Nebraska Severe Weather Awareness Week Student Poster Contest Winners Announced
March 27, 2026 (LINCOLN, NEB.) — Lt. Governor Joe Kelly recognized Severe Weather Awareness Week (March 23-27) following a proclamation issued Thursday by Governor Jim Pillen. The recognition highlights the importance of reviewing safety plans, checking emergency supplies, and committing to year-round preparedness.
“Tornadoes, flooding, high winds – those are the kinds of events that usually occur this time of year. Certainly, the most recent threats in Nebraska have been posed by wildfires. Preparedness is a key component of public safety. Having those plans in place prior to an event is essential to managing the unexpected,” said Lt. Gov. Kelly.
During the proclamation event, Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Director and Adjutant General Craig Strong announced the winners of the annual Severe Weather Awareness Poster Contest. The top four entries, along with eight honorable mentions, will be featured in the 2027 Nebraska Severe Weather Awareness Calendar, produced annually by NEMA.
Top Winners
• First Place: Rubee Vandry, Trumble Park Elementary School (Papillion, Sarpy County)
• Second Place: Charley Peng Fager, Ada Robinson Elementary School (Lincoln, Lancaster County)
• Third Place: Sadie Rabstejnek, Southern Elementary School (Wymore, Gage County)
• Fourth Place: Greyson Paswaters, Norwood Park Elementary School (Lincoln, Lancaster County)
Honorable Mentions
• Monroe Jones, Sterling Public Schools (Douglas, Johnson County)
• Presley Lough, Doniphan Trumbull School (Trumbull, Hall County)
• Sophia Thiel, Homeschool (Hastings, Adams County)
• Mava Messersmith, Hayes Center Elementary School (Hayes Center, Hayes County)
• Emily Feilmeier, Holy Trinity Elementary School (Hartington, Cedar County)
• Josephine Peiffer, McDaid Elementary School (North Platte, Lincoln County)
• Vivian Weber, Holmes Elementary School (Lincoln, Lancaster County)
• Laynie McCloud, Christ Lutheran School (Norfolk, Madison County)
The contest is supported by the Nebraska Association of Emergency Management, National Weather Service, Nebraska Emergency Management Agency, Nebraska Military Department, and the League of Nebraska Municipalities. For more information on severe weather awareness, visit NEMA’s website.