Battle Creek Public Schools

BCHS Student Of The Month Spotlight Congratulations and thanks for all of your hard work and dedication!

Sophie Jo Humphrey, daughter of Travis and Mandy Humphrey, attended St. John Lutheran School in Battle Creek from preschool through eighth grade and then attended Battle Creek High School for the remainder of her education. She is an active member of St. John Lutheran Church and the LIGHT Youth Group in Battle Creek. Sophie participated in volleyball, basketball, track, and dance during all four years of high school, earning 14 varsity letters. In volleyball, Sophie was twice named to the Mid-State All-Conference Volleyball Team and was selected for the NSAA Academic All-State Volleyball Team during her senior year. She was also recognized as a second-team selection by the Omaha World-Herald and received an honorable mention from the Lincoln Journal-Star; additionally, the Norfolk Daily News listed Sophie as a member of the Class C Elite 8 Volleyball Team on two occasions, as well as a spot on the Pre-Season Super 6 Team in 2024. This June, Sophie will wear her volleyball jersey for the last time to represent Battle Creek in the NEN All-Star Volleyball Game. For her efforts in basketball, Sophie earned honorable mentions from both the Omaha World-Herald and the Lincoln Journal-Star, as well as a place on the Mid-State Conference Honorable Mention Basketball Team the last two years; she was also selected for the NSAA Academic All-State Basketball Team after both her junior and senior seasons. In track and field, Sophie qualified for the Nebraska State Track & Field Championships each year, medaling in the triple jump and 100-meter hurdles. As a sophomore, she placed fifth in the 100-meter hurdles. During her junior year, she finished fourth in the triple jump and sixth in the 100-meter hurdles. She also holds the West Holt meet record and Mid-State Conference meet record in the 100-meter hurdles. Aside from athletics, Sophie served as a Trailblazer and was active in FCCLA for two years; she was involved in yearbook for two years and served as an editor as a senior. She received Student of the Month and Character Student of the Month awards each year of high school. Sophie has held numerous leadership positions, including captain of the volleyball, basketball, and dance teams; she served as the senior class secretary and the treasurer of the National Honor Society this past year. Sophie’s dedication and hard work earned her numerous accolades, including Weightlifter of the Year, Most Improved Athlete of the Year, and Dancer of the Year during her sophomore year. As a junior, Sophie was named the BCHS Female Athlete of the Year. When asked to name a favorite teacher, Sophie listed Mrs. Stephanie Nelson and Mr. Ryan Heller, describing them as mentors who genuinely want to see her succeed. Their guidance, support, and encouragement have had a profoundly positive impact on her life. Sophie shared that her favorite class is yearbook with Mrs. Angela Gray, as it allows her to showcase her creativity and capture all the fun moments throughout BCHS. She stated that she also appreciates Mrs. Gray for being an amazing yearbook teacher. Sophie’s fondest memories at BCHS include the excitement of homecoming class war activities her senior year, where her class was victorious in the powder puff game and lip sync battle, ultimately becoming the overall class war champions. She also cherishes the unforgettable experiences from her years at the state track and field championships. After graduation, Sophie will attend the University of South Dakota in Vermillion to pursue a master’s degree in business to become a human resource manager. She will also continue competing in track and field for the Yotes.

