness for Cerebral Palsy. Please join our students and staff wearing green tomorrow!
#CommittedToExcellence!
#SmallConsistentActions!
#CommittedToExcellence!
#SmallConsistentActions!
🥈Congratulations to the 2026 Mid-State Conference 9-10th Grade Division Runners-Up, and 4th-place finishers in the 11-12th grade division. These kids work hard on their academic endeavors and it showed today! 💜💛
Lilly Lorraine Mefford, daughter of Landon and Lisa Mefford, attended Grant Elementary School and Norfolk Middle and Junior High Schools before coming to Battle Creek High School in eighth grade. She is a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Norfolk.
Lilly participated in volleyball for one season, and she was a four-year member of the track and wrestling teams. In wrestling, Lilly served as team captain her senior year and was a four-time letter winner. She was a 3-time state qualifier for her efforts on the mats, lacing fourth as a junior and fifth as a senior. Lilly was named the Most Improved Athlete at the school in 2025.
Aside from athletics, Lilly was a two-year Trailblazer and one-year FCA member. She participated in FFA for four years and qualified for state competition all four years. She will be earning her state degree this year in Lincoln. For her efforts in the classroom, she has been on the A and B honor rolls throughout high school.
When asked to name a favorite teacher at the school, Lilly listed Mrs. Stephanie Nelson, stating, “She is easy to relate to, and class is always fun.” Lilly also mentioned Mr. and Mrs. O’Brien as teachers she enjoyed. Lilly listed her favorite class as Mr. Junior Anguilar’s anatomy class, stating, “He made the class enjoyable.” When asked to name a fondest memory from high school, Lilly said doing the slip and slide at the senior Blaze Day this past fall was something she will always remember.
Outside of school, Lilly held jobs at Renner’s Cleaning Service and St. Joseph's Nursing Home. She currently works at St. Joseph’s as a CNA. In her free time, Lilly enjoys traveling, working, and shopping.
After high school, Lilly will attend Southeast Community College in Lincoln, where she will pursue a degree in nursing.
Lilly participated in volleyball for one season, and she was a four-year member of the track and wrestling teams. In wrestling, Lilly served as team captain her senior year and was a four-time letter winner. She was a 3-time state qualifier for her efforts on the mats, lacing fourth as a junior and fifth as a senior. Lilly was named the Most Improved Athlete at the school in 2025.
Aside from athletics, Lilly was a two-year Trailblazer and one-year FCA member. She participated in FFA for four years and qualified for state competition all four years. She will be earning her state degree this year in Lincoln. For her efforts in the classroom, she has been on the A and B honor rolls throughout high school.
When asked to name a favorite teacher at the school, Lilly listed Mrs. Stephanie Nelson, stating, “She is easy to relate to, and class is always fun.” Lilly also mentioned Mr. and Mrs. O’Brien as teachers she enjoyed. Lilly listed her favorite class as Mr. Junior Anguilar’s anatomy class, stating, “He made the class enjoyable.” When asked to name a fondest memory from high school, Lilly said doing the slip and slide at the senior Blaze Day this past fall was something she will always remember.
Outside of school, Lilly held jobs at Renner’s Cleaning Service and St. Joseph's Nursing Home. She currently works at St. Joseph’s as a CNA. In her free time, Lilly enjoys traveling, working, and shopping.
After high school, Lilly will attend Southeast Community College in Lincoln, where she will pursue a degree in nursing.
Isaac Matthew Rudloff, son of Matt and Stephanie Rudloff, attended school in Newman Grove from preschool through 4th grade before coming to Battle Creek where he has remained ever since. Isaac is an active member of Fellowship Bible Church in Newman Grove.
Isaac participated in basketball and track during all four years of high school, and he played football for three seasons. As a senior, Isaac chose to give cross country a try. He served as team captain last fall in the sport. In basketball, Isaac served as a team captain was honorably mentioned by the Omaha World Herald and the Lincoln Journal Star for his efforts on the court. In addition, he was named an Elite Eight player. This past winter, Isaac was named to the All Conference first team. He has received the Three Sport Athlete Award on three occasions at the athletic banquet, and he claimed a scholar athlete award as a freshman, sophomore, and junior. When asked to name a favorite memory from his time at the school, Isaac listed his sophomore year of basketball when the team made it to the district final.
