Students and donors gathered for the 2026 Scholarship Luncheon on April 30 to celebrate academic achievement and the life-changing impact of educational support. The event featured student recipients while highlighting the collective role of community investment in creating opportunity, access, and long-term success.
The program, led by President Dr. Leah Barrett, emphasized both the individual journeys of students and the broader mission behind scholarship support.
“Your investment goes far beyond financial support; it represents a belief in these students, their potential, and the transformative power of education to change lives,” Barrett shared.
Throughout the luncheon, four students reflected on their personal experiences and shared stories of resilience, growth, and the opportunities made possible through scholarships.
Alexis “Cici” Stashkiw-Risor, of Wayne, NE, a utility line student, spoke about the importance of family encouragement and financial support.
“My dad is my biggest supporter and my best friend,” she shared. Stashkiw-Risor also highlighted the impact of scholarships on her future, noting, “These scholarships will help me go to college debt free. I can focus entirely on my education.”
Blake Nun, of Geneva, NE, a secondary education major, shared his journey of overcoming academic challenges and finding his calling as an educator. Reflecting on his experience at Northeast, he said, “When I stepped onto Northeast’s campus, it felt like I belonged, and it felt like home.” Nun emphasized the importance of support systems and expressed his goal of becoming a teacher who advocates for students and ensures they feel seen and supported.
Kali Mangelsen, of Norfolk, NE, an animal science student, highlighted the role affordability played in shaping her college decision. “The main factor that pushed me into choosing Northeast was the affordability that is influenced by the scholarships and foundations offered,” Mangelsen explained. She credited donor support with allowing students to fully participate in opportunities that extend beyond the classroom.
Haylee Wachter, of Atkinson, NE, a Walter Scott, Jr. Career Pathway Scholarship recipient, spoke about the profound impact of being supported by others.
“If you would have told me a few years ago that I would be standing here today because someone chose to believe in me before they even knew me, I would have called you crazy,” she said.
Wachter described how the scholarship provided not only financial assistance but also a community that fostered belonging, leadership development, and purpose.
Across all student remarks, common themes emerged, including perseverance, belonging, and gratitude. Each student emphasized that scholarships represent more than financial assistance. They are opportunities to grow, lead, and pursue careers that will positively impact their communities.
Dr. Barrett reinforced this message, noting that scholarships create a ripple effect beyond individual recipients.
“Scholarships empower students to keep reaching higher, not only for their own futures, but for the families and communities they will one day serve,” she said.
Dr. Barrett also highlighted the continued growth of the scholarship program, sharing that for the 2024 to 2025 academic year, the average scholarship award increased from $1,251 to $1,639, and the total scholarship support rose from $749,370 to more than $1.14 million. These increases reflect a strong and growing commitment to student success.
To learn more about giving opportunities, please contact the Northeast Community College Foundation by visiting northeast.edu/giving/foundation-scholarships.
