Grand Island’s grandest fall tradition welcomes approximately 13,000 individuals to shop, dine, and fill the streets of downtown with melodies and memories.
The 81st Harvest of Harmony Parade, sponsored by Century 21 Realty, will take place in downtown Grand Island on Oct. 7, 2023. Later that afternoon, the Harvest of Harmony Field Competition, sponsored by Big Red Treats, will take place at Grand Island Senior High’s Memorial Stadium.
New this year, schools have been encouraged to select a member of the senior class who is involved in fine arts to represent the school. This Student Representative will introduce the band, positioned in a convertible directly in front of the school’s drum major/majorette.
“We are excited for schools to have the opportunity to select a senior to participate in the parade in this fashion,” said President of the Chamber of Commerce Cindy K. Johnson. “It adds a new element to an already successful event.”
Meet the Student Representatives
Adams Central High School – Jonathan Nitzel
Jonathan (Jonny) is a 19-year-old music lover. He’s been interested in rhythm and drumming since he was a toddler. He had many health problems since birth, and would lay in the ICU on the respirator listening to classical and Christian praise music. The first word he ever said to his mother (in sign language) was the word “music.” Playing percussion in the Adams Central pep band and marching with the band is the joy of his life. He is a shining example of the spirit of inclusiveness in the fine arts at school. Jonathan loves people unconditionally and brings a smile to everyone he meets. He appreciates dancing to a good beat, jamming out to loud music in the car with his mom, good food, swinging, adventure movies, and a cozy bed to sleep in!
Doniphan-Trumbull Public School – Alayna Harrenstein
Alayna is a fifth-generation gymnast, Honor Roll Recipient, a tennis enthusiast, and is actively involved in DT’s music department where she participates in choir and musicals. A highlight of her musical endeavors was singing at Carnegie Hall last June. Alayna’s experience coaching gymnastics and tennis have inspired her to pursue a career in education. She enjoys spending time with her friends, parents Amanda and Brian, and her three siblings.
Fullerton Public Schools – Paige Horn
Paige is from Fullerton, Nebraska. She is involved in Band, FFA, Quiz Bowl, Student Council, 4-H, FCA, National Honor Society, Basketball, Golf, and Track. She has been involved in her school’s band for the past 5 years. Paige attended two Class D Honors Bands in Kearney, NE and one in Doane, NE. She enjoys hanging out with her friends and family during her free time.
Giltner Public Schools – Wylee Margritz
Wylee is from Aurora, Nebraska. Throughout her high school career, she has been involved in Band. Outside of her school activities, she works at Pizza Hut and is also a childcare worker. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
Grand Island Senior High School – Braddock Gernstein
Braddock is a senior in the Grand Island Senior High Marching Band. He is one of the two section leaders for the 2023-2024 Clarinet Section. He enjoys spending time with friends and family. He is in the aviation academy at GISH, and is learning how to fly planes. Braddock plans to continue aviation after high school.
Hampton Jr.-Sr. High School – Dani Dowling
Dani is involved in Volleyball, Track, Quiz Bowl, One Act, Speech, Student Council, Tri-M Honor Society, Band, and Choir. Her intended major is Elementary Education.
Lincoln Northeast High School – Haylea Dean
Haylea is a senior at Northeast High School in Lincoln, Nebraska, where she is an academic honor student, along with a member of the Tri-M Honor Society. Haylea has a passion for music, as demonstrated through her membership and leadership in Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, and the Northeast Show Band. She is grateful for the teachers from the Northeast Instrumental Music Department for their mentorship and dedication. Haylea is also the volleyball manager and a member of the Northeast Trap Team, where she serves as captain.
Upon graduation, Haylea will be pursuing a degree in Wildlife Management with an emphasis in livestock from Chadron State College. She is supported by her parents, her two sisters and her extended family, who have greatly contributed to her success. In her free time, Haylea enjoys riding horses, spending time outside and of course, playing music.
Northwest High School – Alyssa Medlin
Alyssa is from Grand Island, Nebraska. She is a drum major for the Northwest Marching Band and is involved in wind ensemble and National Honor Society. She enjoys spending time with her friends and family, fishing and taking care of animals. Her goal is to become a veterinarian.
Omaha South High School – Diego Martinez Gutierrez
Diego is involved in FBLA, Student Council, Latino Leaders, Show Chior, and Honors Orchestra. He has been awarded the Gold Nebraska SEAL of Biliteracy. Diego is the founder of MoodMate, a non-profit organization that developed an app to help high school students who suffer from mental health disorders such as stress, depression, and anxiety.
Ord Jr./Sr. High School – Bailey Setlik
Bailey is 17 years old and attends Ord High School where she is a senior. She is the daughter of Doug and Joy Setlik. Her activities include 4-H, FFA, volleyball, band, youth group, student council, youth mentor committee, National Honor Society, and track. She enjoys hanging out with friends and spending time with her family in her spare time. Her future plans are to attend a four-year university and obtain a degree in an undetermined medical field career.
Palmer High School – Claudia Vecchietti
Claudia comes all the way from Tivoli, Italy, through the EF exchange student program and resides just outside of Palmer with her host parents, Jeremy and Sarah Davis, and host sisters, Charity and Alyssa. Claudia‘s American experience in Palmer has given her the opportunity to learn the cymbals in the high school band and share her love and talent for singing in the choir. She is also active in One Act, and plans to participate in the All-School play and track season in the spring.
Parkview Christian School – Bailey Alt
Bailey is 17 years old from Seward Nebraska. She is a senior at Parkview Christian School in Lincoln where she plays volleyball, is active in choir, Drama, speech, & art. Bailey attends youth group at Hillcrest Church in Seward. She has taught herself to play the piano, ukulele, & is learning the guitar. She loves to sing & make up new designs with braids. Her goal after high school is to attend the College of Hair Design with a specialty in braiding.
Sumner-Eddyville-Miller High School – Mikah O’Neill
Mikah is a senior at Sumner-Eddyville-Miller High School. She has a 4.0 GPA and is involved in multiple activities. Most recently, she was named All State Honorable Mention in Basketball as well as All-Around Player of the Year. Outside of school, she is involved with her family’s farm which is a diversified crop and livestock operation.
Wood River Rural Schools – Jaelyn Palser
Hard-working and dedicated Wood River High School Senior, Jaelyn Palser, transferred in from Ravenna her sophomore year, starting her career in Fine Arts at Wood River. Performing has been a big part of her life, as she showed a desire for singing and acting at an early age. She’s been on many honor choirs since elementary school, one being Sing Around Nebraska and Singing Youth of Nebraska. She’s also been a part of the All School Musical, One Act, and Competitive Speech. In addition to extracurricular activities, she’s also an athlete, this year she’s on the Dance and Cross Country team for the first time. She was 1 of 7 girls to be the first on the girls wrestling team last year, and she also participated in track since her freshman year. Looking forward to her future, she wants to continue working at the YMCA after high school, taking a gap year, and may complete an internship in health. Her goal in life is to continue following Jesus and whatever plans he has in store for her. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends and attending church and youth group.