When asked to name a favorite subject in school, Isaac listed math and science, stating, “Both subjects were enjoyable to learn, and the teachers were amazing.” Isaac named his favorite teachers as Mr. Ryan Heller and Mr. Junior Aguilar. Isaac said, “They both made learning fun and were always in a good mood. They talk to you about other things and are fun to be around.”
Outside of athletics, Isaac serves the school as a Trailblazer. He was an honor roll student throughout high school and has received Student of the Month and Character Student of the Month honors on multiple occasions. In band, Isaac was chosen for Class C All State Honor Band during his freshman and sophomore years and Class B All State Honor Band as a senior. Isaac was in band for three years.
Outside of school, Isaac enjoys reading, hanging out with friends and family, and camping. Isaac works at the Battle Creek city pool as a lifeguard, a job he has held for three summers.
After graduation, Isaac will attend Northeast Community College to complete the pre-nursing program. He plans to study at the University of Nebraska Medical Center to earn his Bachelor’s in Nursing before studying nurse anesthetics at Bryan College for Health Sciences in Lincoln.
Isaac participated in basketball and track during all four years of high school, and he played football for three seasons. As a senior, Isaac chose to give cross country a try. He served as team captain last fall in the sport. In basketball, Isaac served as a team captain was honorably mentioned by the Omaha World Herald and the Lincoln Journal Star for his efforts on the court. In addition, he was named an Elite Eight player. This past winter, Isaac was named to the All Conference first team. He has received the Three Sport Athlete Award on three occasions at the athletic banquet, and he claimed a scholar athlete award as a freshman, sophomore, and junior. When asked to name a favorite memory from his time at the school, Isaac listed his sophomore year of basketball when the team made it to the district final.
When asked to name a favorite subject in school, Isaac listed math and science, stating, “Both subjects were enjoyable to learn, and the teachers were amazing.” Isaac named his favorite teachers as Mr. Ryan Heller and Mr. Junior Aguilar. Isaac said, “They both made learning fun and were always in a good mood. They talk to you about other things and are fun to be around.”
Outside of athletics, Isaac serves the school as a Trailblazer. He was an honor roll student throughout high school and has received Student of the Month and Character Student of the Month honors on multiple occasions. In band, Isaac was chosen for Class C All State Honor Band during his freshman and sophomore years and Class B All State Honor Band as a senior. Isaac was in band for three years.
Outside of school, Isaac enjoys reading, hanging out with friends and family, and camping. Isaac works at the Battle Creek city pool as a lifeguard, a job he has held for three summers.
After graduation, Isaac will attend Northeast Community College to complete the pre-nursing program. He plans to study at the University of Nebraska Medical Center to earn his Bachelor’s in Nursing before studying nurse anesthetics at Bryan College for Health Sciences in Lincoln.
March 23rd - 27th Weekly Update and World Down Syndrome Day...
#CommittedToExcellence!
#SmallConsistentActions!
#CommittedToExcellence!
#SmallConsistentActions!
Trevor Hintz, son of Patrick and Crystal Hintz, attended St. John Lutheran School in Battle Creek until eighth grade before coming to Battle Creek Public Schools his freshman year. Trevor is an active member of Our Savior Lutheran Church.
Trevor was an active member of FFA during all four years of high school where he qualified for state on one occasion. Additionally, he competed in track for three seasons, earning three letters. He played football for one season and was a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes as a senior.
Trevor listed Mrs. Jessica Eymann as his favorite teacher at the school, stating, “She makes school more enjoyable.” He listed Metal Fabrication as his favorite class because he likes to build projects for outside customers. When asked to name a fondest memory from his time at BCHS, Trevor listed when Kevan “Flea” Hueftle came and presented to the student body a few weeks ago. He said, “[His message] was very inspiring.”