Abbie Lynn Erickson, daughter of DeWayne and Mary Erickson, attended St. John Lutheran School in Battle Creek before coming to Battle Creek High School at the start of her freshman year. Abbie participated in volleyball and basketball during all four years of high school. She was active in track for three seasons. In volleyball, Abbie was the starting middle hitter as a sophomore, and she was named to the Mid-State Conference Honorable Mention list. For her efforts in track that year, Abbie qualified for state in the long jump. As a junior, she received the Unsung Hero Award in volleyball due to suffering a torn ACL that kept her from competition during the season. At the start of her senior year, Abbie was selected as a captain by her volleyball teammates. She was also recognized as a Mid-State Conference Honorable Mention honoree. At the end of the year banquet, Abbie was selected for the volleyball team’s Motivational Player Award. In addition to the previously mentioned awards and honors, Abbie received multiple athletic letters throughout high school. Aside from athletics, Abbie was active in the classroom. For her efforts, she received Student of the Month and Scholar Athlete awards. She was also named to the A-Honor Roll all four years. Abbie was a member of the National Honor Society and Trailblazers for two years. She was also a member of FCCLA. When asked to name a favorite teacher at Battle Creek High School, Abbie listed both Mrs. Angela Gray and Mrs. Leigha Kern. She stated, “Mrs. Gray is genuinely the sweetest teacher I have ever had.” She added that she was always thankful for Mrs. Gray’s sweet treats in the yearbook room. When discussing Mrs. Kern, Abbie mentioned how she cares for each student and truly wants them to succeed. When asked about her favorite memory from high school, Abbie brought up the 2024-2025 season volleyball district final game in Battle Creek’s home gym. She stated, “Making the dog pile on our home court in that atmosphere knowing we just punched our ticket to state is something I will never forget.” Outside of school, Abbie is employed by Patty Prauner at S.M.I.L.E., Inc. in Madison, a job she has held for the past three summers. Abbie has also worked off and on as a lifeguard for the city of Battle Creek. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with her friends and family and going to country concerts in the summer. After high school, Abbie plans to major in criminal justice and criminology at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. She has aspirations of working as a victim witness advocate or in the trafficking unit for the Homeland Security Office in Omaha.

Battle Creek Jr. Sr. High School has been having Blaze Days for the past 15 years. Today was another great day for students to build lasting relationships and continue to build for the future. Thanks to Tintern for making such a great day possible.

What are Battle Creek Blaze Days? 1. Classes having fun and bonding together 2. Team-building activities 3. Learning to respect and support one another 4. Growing student leaders 5. Helping students realize their potential and challenge themselves to be their best

Update from Tintern in Oakdale - Battle Creek Freshman Blaze Day. Some great teamwork happening today. Thanks to Mrs. Anderson for sponsoring this great group of students.

Breaking news from Tintern - The Battle Creek Freshman class is having a great day at their Blaze Day! #70degreesandNowind

The Battle Creek Freshman have a great day for their Blaze Day with some great Trailblazers leading the way. FYI today's weather forecast: 70 and no wind.

Battle Creek Freshman have a great day for team building and goal setting at Tintern Retreat Center in Oakdale.

Jr High Track teams are coming home with some hardware!! 7th girls 1st place with 132.5 points 🥇 7th boys 1st place with 127 points 🥇 8th girls 1st place with 156 points🥇 8th boys 3rd place with 110.5 points Great job today! Back in action Monday in at Boone!!

The Braves golf team kicked off their season today at Indian Trails in Beemer Gavin Lindgren 39-45 84 3rd Place Ayden Wintz 50-44 94 8th Place Gus Richardson 49-47 96 11th Place Brody Bessmer 50-47 97 14th Place Tyan Thompson 51-50 101 Team Champion with a score of 371

Prom 2024-2025

Athletic Banquet-May 2nd at 6pm. Meal tickets can be picked up at the high school office. RSVPs are due by April 25th at 10am! Meal is not required to attend. RSVP here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScNkrtqA7UStYR-C4QpliNw0Bxcqi6N58FDcugnO4FzpdopvQ/viewform

Jaxon James Kilmurry, son of Terri Kilmurry and Mark Keith, attended Happy Days Preschool in Norfolk before continuing his education at Battle Creek Public Schools. Jaxon is an active member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Battle Creek. During high school, Jaxon participated in cross country, basketball, and track. For his efforts in cross country, Jaxon received three varsity letters, and he earned an eighth-place medal his sophomore season and a thirteenth-place medal his junior season at the state competitions. For his efforts on the basketball court, Jaxon was a Mid-State All-Conference selection, and he was an All-State Honorable Mention recipient. In track, he lettered all four years and was the 2024 state runner-up in the mile, an event for which he holds the school record. Jaxon held leadership positions as a two-time cross country team captain and a three-time basketball team captain. Additionally, Jaxon was selected as a Big Red Star by the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. The program is designed to recognize outstanding students with leadership skills and academic promise. When asked to name a favorite teacher at BCHS, Jaxon named Mr. Jonah Heng, stating, “He made school and sports fun and enjoyable.” Jaxon also listed his favorite class as Digital Media. He said, “It is enjoyable because of Mr. Heng.” When asked to name a fondest memory from his time in high school, Jaxon mentioned playing in the National Mini Hoop League he created with classmates. He specifically mentioned the championship game in Mr. Ryan Heller’s room which was packed full of students watching. After graduation, Jaxon plans to attend York University to study business. He will continue his basketball career with the York Panthers.

