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Mars Middle and Bryan High students to represent Omaha Public Schools at national African American History Challenge
Summary
Students from Mars Middle School and Bryan High School won state-level competition and will compete June 4–8 in New Orleans. Board members and the district praised the teams and their coaches during a school-spotlight presentation.
Students from Mars Middle School and Bryan High School were recognized by the Omaha Public Schools Board of Education on March 24 for winning their state African American History Challenge competitions and advancing to the national contest in New Orleans.
Kevin Madsen, a teacher who coaches Bryant’s team, said the program has grown over the last decade and praised the students’ commitment. “We’ve come from only having one member and not answering a question… and now we’ve won it back to back,” Madsen said.
Henry Gregor, a freshman from Bryan High School, told the board the competition helped him “do what I love to do the most, which is studying history,” and credited Deborah Woods, the district liaison with the 100 Black Men of Omaha, for supporting the teams.
Board members asked about preparation and the competition’s impacts on younger students. Dr. Holman asked how the teams studied; students described after-school sessions, weekend study and work on team collaboration. Ms. Magnuson asked students to share a memorable fact; one student noted that several Tuskegee Airmen were from Omaha, which became a meaningful local connection.
The board and superintendent congratulated the teams and thanked teachers and community partners. The district confirmed the national competition dates as June 4–8 in New Orleans.