Outside of school, Trevor enjoys traveling, hunting, camping, and spending time with his family. He played baseball for two seasons and spends a lot of time working. Trevor owned a lawn mowing business over the past two years but recently sold it because he is working on his welding certification.
After graduation, Trevor plans to go straight into the workforce.
Trevor was an active member of FFA during all four years of high school where he qualified for state on one occasion. Additionally, he competed in track for three seasons, earning three letters. He played football for one season and was a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes as a senior.
Trevor listed Mrs. Jessica Eymann as his favorite teacher at the school, stating, “She makes school more enjoyable.” He listed Metal Fabrication as his favorite class because he likes to build projects for outside customers. When asked to name a fondest memory from his time at BCHS, Trevor listed when Kevan “Flea” Hueftle came and presented to the student body a few weeks ago. He said, “[His message] was very inspiring.”
Outside of school, Trevor enjoys traveling, hunting, camping, and spending time with his family. He played baseball for two seasons and spends a lot of time working. Trevor owned a lawn mowing business over the past two years but recently sold it because he is working on his welding certification.
After graduation, Trevor plans to go straight into the workforce.
Congratulations to these Brave and Bravette BB players on being honored by the Mid State Conference for their work this season!
Thanks to the Battle Creek Public Library for providing this work based learning experience for our senior.
Battle Creek senior M. Moore is building a bright future in education! Today, she’s gaining hands-on experience working with elementary students at St. Paul Lutheran in Norfolk.
A big thank you to the teachers for welcoming her into their classroom.
Hands-on, real-world experience in action! 🔧
This Battle Creek senior is gaining valuable skills today as a diesel mechanic thanks to Cornhusker International of Norfolk. Supervisors say he’s a great worker with a bright future ahead!
Battle Creek senior Easton Hardy is learning from the best in the business today.
Today’s project: determining the slope of a structure—an essential skill in drafting and design. What a great hands-on opportunity to sharpen real-world skills with the team at Nucor Detailing!
Reminder of the Speech Showcase starting at 7 pm tonight! This is a great opportunity to see all of the hard work these students have put in over the last few months. Plus, it's free!
Thanks to Marty Clausen and Clausen Air of Norfolk for providing this Battle Creek senior with valuable, hands-on professional learning. Work-based learning at Battle Creek helps kickstart our students’ career paths and sets them up for future success.
Tonight's Spring Play auditions have been rescheduled in order to allow everyone the chance to attend tonight's Speech Showcase!
If you are unable to attend and interested in participating, reach out to Mr. McKeown to make other arrangements!
Jaidyn Jo Smutny, daughter of Jesse and Angie Smutny, attended St. Paul’s Lutheran School and St. John Lutheran School before coming to Battle Creek High her freshman year. She is a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Norfolk.
Jaidyn was a four-year member of the volleyball and basketball teams. In volleyball, she was a two-year captain and a four-time letter winner. For her efforts, she was named to the preseason Norfolk Daily News Super Six Team and the postseason Elite 8 Team. She also set the school record for career digs, ending her senior year with 1,769 digs in total. In basketball, she was a three-time letter winner and a captain her senior year. Jaidyn also participated in track for three years and was a three-time letter winner.
Aside from athletics, Jaidyn was a two-year member of Trailblazers and National Honor Society. In National Honor Society, she served as parliamentarian her junior year and as secretary her senior year. Jaidyn also held class officer positions, including prom chair her junior year and treasurer her senior year. For her efforts in the classroom, she has received Student of the Month honors on two occasions and has been on A-honor roll all four years.
When asked to name a favorite instructor, Jaidyn listed Mrs. Angela Gray and Mr. Junior Aguilar, stating that Mrs. Gray does a great job helping her students and is a great person to talk to, and Mr. Aguilar because she loves the environment he has in class and how he does a great job interacting with students and teaching them important information thoroughly. She also added that Mr. Aguilar’s Anatomy and Physiology class was her favorite because they had a fun time with a small group of kids, and she learned lots of great information that will help her in her future career.
