Mars and Bryan High teams excel in National African American History Challenge

The Omaha Public Schools Board of Education meeting held on March 10, 2025, began with a celebration of student achievements in the National African American History Challenge. Members from Mars and Bryan High Schools were introduced, highlighting their participation in this prestigious competition.

From Mars, the team included Kimberly Herrera Arena, Brianna Zendejas Trejo, and Ariana Giesinger. The Bryan High team featured Tatiana Hollis, Henry Gregor, Saul Munoz Macias, and Ulysses Cibrian. This year marks the fourth participation for Mars and the second consecutive year for Bryan High in representing Omaha Public Schools (OPS) at the national level.

The African American History Challenge provides students with the opportunity to explore the significant contributions of African Americans to society and culture throughout history. The board expressed pride in the legacy being built by these schools through their involvement in the program.

The meeting concluded with a statement from Henry Gregor, a freshman at Bryan High School, who shared how the challenge has positively impacted his passion for history. He emphasized that participating in the competition has allowed him to engage deeply with his love for studying history.

Overall, the meeting underscored the importance of educational programs that promote cultural awareness and historical understanding among students.