BCHS Student Of The Month Spotlight Congratulations and thanks for all of your hard work and dedication!

Great group of seniors competing at NECC Quiz Bowl today!

Aden James Pochop, son of Sara and Matt Pochop, attended Battle Creek Public Schools for all thirteen years of his education. He participated in football during for all four years of high school and was in golf and track for two seasons. He lettered three times in football and two times in track and field. When asked to name a favorite teacher, Aden listed former social studies instructor Mr. Taylor Baumert because taught him a lot in school and outside of school at different activities. His listed his favorite class as anatomy because “any class with Mr. Junior Aguilar was going to be fun.” Aden’s hobbies include golfing with friends, playing video games, and hanging out with friends. After high school, Aden plans to attend Wayne State College to study kinesiology. He plans to get his bachelor’s degree in kinesiology before studying physical therapy. He plans to specialize in sports medicine.

We are 1 MONTH 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

The Braves and Bravettes swept our home invite today at Battle Creek. The Braves took the crown with 202 total team points 👑 while the Bravettes followed suit with 128 team points of their own, ending with the day with two team trophies 🏆🏆

🚨 ALERT ALERT 🚨 Battle Creek FCCLA has BIG NEWS to share that 19 of our STAR competitors qualified for NATIONALS! They will be headed to Orlando, Florida this summer after an incredible showing at the State Leadership Conference in Lincoln this week! Results are as follows: State CHAMPS! - Ryder Wehrle & Brynlee Wells- Chapter in Review Portfolio (Lvl 1) - Jaiden Ertzner- Leadership (Lvl 3) - Bria Blevins- Say YES to FCS (Lvl 3) - Alaina Rogat- Promote and Publicize (Lvl 2) - Brittany Borchers- Chapter in Review Portfolio (Lvl 3) - Sherridan Kirby- Leadership (Lvl 2) Runner Up - Elle Schmidt- Career Investigation (Lvl 1) - Payton Arens & Brinkley Last- Event Management (Lvl 1) - Lainee Cook & Peyton Tillotson- Hospitality, Tourism, and Recreation (Lvl 1) - Harper Frisch- Professional Presentation (Lvl 1) - Livi Rajaee- Teach or Train (Lvl 1) - Taylor Olsen & Teela Bleich - Chapter in Review Portfolio (Lvl 2) - Lillee Tucker & Quinn Travers- Chapter Service Project Portfolio (Lvl 2) 3rd Place Qualifier - Macey Moore- Teach or Train (Lvl 3) Also earning top marks at state: - Caleigh Blain & Keeley Wickett - Nutrition & Wellness (Lvl 2) - Silver Medal - Presley Wolf- Professional Presentation (Lvl 3)- Gold Medal - Jacey Hassler - Job Interview (Lvl 3)- Gold Medal - Kolby Kummer- Career Investigation (Lvl 3)- Silver Medal - Adley Seifert - Focus on Children (Lvl 3)- Silver Medal But wait… there’s MORE! Sherridan Kirby placed 2nd in the Knowledge Test and is heading to nationals—let’s go, Sherridan! We can’t wait to see her shine on the national stage! And a HUGE shoutout to Jaiden Ertzner, who was selected as one of only two individuals to represent Nebraska with a chance to become a National Officer. We’re beyond proud! Our chapter also racked up some amazing awards: • Stand Up National Program Award – for our work with the Battle Creek Pink Out • Feed Nebraska Award – for helping stock the Lions Club Food Pantry before the holidays • Gold Chapter Award – honoring our all-around impact and excellence • Red Chapter Award – recognizing the strength of our membership and FCS connection We’re proud of all members strong performances and the way they represented Battle Creek FCCLA! Orlando, here we come! Sunshine, palm trees, and a whole lot of red blazers!