Outside of school, Jaidyn holds a job at Heritage of Bel-Air Nursing Home in Norfolk as a CNA, a job which she has held since the beginning of this year. In her free time, Jaidyn enjoys watching sporting events, hanging out with friends and family, going to church, and spending time outdoors.
After high school, Jaidyn plans to attend Concordia University in Seward, where she will play for the volleyball team while earning a degree in biology.
Jaidyn was a four-year member of the volleyball and basketball teams. In volleyball, she was a two-year captain and a four-time letter winner. For her efforts, she was named to the preseason Norfolk Daily News Super Six Team and the postseason Elite 8 Team. She also set the school record for career digs, ending her senior year with 1,769 digs in total. In basketball, she was a three-time letter winner and a captain her senior year. Jaidyn also participated in track for three years and was a three-time letter winner.
Aside from athletics, Jaidyn was a two-year member of Trailblazers and National Honor Society. In National Honor Society, she served as parliamentarian her junior year and as secretary her senior year. Jaidyn also held class officer positions, including prom chair her junior year and treasurer her senior year. For her efforts in the classroom, she has received Student of the Month honors on two occasions and has been on A-honor roll all four years.
When asked to name a favorite instructor, Jaidyn listed Mrs. Angela Gray and Mr. Junior Aguilar, stating that Mrs. Gray does a great job helping her students and is a great person to talk to, and Mr. Aguilar because she loves the environment he has in class and how he does a great job interacting with students and teaching them important information thoroughly. She also added that Mr. Aguilar’s Anatomy and Physiology class was her favorite because they had a fun time with a small group of kids, and she learned lots of great information that will help her in her future career.
Outside of school, Jaidyn holds a job at Heritage of Bel-Air Nursing Home in Norfolk as a CNA, a job which she has held since the beginning of this year. In her free time, Jaidyn enjoys watching sporting events, hanging out with friends and family, going to church, and spending time outdoors.
After high school, Jaidyn plans to attend Concordia University in Seward, where she will play for the volleyball team while earning a degree in biology.
Casey Jonathan Dean Schnebel, son of Johnathan and Jillian Schnebel, attended pre-kindergarten in Pierce before coming to Battle Creek Public Schools for the remainder of his education. He is an active member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Norfolk.
Casey participated in football, wrestling, and track during all four years of high school. In both football and wrestling, he was honored as team captain. Outside of athletics, Casey participated in FFA for three years. He served as treasurer his freshman year and vice president his sophomore year.
Casey listed his favorite teacher as Mr. Kobe Lade and his favorite class as physics, stating “Mr. Junior Aguilar is a great teacher, and we get to do so many projects on our own.” His fondest memory from his time at BCHS was when he pranked Mr. Aguilar by flipping all the drawers in his class upside down, stealing his periodic table of elements (don’t worry, he gave it back), and wrapping his car with Saran Wrap.
Outside of school, Casey enjoys hiking, camping, fishing, and road-tripping. He has been employed by Jon Schnebel as a groundskeeper for two years.
After high school, Casey plans to attend Mount Marty University in Yankton, South Dakota, to extend his football career and earn a degree in exercise science. He hopes to one day pursue a career in athletic training.
Casey participated in football, wrestling, and track during all four years of high school. In both football and wrestling, he was honored as team captain. Outside of athletics, Casey participated in FFA for three years. He served as treasurer his freshman year and vice president his sophomore year.
Casey listed his favorite teacher as Mr. Kobe Lade and his favorite class as physics, stating “Mr. Junior Aguilar is a great teacher, and we get to do so many projects on our own.” His fondest memory from his time at BCHS was when he pranked Mr. Aguilar by flipping all the drawers in his class upside down, stealing his periodic table of elements (don’t worry, he gave it back), and wrapping his car with Saran Wrap.
Outside of school, Casey enjoys hiking, camping, fishing, and road-tripping. He has been employed by Jon Schnebel as a groundskeeper for two years.
After high school, Casey plans to attend Mount Marty University in Yankton, South Dakota, to extend his football career and earn a degree in exercise science. He hopes to one day pursue a career in athletic training.
