Class of 2002
Launch the media gallery 1 player2002 Hemingford High School
Student and Faculty Highlights of the Year
This page features athletic records, officers, themes, important numbers, important happenings, and other educational information from the year in question. It provides a quick and ready resource for Bobcat Grads and families!
September 11th, 2001 – A day that transformed us all.
The September 11 attacks (also referred to as September 11, September 11th or 9/11) were a series of four coordinated suicide attacks that were committed in the United States on September 11, 2001, striking the areas of New York City and Washington, D.C. On that Tuesday morning, 19 terrorists from the Islamist militant group Al-Qaeda hijacked four passenger jets. The hijackers intentionally piloted two of those planes, American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175, into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center complex in New York City; both towers collapsed within two hours. The hijackers also intentionally crashed American Airlines Flight 77 into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and intended to pilot the fourth hijacked jet, United Airlines Flight 93, into a target in Washington, D.C.; however, the plane crashed into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania after its passengers attempted to take control of the jet from the hijackers. Nearly 3,000 people died in the attacks.
Suspicion quickly fell on al-Qaeda, and in 2004, the group's leader Osama bin Laden, who had initially denied involvement, claimed responsibility for the attacks.[1] Al-Qaeda and bin Laden cited U.S. support of Israel, the presence of U.S. troops in Saudi Arabia, and sanctions against Iraq as motives for the attacks. The United States responded to the attacks by launching the War on Terror and invading Afghanistan to depose the Taliban, which had harbored Al-Qaeda. Many countries strengthened their anti-terrorism legislation and expanded law enforcement powers. In May 2011, after years at large, bin Laden was found and killed.
The destruction of the Twin Towers caused serious damage to the economy of Lower Manhattan and had a significant impact on global markets. Cleanup of the World Trade Center site was completed in May 2002, and the Pentagon was repaired within a year. Numerous memorials were constructed, including the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York, the Pentagon Memorial, and the Flight 93 National Memorial in Pennsylvania. Adjacent to the National Memorial, the 1,776-foot-tall (541 m) One World Trade Center is expected to be completed in 2013.[2] The September 11 attacks still remain the deadliest terrorist attacks in the history of the world.
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September 11th, 2001 will live with all Hemingford Alumni as a day to look back and still try to reason what happened that day. Graduates of HHS in 2002 will especially keep with them memories of where they were when the treacherous attacks took place, the death and despair the attacks caused, but in the end will also share a united feeling of America’s resurgence and a central focus that returned to our country.
On to the remainder of what was an outstanding year at HHS
Student Council
Student Council Highlights – organized the theme and dance for Homecoming week, conducted a school survey on ways to improve the town of Hemingford.
Student Council Members –Presidents – Silas Cheek, Jen Nodlinski; Seniors – Sara Hoover, Joseph Trickler; Juniors – Annie Kulas, Jeff Hoover; Sophomores – Micki Paris, Tyler Prochazka; Frosh – Taryn Wood, Mary Moser; 8th Grade – Lance Haas, Steph Sorensen; 7th Grade – Kate Kraenow
National Honor Society
Kathy Fingar was the NHS sponsor, and the chapter traveled to Denver to see, “Beauty and the Beast” at the Buell Theatre. They prepared breakfast for the school staff, and hosted the annual, “Rock Roll, and Risk” night. Members also tutored elementary students during the year. Ten new members were initiated into the chapter in the spring.
National Honor Society Members – Abby Wacker, Kristi Benda, Joe Collins, Ryan Engel, Paige Prochazka, Jeff Hoover, Leslie Shaver, Brooke Vogel, Reidi Smith, Micki Paris, Tyler Prochazka, Lance Nixon, Sean Casey, Sarah Lilley, Jena Lien, Kristin Leeling
Hemingford Music Department
Led by Sponsor Kim Weideman, District Music Contest was a success for Hemingford as the Swing Choir won two Superiors and one excellent; The Full Choir did the same, earning two superiors; and the Band won three superiors. The band also received a superior at Sidney in the parade division as well as the field division. They were also Class Champions! At CSC the band also won superiors in both field and parade competitions, and won their Class! Drum Majors Paige Prochazka and Becca Grant were also selected as best Drum Majors at the Chadron Competition!
