🎓 Senior Spotlights – Class of 2026 🎓

We’re celebrating more of our amazing seniors and the memories, advice, and experiences that have shaped their time at Southern! ❤️🖤

From state moments and favorite teachers to future goals and words of wisdom—these seniors are leaving their mark on Raider Nation.

👏 Blaze Barleen
👏 Jenna Forney
👏 Melanie Mendes

Once a Raider, always a Raider. #RaiderPride

2 months ago, Mrs. Fralin
A senior spotlight graphic featuring a smiling male student, Blaze Barleen, leaning on a railing outdoors. The design uses red, black, gray, and white school colors with “Southern Class of 2026” along the side. Text highlights include: favorite memory—making state with the “Magic 7”; most impactful teacher—Mr. Jurgens; favorite lunch—Crispitos; plans after graduation—attending college and experiencing life; advice—value a small, supportive friend group and remember your best is enough. A quote reads: “Work in silence, let your success be the noise.”
A senior spotlight graphic featuring a smiling female student, Jenna Forney, standing outdoors with greenery in the background. The design uses red, black, gray, and white school colors with “Southern Class of 2026” along the side. Text highlights include: favorite memory—having fun with classmates in PE; most impactful teacher—Mr. Iverson; favorite lunch—Crispitos; plans after graduation—pursuing personal passions, career opportunities, and independence; advice—be nice to everybody. A quote reads: “Life is Roblox.”
A senior spotlight graphic featuring a female student, Melanie Mendes, sitting on stone steps holding a small stuffed animal. The design uses red, black, gray, and white school colors with “Southern Class of 2026” along the side. Text highlights include: favorite memory—an art field trip with Mrs. Neverve; most impactful teacher—Mrs. Wise; favorite lunch—orange chicken; plans after graduation—learning more about herself and discovering her passions; advice—don’t let negativity get to you and focus on what makes you happy. A quote reads: “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.”
There will be a parent's meeting for parents of students entering kindergarten for the 26-27 school year. The meeting will take place at Southern Elementary in the library at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, April 7.
2 months ago, Kane Hookstra
There will be a parent's meeting for parents of students entering kindergarten for the 26-27 school year. The meeting will take place at Southern Elementary in the library at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, April 7.

Here’s what’s happening at Southern this week!

From competitions and college visits to testing and Spring Break—there’s a lot going on. Stay informed and stay involved, Raiders! ❤️🖤 #RaiderPride

2 months ago, Mrs. Fralin
Graphic titled “What’s going on at Southern?” with a red and black gradient background and a large “S” logo in the center labeled “Southern Pride.” The schedule lists events for the week: March 30 (Monday): Golf at Auburn at 9:00 AM; High School Softball Meeting March 31 (Tuesday): NSCAS Testing for 7th–8th grade ELA during 2nd period; FBLA Reading Buddies and Recycling; Senior Class Meeting April 1 (Wednesday): 10th grade Peru State College visit, leaving at 8:30 AM and returning by 2:30 PM April 2 (Thursday): Varsity Track at Thayer Central at 12:00 PM April 3 (Friday): Spring Break – No School April 4 (Saturday): No Activities

⛳️ Raiders Golf is back in action!

Catch Southern High competing at the Auburn Country Club on Monday, March 30, at 9:00 AM.

Let’s go, Raiders! ❤️🖤 #RaiderPride

2 months ago, Mrs. Fralin
Graphic for Southern High Golf Raiders event. Large red “Golf Raiders” text centered over a blurred image of a golfer on a green with a golf ball near the hole. Event details read: “March 30 | Monday | 9 AM.” Location listed as Auburn Country Club, 72722 US-75, Auburn, NE. Bottom includes “More Info” and the website www.southernschools.org .

🏀 ALUMNI/PATRON BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT 🏀

Join us at Southern on March 28 at 9:00 AM for a day of competition, connection, and Raider pride!

Come out to support our players, reconnect with fellow alumni, and enjoy some great basketball.

❤️🖤 Let’s pack the gym and show what Raider Nation is all about! #RaiderPride

2 months ago, Drake Troxel
A bold red and black promotional poster for an “Alumni/Patron Basketball Tournament.” The design features a large close-up of a basketball at the bottom, a stylized rider on a horse in the top left, and white text on a black background reading “ALUMNI/PATRON BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT.” Smaller text below says “@ Southern March 28, 9:00 AM,” with decorative arrows and dotted patterns adding visual detail.
🚨 Attention everyone! 🚨

Please take a moment to review this important announcement for Sunday, March 29, 2026. Due to schedule changes, there will be no Music Booster BBQ and no Alumni Basketball Games on that day.
2 months ago, Dannie Eggerling
A red, white, and gray announcement graphic with a bold “ATTENTION” header at the top. Below, it reads “IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT” followed by “Sunday, March 29, 2026.” The notice lists: “1. No Music Booster BBQ” and “2. No Alumni Basketball Games.” A megaphone graphic appears in the bottom left, and a red horse-and-rider logo is shown on the right side.

🐾 IS THIS ANYONE’S CAT? 🐾

This cat was found outside the High School Commons doors and appears to be wearing a collar. It has been trying to get inside.

