harry weichel Endowed Scholarship for Educators
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While many Ralston teachers deserve recognition for their service, one such teacher stands out as a role model for others to emulate. Harry Weichel spent 40 years with Ralston Public Schools beginning in 1959. He passed away on July 25, 2022. Mr. Weichel taught a wide variety of courses at Ralston High School while completing two graduate degrees at UNO. As his career progressed, he was appointed Assistant Principal, then Principal of Ralston High School, and eventually, Assistant Superintendent of Ralston Public Schools. Like Mickey Looney, Mr. Weichel not only led by example at school, but was very engaged in community activities. Mr. Weichel and his wife Arlyne were founding members of Trinity United Methodist Church. Come the 4th of July, you couldn't miss them leading the square dancers as part of the parade and attending the Ralston High School All Class Reunions. We were truly blessed, weren't we, to have known them and so many other outstanding teachers while growing up in Ralston?
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Description of Scholarship: As an educator, Mr. Weichel was genuinely interested in students’ and colleagues’ lives, their growth, and achievements. He continually sought input on how Ralston schools could best serve everyone’s development as community-minded citizens, valued employees, and family members. When connecting with others, his positive and appreciative spirit lifted others up. His humble, lifelong commitment to service beyond self is an example for Ralston educators. This scholarship is awarded to Ralston Public Schools educators who demonstrate unwavering service to others and outreach within the community. One RPS educator will be selected per academic year. The scholarship recipient will receive $1,400.The scholarship will help support their post-graduate studies.
Please consider a charitable donation to our alma mater through the Harry Weichel Endowed Scholarship for Educators in memory of him or in honor/memory of your Ralston family members, classmates, or teachers. Click the button below to donate to the Harry Weichel Scholarship for Educators.
Please consider a charitable donation to our alma mater through the Harry Weichel Endowed Scholarship for Educators in memory of him or in honor/memory of your Ralston family members, classmates, or teachers. Click the button below to donate to the Harry Weichel Scholarship for Educators.
Scholarship Recipients
2026 brianna zillig
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Brianna Zillig is a second grade teacher at Mockingbird Elementary School where her teaching journey first began as a student teacher. From the moment she arrived at Mockingbird, Brianna knew she had found a place where her passion for education could truly flourish.
A passionate advocate for early literacy, Brianna is currently pursuing graduate coursework and professional development in evidence-based reading instruction. Driven by the belief that every child deserves the best possible chance at reading success, she consistently work to expand [his/her/their] instructional toolkit to boost student confidence and long-term academic achievement. |
Beyond the classroom, Brianna plays an active role in Mockingbird’s curriculum and data toolboxes. She helps support the implementation of newly adopted curriculums, analyze data to refine instructional practices, and regularly share insights with colleagues. Dedicated to collaboration and lifelong learning, Brianna is committed to fostering student success and strengthening the collective expertise of the entire Ralston educational community.
2025 Nick birdsley
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Nick Birdsley, the 2025 recipient of the Harry Weichel Endowed Scholarship for Educators, was an Agriculture Teacher and FFA Sponsor at Ralston High School. He began teaching at Ralston in Fall 2023 and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Leadership Education with a specialization in Teaching and Extension Education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Mr. Birdsley’s passion for ag education stems from his own experience in his high school’s agricultural academy. As a high school student, he gained valuable experience giving testimonial speeches, conducting news interviews, and serving on an advisory board. |
He also served with Governor Ricketts and the NDA's Director, Steve Wellman, educating youth about career opportunities in agriculture. Having been one of the first agriculture educators in Nebraska to graduate from an Omaha-based agriculture program since the 1970s, he is dedicated to providing his students with similar opportunities to pursue their future careers and be active community members.
2023 Lindsay Kelly
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For over 15 years, Lindsay Kelly has been teaching both students and educators in Ralston. Lindsay currently serves as Cadre Associate for Ralston Public Schools, coaching new teachers throughout the District. In the fall of 2023, she will return to the classroom as 5th grade teacher at Meadows Elementary.
Lindsay is pursuing a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from University of Nebraska-Omaha. In her application, Lindsay stated, "I am a lifelong learner and I have taken many opportunities to improve my knowledge of curriculum, instructional strategies, and assessment through professional development. [...] In the end, everything I do, and everything we do as part of the Ralston family, is for the benefit of students." |
Thank you, Lindsay, for your service to both students and educators in Ralston Public Schools. Your dedication to educating others, as well as furthering your own career, represents the legacy Mr. Weichel started decades ago in the Ralston community. Congratulations!