Seniors in Chorus share their talents during a concert. Pictured are Silas Cheek, Jenilee Nodlinski, and Megan Eickhoff.
Hemingford Flag Girls
Music Department –Swing Choir, Choir, Band, Jazz Band, and Marching Band directed by Kim Wiedeman.
Hemingford Drama Department
In One Acts, Hemingford finished as Conference Runner-Up in the Panhandle; received 7th in the Western Trails, and rebounded to take 4th at Districts. Students earning outstanding actor or actress awards at the three contests included Jenilee Nodlinski, Amber Fastnacht, Brooke Vogel, Sean Hovorka, and Reidi Smith in all three performances; with Sean Casey receiving an award at WTC.
Directors Kathy Bridge and Karen Fastnacht are pictured at far right in this cast photo.
Walker Dobry, Sean Hovorka, Jessica Iodence, Janna Duncan, and Kayla Wood were part of the cast of “The Saga of Katie and the Gamblin’ Lady”.
Brooke Vogel, Amy McKee and Amber Fastnacht discuss “cheatin’ plans.
The Thee Act Play was , “ Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”, as the cast delighted audiences of all ages. “Oompa Loompafest” is pictured above. Marla Wade and her art classes helped to paint the set of the play, directed by Mrs. Fastnacht and Miss Junge.
Drama and One Acts –One Act – “The Saga of Katie and the Gamblin’ Lady”; Three Act – “Charlie & The Chocolate Factory”
Journalism Department
Between using new, “Spreadmaker” software and eating lots of popcorn, the Journalism students worked hard to capture the year in words and pictures.
Speech Department
Hemingford hosted a speech invitational and enjoyed a spirited season with the eight team-members. There were multiple medalists at each meet Hemingford attended.
Hemingford Bobcat Football
The Bobcats had a tough season, winning games over Bayard (20-6), and Morrill (43-18), but dropped their other seven games to area and conference rivals for Coach Todd Ziettlow. All conference and all-district players included Brennan Vogel, Tim Planansky, Chad Armstrong, Silas Cheek, Joseph Trickler, and Tim Engelhaupt. Team Captains included Tim Planansky, Brennan Vogel, and Chad Armstrong.
The Junior Varsity won all but one game, finishing with a (4-1) record for coaches Garfield and Watt.
The Bobcat Captains, (#17) Planansky, (#4)Vogel, and (#76) Armstrong head out for the start of the last game of the season, a (20-6) victory over Bayard.
Senior Chad Armstrong waits to get out on the field and tackle a tiger.
Hemingford Lady Cat Volleyball
Ramona Hucke was the Head Coach for the Lady Cats, and led the team to victories over Kimball, Sioux County (twice), Hyannis, Morrill (twice), and Hay Springs. Three seniors played for Hemingford, including Valoree Gibson, Shaina Giorgi, and Kristi Gettert. All-conference honors went to Giorgi, Tiffani Savala, and Paige Prochazka. The Lady Cats ended the season with a (7-16) won-loss record. Lisa Haas coached the Junior Varsity to a (5-8) won – loss record.
Hemingford Cross Country
Coach Cindy Lanik had seventeen runners on the Cross Country team, led by Bob Ruzicka, who was all WTC Conference and placed 4th in that meet. Seniors included Bryan Grimes, Megan Eickhoff, Patrick Hartman, Jenilee Nodlinski, and Kevin Holloway
Sophomore All-Conference runner Bob Ruzicka gets his 4th place WTC Medal.
Megan Eickhoff ran hard for the Bobcats.
Lady Cat Basketball
The Lady Cats were champions of the Bridgeport Tourney, beating Gordon for Coach Moe Hanks and assistant Chris Watt. They also won games over Hyannis, Garden County, Crawford, Sioux County, (twice), and Garden County by one (52-51) to end the regular season. The season came to an end in subs vs. Grant (37-56) The Lady Cats were (7-13) on the season. The JV’s were (3-7)
Bobcat Basketball
Coach Tim Lanik was the head man, with his son Nate the assistant. The team won some big games at the end of the season to finish above .500, with a (10-9) won-loss record. Senior members were Brennan Vogel, Silas Cheek, Joseph Trickler, Patrick Hartman, and Nick Stockton.
