Each year, Civic Nebraska’s Strengthening Democracy Awards recognize Nebraskans whose work embodies the spirit of modern, robust democracy. Among our 2019 honorees are educators, administrators, students, and everyday Nebraskans. We officially honor the winners May 2, but before then, here’s a chance to learn a bit more about what makes them special.
Outstanding Student Leaders
Civic Nebraska honors Keziah McIntosh and Matviy Yarmolyuk for their continuing leadership at Campbell Elementary School in Lincoln.
Keziah is a fifth-grade student at Campbell who participates in both the before- and after-school programs at the Campbell Community Learning Center. Keziah has served on Campbell’s student council and continues to build relationships and mentor younger students, said Emily Koopmann, Campbell CLC’s school community coordinator.
In October 2018, Keziah represented the Campbell CLC at a meeting of the Lincoln Public Schools Board of Education. Keziah she spoke on behalf of Lincoln’s Lights On Afterschool event, which was part of a nationwide celebration for after-school programs.
Matviy is a third-grade student at Campbell who leads by example through his constant kindness toward peers, respect of adults, and enthusiasm for learning, Koopmann said. Mativy has been a part of after-school clubs at the Campbell CLC every quarter since the start of the program in August 2017. Mativy’s curiosity about the world around him is reflective in the diversity of clubs he has taken part in – from Exploring Engineering to Origami.
Also, he recently helped raise more than $100 to be gifted to the Clinton Elementary CLC through his efforts in Building a Business Club.
Congratulations to our student leaders!
Meet Keziah, Matviy, and their fellow honorees at this year’s Strengthening Democracy Awards on May 2 at The DelRay Ballroom, 817 R St., in Lincoln. Get your tickets here.