📞 If this is your cat or you have any information, please contact the school.

2 months ago, Southern
A small gray cat with light tan markings on its face and a black collar stands outside a glass door, resting its front paws on the door as if trying to get inside. The image includes text asking “Is this your cat?” and states the cat was found outside the High School Commons doors, wearing a collar and trying to get inside, with a request to contact the school if it belongs to someone.
There will be a parent meeting for students entering kindergarten for the 26-27 school year. The meeting will be on Tuesday, April 7 at 6 pm in the elementary library.
2 months ago, Kane Hookstra
There will be a parent meeting for students entering kindergarten for the 26-27 school year. The meeting will be on Tuesday, April 7 at 6 pm in the elementary library.

Selective Southern students are attending the State FFA Convention—representing their chapter, growing their leadership skills, and taking the next step toward their future 🌱🚜

2 months ago, Dannie Eggerling
A green-themed poster for the Southern FFA State Convention on March 26, 2026. The background shows a large tractor driving through a bright green crop field under a gradient green sky. The text explains that over 7,000 FFA members, advisors, and guests gather in Lincoln, Nebraska each spring for events like general sessions, competitions, workshops, and a career expo. At the bottom, icons highlight agricultural education, leadership, personal growth, and career success, alongside the Nebraska FFA Foundation logo.
Step Up Day is here! 🎒🌈

Southern Elementary is now filling spots for Kindergarten Round-Up on April 27, 2026. This is a great opportunity for age-eligible kids to get ready for their next big step!

🕘 Choose a time that works for you:
• 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
• 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

📞 402-645-3359

Have questions? Reach out by email:
✉️ khookstr@southernschools.org

✉️ drakes@southernschools.org

✉️ afreese@southernschools.org

We can’t wait to welcome our future kindergarteners! 💛
2 months ago, Amanda Freese
A pastel-colored promotional flyer for Southern Elementary’s “Step Up Day” on April 27, 2026. The background features a soft blue sky with clouds, a rainbow at the top, and small flowers near the bottom. The text reads: “Southern Elementary, April 27, 2026, Step Up Day, Now Filling.” It describes the event as a Kindergarten Round-Up for age-eligible children. Two time slots are listed: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. A highlighted banner says “Call now to claim your spot” followed by the phone number 402-645-3359. At the bottom, three email addresses are provided for questions: khookstr@southernschools.org, drakes@southernschools.org, and afreese@southernschools.org. The design uses soft pastel colors and playful fonts suitable for a school event.

🏃‍♂️ Good luck to our Southern Track team as they hit the track at Doane College!

📍 Crete, NE
🕤 9:30 AM Start
📅 March 25, 2026

Run fast, compete strong, and represent Raider Nation with pride! ❤️🖤 #RaiderPride

2 months ago, Mrs. Fralin
A red, black, white, and gray graphic promoting a Southern track event. The word “Southern” appears in bold at the top with “Track” in large lettering below. The background features a stylized running track with lane lines and three runners in motion. Event details read: “Start @ 9:30 AM · 25 March 2026” and “Doane College · Crete, NE.” The bottom of the graphic says “Good Luck Raiders.”

🧠⚡ Raider Quiz Bowl is headed to DISTRICTS!

Our Senior High Quiz Bowl team will compete this Wednesday for a chance to qualify for the state competition for just the 4th time in 13 years—an incredible opportunity!

This unique double-elimination tournament includes teams from all school sizes, making the competition even tougher. The top TWO teams will advance to State in Hastings on April 20.

📍 Hebron, NE

🕐 1:00 PM

📅 March 25

Good luck, Raiders—let’s make history! ❤️🖤 #RaiderPride

2 months ago, Mrs. Fralin
A black graphic with neon-style red, white, and gold accents promoting Southern District Quiz Bowl. The word “Southern” appears at the top above “District Quiz Bowl” in bold glowing text. The background features question marks, a stopwatch, and school-themed icons with a faint Southern Raider logo behind the text. Event details read: “March 25, 2026,” “1:00 PM,” and “Hebron, NE.” The phrase “Raider Pride” is displayed at the bottom.

‼️ ALUMNI ‼️

Join us for the Alumni-Patron Tournaments!

🏐 Volleyball: Friday, March 27
📞 Contact Shannon Burgess – (402) 806-0560

🏀 Basketball: Saturday, March 28 – Sunday, March 29
📞 Contact Drake Adams – (402) 806-0660
📞 Or Mariah Murphy – (402) 806-2343

Don’t miss out—grab your team and get signed up! ❤️🖤

2 months ago, Mrs. Fralin
Graphic promoting a Southern alumni-patron tournament in red, black, and white school colors with a bold “‼️ALUMNI‼️” headline. The design features a volleyball and basketball with a gritty sports-style background and the Southern “S” logo. Text announces a volleyball tournament on Friday, March 27, and a basketball tournament on Saturday, March 28 through Sunday, March 29, along with contact information for sign-ups.

