Battle Creek Public Schools

Cari McConnell Retiring By Abbie Erickson At the end of the current school year, Miss Cari McConnell will be retiring after dedicating the last twenty-five years to Battle Creek Public Schools. She served the district from 2000 to the present as librarian for both the elementary and high school buildings. McConnell grew up in the small town of Sutherland, Nebraska, attending the Sutherland Public Schools for all thirteen years of her education. After graduating, she studied at Mid-Plains Community College where she majored in English. Following community college, McConnell headed to the University of Nebraska at Kearney where she acquired a library endorsement. During her time at Battle Creek, McConnell helped coach one-act play production and speech, and she also served as a class sponsor. When asked to name a favorite memory of her time at BCHS, McConnell reminisced about when the speech team earned runner-up honors at state in 2007. McConnell added that her favorite part of being a librarian was helping kids discover books and information they are interested in. She loved to work with kids one-on-one. McConnell mentioned that, after retiring, she will spend more time with her mother. She also has a deep passion for writing that has taken a backseat over the years. With more time, she intends to pursue her writing career, something she has always wanted to do.

Prauner Leaving BCHS By Jadyn Buckendahl When the 2024-2025 school year comes to an end, Battle Creek High will be saying goodbye to one of its teachers: Mr. Tyler Prauner, who taught 7th and 9th grade world history and 11th grade environmental science. Prauner will be leaving to take a position at Wayne High School. He will be teaching 7th and 8th grade history and coaching football and junior high track. Prauner grew up in Battle Creek, graduating from Battle Creek High School in 2014. He graduated from Wayne State College in 2019. Before coming to Battle Creek High, Prauner served as a speech language pathology aide (SLPA) for Educational Service Unit District 1 in Wakefield, Nebraska. When asked about his year at BCHS, Prauner stated, “Leaving a place like Battle Creek is tough because I had an awesome experience. I am very appreciative of the opportunity to come back and be a Brave again.”

The Brave and.Bravette track teams battled hard in the rain at the West Holt Invite today. The Braves ended up as team champions racking up 165 points, while the Bravettes earned the runner-up title with 118. #BCstrong

Athletic Banquet for grades 9-12 is on May 2nd at 6:00pm. RSVPs to eat are due by tomorrow 4/25 if you plan to eat! Please use the link to RSVP. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO EAT TO ATTEND. If you plan to eat please pick up and pay for the meal ticket in the office by next Friday. Senior athletes eat free but must have a ticket!! Contact Andrea Wintz with any questions. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScNkrtqA7UStYR-C4QpliNw0Bxcqi6N58FDcugnO4FzpdopvQ/viewform?usp=dialog

Here is the live results link as well as the invite schedule for tomorrow's HS West Holt Invite. https://live.athletic.net/meets/50242

Reminder to RSVP for the athletic banquet by 4/25/25. Tickets can be purchased in the office. $15 per person to eat. Seniors athletes eat free but must pick up a ticket! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScNkrtqA7UStYR-C4QpliNw0Bxcqi6N58FDcugnO4FzpdopvQ/viewform?usp=dialog

Due to the number of students who will be gone for JH Track, Golf, & Varsity Track, the Jr/Sr High Students(7-12) will have a virtual learning day on May 8, 2025. Due to hosting District Track, all students in grades PreK-12 will have NO SCHOOL on May 15, 2025.

Congratulations to the 2025-2026 BCHS Cheer Squad! Aspen, Kolby, Brooklynn, Briley, Bella, Caleigh, Lainy, and Alivia will represent the Braves & Bravettes with pride and enthusiasm!! The squad will be coached by Mrs. Frauendorfer and Mrs. Olsufka.

The Battle Creek Public School Foundation would like to invite the community to our Foundation Dinner on Friday night. Over $20,000.00 in scholarship will be awarded thanks to many of our great alumni and community members. Tickets are available at the high school office.

Live results link for the BC JH Invite today: http://anet.live/3rk3fa Field events start at 11:00, with track events to begin at 1:30

We are 2 WEEKS from our annual mattress fundraiser! 📅🎶 Our goal is 25+ mattresses this year & anything can be shipped anywhere! Please help support your local music department by sharing the news and the event on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1134825155311942

Banner Auction Update Online bids accepted until Sunday May 4th at 7:00 p.m. Bid link: https://forms.gle/NTNZ39ZqkhMvDxu17 Leaderboard link: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1pxhtaRNNPQbNE3IxorUvLKtKfBfVdMej151lkQY10TU/edit?usp=sharing

April 21st - 25th Weekly Update... Please remember there is not school for students on April 21st (Monday) or April 25th (Friday) this week. #CommittedToExcellence! #WhatAnOpportunity!

We are proud to announce that the Battle Creek FCCLA Chapter has been named the National Runner-Up for the FCCLA Stand Up National Program Award! This prestigious award recognizes outstanding student-led advocacy efforts that make a positive impact on families, schools, and communities. Out of chapters across the nation, Battle Creek FCCLA was selected as one of the top for their commitment to making a difference. This honor was earned through their Pink Out Event, which brought our school and community together to raise funds for the HOPE FUND in Norfolk — supporting individuals in their courageous fight against cancer. What started a few years ago has grown into a powerful annual tradition, fueled by the passion of our members and the generosity of our supporters. Each year, the impact continues to grow — and this national recognition is proof of just how far it has come. The chapter extends heartfelt thanks to our local businesses for their generous contributions, to the FCCLA members for their dedication and hard work, and to the entire Battle Creek community for your ongoing support. Together, we are making a difference. This recognition belongs to all of you. Thank you for standing with us!

Thank you to Battle Creek graduate Trinity Lutt and her dad, Lyle Lutt, for taking the time to share their knowledge and expertise with the anatomy and physiology students. The duo dissected a deer's heart and covered heart anatomy. They also introduced both classes to the tools that EMTs use in the field. Thank you for the excellent presentation!

Championship Banner **AUCTION ALERT** The time has come to replace our championship/runner-up banners in the gym! We will be auctioning the current banners off. Check out the details in this link and get your bids submitted! https://forms.gle/Py9qvRK6XhKoJ29M7

BC is looking for a few adult helpers for the JH track meet Tuesday. Please reach out to Cody Wintz if available. Thank you.

Also: Congratulations to Jaxon Kilmurry for being selected to play in the Nebraska Coaches Association All-Star Boys BB game to be held at Lincoln North Star High School on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at 8pm. Game will be televised on Nebraska Public Media Network.

Congratulations to Jaxon Kilmurry for being selected to play in the Northeast Nebraska 2025 All-Star game on Friday, May 30th at Northeast Community College. Game time is 8pm.

Congratulations to Boys Basketball Players Jaxon Kilmurry, MJ Wragge, + Isaac Rudloff for being named Honorable Mention All-State in the Omaha World Herald + Lincoln Journal Star this past Sunday