April 26, 2025 – More than 200 Nebraska teachers and education professionals gathered this weekend at the Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel for the Nebraska State Education Association’s annual Delegate Assembly to shape priorities for the coming school year and celebrate outstanding contributions to education and student success across the state.
Along with business sessions and elections held over the two-day event, several prestigious awards – highlighting excellence in teaching, educational support, public service, leadership and community impact – were presented.
“We are thrilled to recognize several extraordinary individuals and organizations for their exceptional contributions to public education over the past year,” NSEA President Tim Royers said.
Those honored during the Horace Mann Awards Luncheon on Saturday include the following:
Children’s Fund Helping Hand Awards
Each year, NSEA honors two local associations for their outstanding efforts in supporting the NSEA Children’s Fund.
- The Lincoln Education Association was recognized for raising the highest total contribution. LEA President Deb Rasmussen accepted the award on behalf of the association.
- The Wisner-Pilger Education Association was honored for raising the highest amount per member. Though a representative could not attend, their commitment was celebrated with applause.
William Gallagher Jr. Award
This award honors the legacy of William Gallagher Jr., one of NSEA’s earliest field staff members, known for his dedication to member advocacy.
- The Elkhorn District received the 2025 award for enrolling the largest percentage of eligible members. District President Lisa Hanson accepted the honor on behalf of its members.
Early Career Educator Award
Recognizing excellence in the first five years of teaching, this award was presented to Ross Pickel of the Lincoln Education Association.
Pickel, a first-grade teacher at Norwood Park, was commended for creating a supportive, inclusive classroom and his leadership roles within the LEA and broader education community.
NSEA Award for Teaching Excellence
Haley Santin of the Palmer Education Association was named the 2025 recipient. Santin, a third-grade teacher, was recognized for her creativity in the classroom, dedication to student growth and commitment to fostering a positive learning environment. She will go on to compete nationally for the NEA Teaching Excellence award at the 2026 NEA Foundation Gala.
Great Plains Milestone Award
Dina Lado, school counselor at Goodrich, was honored for her advocacy and leadership in promoting equity and inclusion.
Lado’s work includes mentoring students, launching the Honors Cadre for students of color and supporting the South Sudanese community through volunteer efforts.
Educational Support Professional of the Year
Mary Reynolds-East of the Millard Education Association received this year’s award for her tireless efforts as a paraeducator and advocate.
Mary’s leadership helped secure a 30% wage increase for paraeducators, and she continues to serve on various local and national committees, championing the work of support professionals.
Administrator of Excellence Award
Rob Geise, principal of Conestoga Jr./Sr. High School, was recognized for transformative leadership that improved school culture, student achievement and staff morale.
Tom Black Public Relations Award
The newly renamed award honors the legacy of longtime NSEA leader and communications advocate Tom Black, who passed away in 2024.
The inaugural Tom Black Award was presented to Matt Erb, Chief Negotiator of the Lincoln Education Association, for outstanding communication and advocacy on behalf of educators.
Outstanding Media Award
Longtime journalist Andrew Ozaki, Capitol Bureau Chief for KETV News, received the 2025 award for his 45 years of fair and insightful reporting on Nebraska’s education and public policy landscape.
Friends of Education Award
Former Nebraska State Board of Education members Patsy Koch Johns and Lisa Fricke were jointly honored for their lifelong dedication to public education – as classroom educators, policy makers and tireless advocates.
Officers Elected
Mary Reynolds-East, of the Millard Education Association, was elected NSEA as the ESP At-Large Representative to the NSEA Board of Directors. She will take office on Sept. 1, 2025. Edward Ventura, Jr., of the Omaha Education Association was reelected as NEA Director by acclimation. Renea Noble, of the Chadron Education Association, was reelected as NSEA Secretary/ Treasurer by acclimation.
A highlight of the assembly was the presence of and keynote address by Princess Moss, vice president of the National Education Association, the nation’s largest professional organization.
This was the 165th Delegate Assembly in the association’s 158-year history. NSEA was founded in October 1867 in Brownville.