Victories came over Kimball, Hyannis, Rushville (twice) , Garden County, Bridgeport, Morrill, Crawford (twice) , and Sioux County The season ended in subs with a loss to Sutherland. The JV’s had a (5-6) record for Coach Nate Lanik.
Hemingford High School Wrestling
Some decent efforts helped to pave the way for a good wrestling season for Coach Darin Garfield, including Brandon Jensen (23-11); Mike Manion (18-9); Ryan Schledewitz (18-13), and Kellen Cullan (18-16). The Cats were not able to send any wrestlers to the State Tourney.
Wrestling –Coach Darin Garfield led his underclassmen for a successful season of experience.
Girls Track and Field
The Lady Cats were Panhandle Champions in Track and Field, even with small numbers , and were lead by seniors Shaina Giorgi and Megan Eickhoff for Coach Cindy Ahrens. Hemingford also was second at the Gordon Invite. Individually, Senior Shaina Giorgi ran in the Bets of the West meet, and qualified for state in the 100, 200 and 400. She won a fourth place medal in the 400 in Omaha!
Boys Track and Field
Track seniors were Patrick Hartman, Bryan Grimes, Kevin Holloway (Team Captain), and Brandon Jensen. There were fifteen team members in 2002.
Hemingford Boys Golf
Seven seniors helped the Bobcats to a successful spring, including a runner-up finish in the PAC and a sixth in the WTC. John Coleman qualified for the Best of the West meet in Scottsbluff, where he shot an 83 and took fifth place! The Cats were coached by Todd Ziettlow.
Hemingford High School Cheerleaders
Bonnie Davis, Ashley Prelle, Amanda Brott, and Shanda Kozal, with sponsors Anne Junge and Sheely Buskirk and mascot Shaylynn Buskirk.
Hemingford High School Quiz Bowl Team
The Quiz Bowl team earned second place at the Panhandle contest. Sean Casey was all-conference in both the Panhandle and Western Trails Conference contests.
Hemingford High School “3-D” Club
This student group led the activities for Red Ribbon week to raise awareness to drug use and encourage students and parents to just say no. Several members attended tobacco free conference in Gering
World Strides
20 students took part in World Strides along with sponsors Rick and Gina Benda. Their visits included stops at the Washington Memorial, Arlington Cemetery, the Holocaust Museum, and the FDRMemorial 
The group poses in front of the Capital Building.
Annie Kulas, Paige Prochazka, Reidi Smith, Jeff Hoover, Abby Wacker, Joe Collins, and Kristi Benda try on some sunglasses at the I-Max Theatre in the Air and Space Museum.
Future Farmers of America
The Hemingford FFA was very busy attending contests, raising funds, and helping to share the importance of farm safety with Hemingford Elementary students. Eight teams attended the State Convention, with three blue ribbon teams in Ag Mechanics, Livestock Management, and Meat Evaluation.
Hemingford High School FCCLA
Sponsor Anne Junge led the Hemingford Chapter in Big Brother – Big Sister activities, District and State FCCLA Contests, Kiss ‘o’ Grams, cookie for the care center, and helped to sponsor a school dance. State qualifiers included Leslie Shaver, Brittani Moeller, Jaimee Schumacher, Rebecca Grant, Brooke Vogel, Sara Lilley, Joelle Schumacher, and Val Elder.
Clubs and Activities –
Clubs included Cheerleading, Flag Girls, American Legion Essay, Quiz Bowl, 3-D, School-To-Work, World Strides, FFA, and FCCLA
2001 Homecoming Activities at HHS
2001 Homecoming Royalty
Homecoming Royalty – Queen – Jenilee Nodinski; King – Silas Cheek; Attendants – Brennan Vogel, Shaina Giorgi, Megan Eickhoff, Chad Armstrong
Tim Planansky, Ryan Engel, and Chad Armstrong all enjoyed “Gender Switch” day, perhaps a little too much…………………
Joe Collins is surrounded by Junior Girls Bonnie Davis, Beth Klahn, Kristi Benda, Tiffany Savala, Annie Kulas, Reidi Smith, and Paige Prochazka.
