Year Graduated: 2004

Favorite teacher?

Ms. Nelson was my favorite teacher because art was, and still is, my favorite subject. She always made classes interactive and fun, whether we watched a movie on a particular artist, like M.C. Escher, or a particular art period in time, like Queen Elizabeth the First or the Renaissance.

She always sat with us and did her own artwork, had conversations with us, and helped us with our work, if we needed it. Her methods were very easy to understand, and her wisdom was wide and vast. I particularly remember her lesson with acrylics, if you mess up, it’s no problem to cover it up with another color. 

She saw my creativity, passion, and determination for success, which enabled me to jump from Art 1 to Art 3. I was so grateful that I was able to be in that class because I got to make a miniature, stained glass window, which I still have to this day. 

Being a creative person, it was such a joy to be in her class because everyday I was creating something new, or improving upon a project that would eventually turn into a "work of art.” Ms. Nelson didn’t just bring out the artist in me, she transformed me into the masterpiece I am today. For that I am truly blessed to have been one of her students. Thank you, Ms. Nelson!

Favorite memory as a student?

Getting the lead role in Oklahoma, playing Laurey. I was completely shocked and overjoyed

Education/work career after BHS?

Communications Degree in Advertising & Public Relations – University of Nebraska Omaha

Currently working at Ritter Insurance Marketing as a Team Coordinator helping independent agents get contracted to sell medicare insurance, change their hierarchy and commission levels, and assisting with other administrative duties.

In 2023 I will be moving to Japan to teach English to various grade levels ranging from pre-school to high school.

Awards or affiliations?

2008 American Marketing Association Student Platinum Pinnacle Award

As part of my undergrad at UNO, I collaborated on and presented an advertising campaign for a real-world client – Ted & Wally’s ice cream shop located in the Old Market. 

As a copywriter for the team, I wrote slogans, radio scripts and contributed to the content in an ice-cream shaped view book containing the campaign details.

Our advertising professor liked our creativity so much that he entered the view book into the 2008 AMA Pinnacle Awards in Omaha, NE. We won the Platinum award – the highest award in the Student category.

How do you feel your experience at BHS helped prepare you for life after graduation? 

While studying and working toward graduation, I persevered through most of my classes and that perseverance has carried over into my professional life. No matter how hard a task may be, I take a deep breath, and get the job done to the best of my ability.

I really enjoyed my time at Bennington Public School. I’ve made forever friends, and memories that I will never forget. If I had the choice of picking my schools again it would be Bennington every time.

Advice for current students?

I would encourage students to never give up on their future dreams and desires.

Even if schoolwork comes easy to you, work hard in all things you do because that will produce bountiful rewards down the road.

Also, do not be hard on yourself. If you fail at something, it means that one wasn’t the solution, but one will come along if you keep trying. Give yourself grace, be patient, and all things will work out in the end.