Portrait of a Graduate 2024

From pre-K to graduation, Omaha Public Schools prepares students for success in life no matter what the future holds. As the Class of 2024 approaches their next phase in life, we celebrate their achievements.

As Omaha Public Schools developed its Strategic Plan of Action, a team of staff, students and families provided input on the qualities each student should have as they leave our district community. The result was our Portrait of a Graduate.

Throughout a student's time in our district, courses and opportunities are designed to develop resilient achievers, collaborators, communicators, critical thinkers, innovators and civic and global contributors. These skills serve a student well whatever path they pursue after graduation.

Saraí Gomez-Ornelas

Benson High

She is a remarkable student, athlete, musician and leader. See how experiences from Kennedy Elementary to Druid Hill, Monroe Middle and Benson High shaped Sarai Gomez-Ornelas' journey.

"Omaha Public Schools provides a good community, good teachers and overall good people to be around with and outside of school."

Cristian Rojas

Bryan High

As class president and JROTC brigade commander, Bryan High senior Cristian Rojas stepped out of his comfort zone to become a leader in his school community. See his inspiring story of determination.

"Leadership definitely got me out of my comfort zone … We're all called upon to have a purpose and we have to achieve that purpose by just going out to do the things that we don't like to do or challenge us."

Mercedes Renken

Burke High

When she's not training for a marathon or multi-day bike ride, she's preparing to compete in a national STEM festival! Burke High senior Mercedes Renken is on a mission to make a difference, and she has the drive to do it.

“My goal is to be a lifelong learner, and that definitely contributes to the field of medicine, how you always are continuously learning.”

DeJana Bryson

Blackburn

"She believes in what she wants, and she has been able to find out who she truly is." Senior DeJana Bryson's determination paid off at Blackburn. See how this resilient achiever is planning for her future.

“They want to see you succeed. They want to see you do as best as you can. They want to see you go far in life ... That's one of my biggest things is the support and the love.”

Charlie Palmer

Central High

Time spent on his grandparents' farm inspired him to work hard. See how Central High senior Charlie Palmer leaned on that work ethic to earn a spot at one of the nation's top research universities.

“Looking back on Omaha Public Schools, I don't think that I could have asked for anything more. I feel like there's been so much opportunity provided to me.”

Sofia Acosta

North High

She's checking her pitch and hitting all the right notes. Find out how senior Sofia Acosta stayed in tune with her school community and learned the value of teamwork during her time at North High.

“I really appreciate Omaha Public Schools because it's a public school. There's lots of diversity, resources and opportunities to connect.”

Sher Mu Ku

Northwest High

When she's not scoring goals in soccer or participating in the five other clubs she's a part of, Northwest High senior Sher Mu Ku focuses on her future goal of becoming a physician assistant. Discover the motivations driving her journey.

“My greatest strengths come from being in this high school and joining many activities and being a part of so many things.”

Diego Martinez Gutierrez

South High

From show choir auditions to designing his own app, South High senior Diego Martinez Gutierrez represents perseverance and innovation. Learn more about his remarkable story

“I love all the honors classes, all the AP classes, all the dual language, and even Dual Enrollment. I have a Seal of Biliteracy, and I have so many college credits because of all of this. I just couldn't be any happier.”

Congratulations to our class of 2024. You make us #OPSproud!