2002 Hemingford Junior – Senior Prom
“Springtime in Paris”was the theme for Sponsors Karen Fastnacht and Daren Garfield as they helped guide the Juniors and decorated the Multi-Purpose Hall. There was no Banquet, and the Grand March began at 8PM. Matthew Wood and Emily Hansen were the crown bearers. Post-prom activities included a hot tub, caricature drawing, a bungee-run, and many card and board games
Seniors Chad Armstrong, Tim Plananski, and Bryan Grimes (along with Chad’s visiting date, Erin Zilmer) stop for a moment before the dance begins.
The senior girls pose one last time – Michelle Klinger, Jessica Lopez, Ashley Prelle, Andrea Danbom, and Lacey Jones
Prom Royalty – Queen – Shaina Giorgi; King – Chad Armstrong; Attendants – Ryan Engel, Abby Wacker, Brad Kuhn, Leslie Shaver; Crownbearers – Matthew Wood, Emily Hansen
Senior Shots
Movie Day during Homecoming week featured Coyote Ugly Seniors Tara Quick, Ashley Prelle, Tara Adamson, and Michelle Klinger.
Senior Class Officers – President –Chad Armstrong; VP – Shaina Giorgi; Secretary – Megan Eickhoff; Treasurer – Kristi Gettert
Seniors Amber Fastnacht and Shaina Giorgi spend some time studying during class.
Hemingford Junior Class
Junior Class Officers – President – Abby Wacker; VP – Ryan Engel; Secretary – Paige Prochazka; Treasurer – Kristi Benda
Flag girls Kristi Benda, Reidi Smith, Willow Smith, Tiffany Savala, Annie Kulas, and Abby Wacker smile after completing their Winter Flags performance
Hemingford Sophomore Class
Sophomore Class Officers – President – Sean Casey; VP – Leslie Shaver; Secretary – Nick Anderson; Treasurer – Brittani Moeller
Hemingford Freshman Class
Freshmen Class Officers – President – Chase Engel; VP – Dane Armstrong; Secretary – Chevonne Forgey; Treasurer – Brian Reed
2002 Hemingford Special Honors and Recognition
Valedictorians –Joelle Schumacher and Shaina Giorgi were both honored!
2002 Senior Class Graduation and End of Year
Senior Class Enrollment –46
Class Motto:
Now, this is not the end, it is not even the beginning of the end, But it is perhaps the end of the beginning.
Crystal Hunger and Tom Cullan stop and reflect on Graduation
Air-conditioning was installed during the late summer months, making the kindergartners the first class in Hemingford history to be artificially cooled during their entire school careers!
Kindergarten Class Enrollment –19
2001-02 Hemingford All-State Academic Team
2001-02 Hemingford Administration and Faculty Members
Superintendent –Edwin L. Hollinger
Principal –Caryn Ziettlow – elementary, Steve Osborn – secondary
Elementary Teachers – Kindergarten – Linda Folkerts, Annette Davies; First Grade – Jennifer Gasseling, Jennifer Corlett; Second Grade – Sally Engelhaupt, Robin Prochazka; Third Grade –Chris Stockton, Donna Engel; Fourth Grade – Nancy Zajic, Marilyn Hucke; Fifth Grade – Cindy Lanik, Kim Haas; Sixth Grade – Lori Collins, Tom Case
Secondary Teachers –Cindy Ahrens, Kathy Bridge, Karen Fastnacht, Cathy Fingar, Darin Garfield, Nancy Giorgi, Peter Gomez, Gene Hanks, Brigit Harris, Kristi Hiles, Kay Horstman, Ramona Hucke, Anne Junge, Tim Lanik, Janalyn Larsen, Many Plog, Sue Shaver, Lannie Shelmadine, Judy Stewart, Kelly Thompson, Marla Wade, Chris Watt, Kimberly Wiedeman, Dennis Zajic, Todd Ziettlow
Other Staff Members –Joyce Klemke, Jane Kuhn, Alta Wright
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Thanks for taking the time to look through the pictures, stories, and memories of the Class of 2002, Hemingford High School. Most of the information was gathered from The 2002 Yearbook. Any misinformation or incorrect labeling is unintentional.
GO CATS !