Senior Heroes: Achieving Excellence - Class of 2026

Meet nine exceptional graduating seniors and follow along as they prepare for their next chapters in life.

Trent Burton

Buena Vista High

Buena Vista High rallied around senior Trent Burton after he faced a life-changing health scare. Inspired by determination and a never-quit attitude, Trent remains a positive force for those around him.

"A lot of the teachers have grown to help me in anything I need, and that's all you could ask for."

Kateryna Muravska

North High

After overcoming adversity, North High senior Kateryna Muravska finds joy in being involved at school and in her community.

"I just got so much support from my friends and family, and teachers, too."

Michael DuBose

Northwest High

Driven by determination and discipline, Northwest High senior Michael DuBose has grown into a leader on the basketball court and in the classroom.

"You have to be determined. You have to be on top of everything because nobody else will when you really need it the most."

Samarie' Alston

Central High

A motivated student with an appetite for learning, Central High senior Samarie' Alston advocates for kindness, love and compassion while working to accomplish her goals.

"I love Omaha Public Schools. I think it's very diverse. I love diversity. I love my culture, and I love different cultures as well."

Bernadine Ambatobe

Bryan High

A passionate advocate and fearless performer, Bryan High senior Bernadine Ambatobe uses her voice to lift her classmates, herself and her family. Her tenacity and optimism have helped her rise above challenges and become one of her generation's next leaders.

"Feeling so voiceless at a young age, and the fact that my parents had to run from war in order to find peace, people listening to me gives me a very good passion. I made it, I'm here."

Brayden Pickett

Burke High

Embracing his school community so it feels like family, Burke High senior Brayden Pickett lifts his classmates with his high energy and welcoming attitude. His positive spirit is infectious and felt in the student section, on the baseball field and throughout the school.

"Running a student section, running a large group of people, talking in front of a crowd, taking hard classes, challenging myself, learning from real people—it really just put real life, the real world, in front of me in high school."

Brooklynn Freeman

Westview High

Westview High senior Brooklynn Freeman is a driving force in her school community. Her positive attitude is contagious, and the impact she’s making will be felt long after she graduates.

"I love being able to help those younger kids, my fellow peers. I'm just a regular kid who likes to advocate for a lot of stuff and who likes to be involved."

Juan (Eli) Bahena Erives

South High

Pushing to his limits, South High student Juan (Eli) Bahena Erives says JROTC tests his strengths while building a strong sense of responsibility.

"I had to figure out exactly it is I want to do my hardest on. As the years went by, I found a passion in being in JROTC and being involved in our Raiders team."

Elijah Beasley

Benson High

Benson High's Elijah Beasley has an ear for music and a passion for leadership.

"Being there to lead people has been something I feel like I've been called to do."

Congratulations to our Class of 2026. You make us #OPSProud!

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