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From pre-K to graduation, Omaha Public Schools prepares students for success in life no matter what the future holds. As the Class of 2022 approaches their next phase in life, we are celebrating their achievements.

As Omaha Public Schools developed its Strategic Plan of Action, a team of staff, students and families provided input on the qualities each student should have as they leave our district community. The result was our Portrait of a Graduate.

Throughout a student's time in our district, courses and opportunities are designed to develop resilient achievers, collaborators, communicators, critical thinkers, innovators and civic and global contributors. These skills serve a student well whatever path they pursue after graduation.

Ayanna Robinson

Benson High

“I knew little to none about business before I joined the academy. Since then, I’ve been able to learn so much that I can take on to the future.”

Sienna Fowler

Benson High

"I don’t think I could have been as successful as I have been at any other school. I’ve met the best people I’ll ever meet being here and I know that after I leave, they’re still going to be rooting for me.”

Layna Blankenship

Bryan High

"The Omaha Public Schools environment is a welcoming and encouraging atmosphere. No matter what I tried, I always knew I'd have a support system behind me. I couldn't have gotten to this stage in life without the extreme support and opportunities provided through Omaha Public Schools."

Diana Caceres-Erazo

Bryan High

“Being a collaborator and innovator, you need to put those skills together to make a new friend group, make a new environment for yourself. Having those skills will help you do that.”

Carolyn Kendeigh

Burke High

“I believe I’m really good at collaboration and communication. I love working with other people when I’m doing my projects. I think these skills have helped me establish a support system at Burke and also create a basis for what I want to do.”

Justin Davis

Central High

“I’m always the first one to speak up if they have someone read or to answer a question. Also, if I’m wrong, I’ll ask the teacher what I need to do differently.”

Daniella Hernandez

Central High

“Central and all Omaha Public Schools taught me that education is a great privilege and I’m very privileged to have great individuals lead me through.”

Taylor McKesson

North High

“As a freshman, I started off so quiet. I didn’t want to do anything. But, now, I’m senior class president so Omaha North has pushed me to do that.”

Kelvin Thompson

Northwest High

“An Omaha Public Schools graduate is someone who won’t back down from a challenge, someone who sees something hard and just goes for it, someone who won’t take no for an answer but also thinks for themselves and thinks critically and someone who doesn’t quit.”

Karla Hernandez-Granillo

South High

"Omaha Public Schools dual language program gave me the ability to fluently speak, read and write in English and Spanish. I use these skills in my community by giving back and translating for families and also teaching my parents how to speak English.

Jannette Castro-Gomez

South High

"When I began at Omaha Public Schools I could barely speak English. I would like to thank everyone who pushed me to be the person I am today. Hopefully, in eight years, I can speak to you all with a doctorate in front of my name."

Emma Strom

Omaha Virtual School

"Omaha Public Schools has allowed me to travel across the country as a competitive gymnast and maintain my studies. This flexibility has allowed me to perform at a high level as an athlete and student."

These accomplished seniors are part of a graduating class who have earned nearly $53 million in scholarships and counting.

Congratulations to our class of 2022. You make us #OPSproud!