This week's top stories

Graham Christenson earns role as state FBLA reporter
Aurora sophomore Graham Christenson has taken his love for FBLA to the statewide stage on various occasions, including competitions which have qualified the Husky for a national appearance later this year. 
That being said, he’s added another feather to his cap that might top them all -- an officership as Nebraska FBLA State Reporter. 
Christenson was installed at this year’s State Leadership Conference in Kearney. He’ll serve the term throughout his upcoming junior year.

Senator says it’s time for new blood in NE politics
Democratic candidate for governor Carol Blood touted her record as a policy maker and sense for getting things done in the legislature last week in Aurora as reasons she believes she can win the primary May 10 as well as the general election in November.
The Dist. 3 senator from Sarpy County explained in detail the four pillars of her campaign during a two-hour presentation at the Aurora Senior Center, telling a small group that she believes it’s time for some new blood in Nebraska politics.
“I have to tell you I was never going to run for governor,” she began. “It was never on my radar. Nobody talked me into this and I’m not a sacrificial lamb. Here’s what happened. By the time we got to like the ninth candidate it became really clear to me that they were all playing with the same playbook....

Student designs new banners for Hampton Public School
Michael McFarlane, a 17-year-old senior at Hampton, designed the graphics that would be used for a series of banners depicting logos and mascots of neighboring schools including his own. 
The project represent a culmination in a youth’s life as McFarlane chooses what career path he will dedicate his life to. 
“My teachers saw what I was doing with the banners and other projects that I’ve had since,” McFarlane shared. “They saw something in me that I didn’t see. Then I went to Hasting CCC (Central Community College) and Northeast at Norfolk and saw the programs; I’ve loved it ever since.”

‘A fresh start’ for Giltner grads
Applause, tears and hugs were in abundance Sunday at the Giltner High School gymnasium. 
Eighteen seniors of the Giltner Class of 2022 walked up the stage to take the diploma that represents over a decade of learning and memories.
Giltner salutatorian Dakon Wilson started by taking the gathered friends and family on a journey of their shared memories leading up to the eventful day. 
“Parents, I bet you remember dropping off your kids on their first day of kindergarten, and waving goodbye to them,” Wilson said. “Then you anxiously waited to go get them from school to hear all about it. Unbelievably, that was 13 years ago.”
After that he shared memories that drew a laugh from both his fellow graduates and those in the audience. He focused on the achievements and fumbles of their high school years, emphasizing the value of such experiences.

Hutsell boots four goals in postseason win
With Aurora’s season on the line, its most decorated player in recent team history made sure it didn’t end quite yet. 
Ellie Hutsell found the back of the net four times, tying her school record from a year ago for most goals in a game as Aurora downed York 5-1 on a windy, rainy Saturday morning from the Cornerstone soccer complex in Aurora. 
Aurora coach Micayla Dunn was happy with the effort the entire team brought to the field Saturday despite the conditions, noting Hutsell’s solid play of late has come at the expense of racking up goals.
That, of course, changed Saturday. 
“She has been working so hard the last few games and just couldn’t find the back of the net,” the coach said. “She made it personal and took the game over. She was unstoppable.”

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