KEARNEY — Kearney Public Schools is thrilled to announce that Aiyanna Frizane, a senior at Kearney High School, has been recognized as one of Nebraska’s 2024-25 Believers & Achievers by the Nebraska School Activities Association (NSAA) in partnership with Currency.
This prestigious honor celebrates exemplary student leaders with exceptional commitment to academic success, community involvement, and personal achievement.
According to KPS Activities Director Ryan Hogue, over the past four years, Aiyanna has been involved in One-Act and Speech teams, band (head drum major), choir, thespians (current president), fall play, spring musical, Tri-M and KHS Ambassadors. “Aiyanna is one of many in a long-standing tradition of excellence in and outside the classroom under the umbrella of the KHS Activities Department. We have now had students recognized three of the last four years within the Believers and Achievers program. We are very proud of all our student activity participants and all that they do on a daily basis,” stated Hogue.
The Believers & Achievers program acknowledges only 48 high school seniors across the state, highlighting Nebraska’s future leaders who demonstrate excellence in academics, community service, and extracurricular involvement. Frizane’s achievements and contributions to both Kearney High and her community exemplify the spirit of this award. Each month, beginning in November, honorees will be celebrated at NSAA State Championships and showcased on the Believers & Achievers poster, distributed to NSAA member schools.
“We are incredibly proud of Aiyanna’s dedication and the positive impact she has made at Kearney High School,” said KHS One-Act and Speech Coach, Michelle Bombeck. “Her leadership and commitment to excellence make her a true role model for our students. She continues to push herself and those around her to be better, no matter what she does.”
In April 2025, the NSAA will host a scholarship banquet to honor these outstanding seniors further, where eight of the 48 statewide honorees will receive a $500 scholarship from Currency. This opportunity underscores the NSAA and Currency’s commitment to supporting Nebraska students as they take the next steps in their educational journeys.
“Kearney Public Schools congratulates Bearcat Aiyanna Frizane on this impressive recognition. She is an extremely driven and involved student. I am extremely proud of Aiyanna, and this recognition is well-deserved,” stated Jeff Ganz, KHS Principal.
48 Award Winners:
• Evan Frink – Adams Central
• Emma Kennedy – Ainsworth
• Miley Whitney – Alma
• Bridget Whitney – Bishop Neumann
• Ava McFarland – Bloomfield
• Aidyn Bonifas – Blue Hill
• Brooklyn Eckert – Boyd County
• Kit Brooks – Central City
• Zaden Wolf – Central Valley
• Ayla Janssen – Columbus
• Jorja Yocam – Cozad
• Ava Cramer – Cross County
• Addyson Hintz – Deshler
• Destry Groth – Falls City Sacred Heart
• Makenna Meyer – Fremont
• Taylor Burge – Gothenburg
• Molly Graybill – Grand Island Central Catholic
• Caleb Ridder – Guardian Angels Central Catholic
• Gavin Bell – Hemingford
• Aiyanna Frizane – Kearney
• Lydia Atim – Lincoln Northeast
• Maya Stevenson – Lincoln Southwest
• Kennedy Blevins – Lyons-Decatur Northeast
• Isabella Zhang – Millard North
• Mattie Kamery – Minden
• Cecilia Barron – Morrill
• Peyton Paxton – Mullen
• Aubrie Burke – Norfolk
• Cara Roberg – North Platte St. Patrick’s
• Ashley Sidak – O’Neill
• Madison Enstrom – Oakland-Craig
• Braxton Logeman – Omaha Burke
• Hugh Lowe-Weyand – Omaha Central
• Drew McMahon – Omaha Duchesne Academy
• Lucia Ambrose – Omaha Marian
• Parker Walahoski – Overton
• Avery Wolfe – Papillion-La Vista
• Skylar Scholting – Pierce
• Jolie Dix – Plattsmouth
• Allison Vavricek – Schuyler
• Sofia Karges – Scotus Central Catholic
• Melusi Kalubi-Ngeleka – South Sioux City
• Annabelle Barlow – St. Mary’s
• Lane Lund – Twin River
• Gavin Redden – Wayne
• Cash Keslar – Wilber-Clatonia
• Cara Bunger – Wilcox-Hildreth
• Eliza Lange – Wynot
For more information about the Currency Believers & Achievers Awards Program, please visit the NSAA website.
