Ten worthy graduating seniors who have special needs and/or disabilities will receive higher education scholarships from the Suburban Rotary Club of Omaha. The ceremony will take place on April 16 at 11:45 a.m. at Happy Hollow Club, 1701 S. 105th St. Registrations are required.
For close to 50 years, the community service group has awarded close to $1 million in scholarships. Helping young people achieve their higher educational goals is a priority of the club.
“Suburban Rotary established this unique program to recognize these students for their achievements and to help them reach their educational goals. Often these students are overlooked when it comes to traditional scholarships,” said Suzi Brehmer, Chairperson of Suburban Rotary’s Scholarship Committee.
The club is incredibly proud of these students and wanted to share a few highlights on who they are.
Quentin Fields is a senior from Boys Town and plans to attend Peru State College in the fall of 2026 to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. Quentin maintains a 3.66 cumulative GPA and already has hands-on experience in the healthcare field. He works part-time as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at the Boys Town Pacific Street Pediatric Clinic. At school, Quentin also serves as a sports manager and participates in HOSA.
Reece Garrett is a senior from Westside High School and plans to attend Metropolitan Community College in the fall of 2026 before transferring to the University of Nebraska at Omaha to pursue a degree in graphic design. Reece maintains a 3.03 weighted GPA and has already demonstrated impressive entrepreneurial success. At just 15 years old, he launched his own business, Garrett Creations, LLC, where he creates custom artwork and graphic designs for clients.
Lucia Guzman is a senior at Millard North High School and plans to attend the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in the fall of 2026, where she intends to double major in Psychology and Spanish. Lucia maintains a 3.595 weighted GPA, received academic recognition, takes AP classes and received a perfect score on the reading section of the ACT. Outside of school, Lucia has worked for nearly three years at Heritage Pointe Assisted Living, balancing work with her academic responsibilities.
Kaitlyn Johns is a senior from the Iowa School for the Deaf and plans to attend Des Moines Area Community College in the fall of 2026, where she will begin pursuing her passion for fashion design. Kaitlyn is ranked #1 in her class with a cumulative weighted GPA of 3.6257 and serves as President of the Class of 2026. She is actively involved in student council, volleyball, basketball, cheerleading, track, robotics, and Academic Bowl, while also volunteering at a café and nursing home.
Madison J. Kynaston is a senior at Papillion-La Vista High School and plans to attend Wayne State College in the fall of 2026 to pursue a degree in elementary education with the goal of becoming a fourth-grade teacher. Madison maintains a 3.592 weighted GPA and is a member of her school’s Education Academy. Outside of school, Madison works with Kids’ Club, and other volunteer activities.
Lena Pringle is a senior at Elkhorn High School and plans to attend either the University of Nebraska at Omaha or the University of Nebraska–Lincoln this fall. She hopes to pursue her interest in acting. Lena ranks 25th in her class of 181 students with a 4.122 weighted GPA and has consistently earned Honor Roll recognition throughout high school. Outside of school, Lena works at Runza, volunteers with the Food Bank for the Heartland and Girl Scouts, and participates in The Rose Theater’s Studio for Youth Actors.
Aaliyah Reynero is a senior at Boys Town High School and plans to attend Southeast Community College in the fall of 2026 to pursue an Associate’s Degree in Adult and Juvenile Corrections. She plans to continue her education at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where she hopes to earn a bachelor’s degree in criminology and eventually attend the UNL College of Law to become a prosecutor. Aaliyah maintains a 3.63 GPA and is involved in National Honor Society, Journalism, Yearbook, Art Club, JROTC, church choir, the Youth Cadet program, and school athletics.
Zander Rysol is a senior at Concordia High School and plans to attend Iowa State University in the fall of 2026. He hopes to pursue a career that allows him to serve others, with interests including meteorology or firefighting. Zander maintains a 4.01 weighted GPA while balancing a rigorous schedule of academics and athletics. Beyond school, Zander volunteers through St. Mark’s Lutheran Church Youth Group, and serves his community through various activities.
Luke Vaca is a senior at the Iowa School for the Deaf and plans to attend Gallaudet University in the spring of 2026. He hopes to earn a bachelor’s degree in education or psychology and pursue the coursework required to become a Certified Child Life Specialist. Luke is actively involved in Student Council, the Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA) Club, and Astra Club, and serves as Vice President of his senior class. Outside of school, he has worked at Fazoli’s, volunteers at a donation center, and is active in his church.
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