🎓 Senior Spotlight – Class of 2026 ❤️🖤

This week, we’re celebrating Kasandra VonNessen, Reegan Lauby, and Amealia Hopkins and the memories, mentors, and moments that shaped their time at Southern!

From friendships and FFA experiences to teachers who made a lasting impact, these stories highlight what it means to be part of Raider Nation.

✨ Keep shining, seniors—we’re proud of you! #RaiderPride

2 months ago, Mrs. Fralin
Graphic featuring a Southern High School Class of 2026 Senior Spotlight for Kasandra VonNessen. The design includes red, black, white, and gray school colors with the Southern “S” logo. On the right, Kasandra sits outdoors smiling, wearing a white top and denim shorts. Text highlights include: favorite memory—laughing with friends at lunch; most impactful teacher—Ms. Bachmann for support during tough times; favorite lunch—orange chicken/Italian dunker; future plans—going to college and meeting new people; advice—do homework and pay attention. A quote reads, “Sometimes, the people who are thousands of miles away from you can make you feel better than people right beside you.”
Graphic featuring a Southern High School Class of 2026 Senior Spotlight for Reegan Lauby. The design uses red, black, white, and gray with the Southern “S” logo. On the right, Reegan stands outdoors in a white dress, smiling. Text highlights include: favorite memory—meeting friends; most impactful teacher—Mrs. Mick for encouragement; favorite lunch—Italian dunker; future plans—meeting new people and moving forward; advice—do homework and never give up. A quote reads, “How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”
Graphic featuring a Southern High School Class of 2026 Senior Spotlight for Amealia Hopkins. The design includes school colors and the Southern “S” logo. On the right, Amealia sits outdoors on a wooden bridge, smiling, wearing a pink shirt and jeans. Text highlights include: favorite memory—attending National FFA and gaining experiences; most impactful teacher—Mr. Meyer for building confidence and skills; favorite lunch—Italian dunker; future plans—figuring out life and exploring her future; advice—put in more effort and try. A quote reads, “You never know the true value of a moment until it becomes a memory.”
The JH Quiz Bowl did amazing today at their Pioneer Conference meet! A team brought home 2nd Place! So proud of our Raiders!
2 months ago, Dominique Clay
Picture of the members of the Quiz Bowl team
Picture of the A Team with their 2nd place plaque
picture of the 2nd place plaque

Juniors and Seniors can buy prom tickets March 23rd - 27th.

2 months ago, Shannon Mick
Gemini said Here is the ALT text for the image: A high school hallway scene featuring two teenagers in the foreground having a conversation. A girl on the left, wearing a maroon hoodie and a backpack, has a large white speech bubble above her asking, "When do we buy prom tickets?" A boy on the right, wearing a grey Adidas zip-up jacket, has a speech bubble replying, "March 23 - 27th. THIS WEEK!!!!" In the background, other students walk through the blurred hallway, and a bulletin board on the left.

🎥 March Raider Report is LIVE! 🔴⚫
Catch all the latest stories, highlights, and moments from Southern Public Schools this month—because every Raider has a story worth telling.

📺 Watch now: https://youtu.be/xRJRR9-EV1w?si=4XeJCLfmTE6Fx8YV

2 months ago, Mrs. Fralin
A bold Raider Report graphic featuring a charging raider on horseback in red, black, and white. The title “RAIDER REPORT” is centered across the design, with the tagline “Every Raider Has a Story” and “Southern Public Schools” underneath. The background includes dynamic diagonal stripes in red, black, white, and gray, giving a fast-paced, broadcast-style look.
Southern is currently taking applications for preschool.
2 months ago, Kane Hookstra
The image shows a message that Southern elementary is taking applications for both 3-year old and 4-year old programs. Applications are in the elementary office.

🎓 Class of 2026 Senior Spotlight!
It’s your time to shine, Raiders! Share your story and be featured in our Senior Spotlight.

📲 Check your email or use the link below to complete the form by Friday, March 27:
https://forms.gle/paXMcKeujP4AqR5HA

Let’s celebrate YOU, Class of 2026! 🔴⚫

2 months ago, Mrs. Fralin
Red and black graphic with Southern “S” logo pattern background. Text reads: “Senior Spotlight – Class of 2026. Check your email or scan the QR code to complete the Google Form by Friday, March 27.”
A QR code is displayed for easy access to the form.

🧠❤️ Quiz Bowl time!
Good luck to our Junior High team competing at the Pioneer Conference Quiz Bowl on March 23 at Falls City Sacred Heart starting at 1:00 PM!

Representing Southern:
Aleric Clay, Isaac Lundstedt, Aaron Lundstedt, Bo Stevens, Maddux Pinkerton, Ava Schlake, Kinslee Frerichs, Sophie Rakes, Talon Decker, and Raylee Donithan.

Go Raiders! 🔴⚫

2 months ago, Mrs. Fralin
Graphic promoting a Junior High Quiz Bowl event. The design features a red speech bubble with the words “Quiz Bowl” in bold text over a dark background with brain and question mark icons. Event details include: March 23, starting at 1:00 PM at Falls City Sacred Heart, and labeled as a Pioneer Conference event. Southern Public Schools website is listed at the bottom.