Piper Dather
Piper is the daughter of Roger and Julie Dather and the sister of Cole, Mariah, and Calvin. Throughout high school, Dather participated in 4-H for 4 years where she received honors of Best in Show at Nebraska State Fair in Sketchbook Crossroads and Reserve Champion Spot breeding gilt at Nebraska State Fair, FFA for 4 years, FCCLA for 4 years where she received honors of winning nationals in Fashion Construction and received fold at districts, state and nationals, Art for 4 years where she received honors of best in show and community choice at the Mid State Art Conference, Student Council for 3 years, National Honor Society for 3 years, and Chorus for 3 years. Her favorite memory at Crofton High School was when she won nationals for FCCLA in Fashion Construction. Advice that Dather would give to underclassmen is, “Take advantage of the different opportunities around you.” After graduation, Dather plans to attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln majoring in Textiles, Merchandising, and Fashion Design.
Araya Jo Nielsen
Araya is the daughter of Bryon Nielsen and Cammi Wavrunek and the sister of Kaydence and Ty Nielsen. Throughout high school, Nielsen has been involved in FCCLA for 4 years, Chorus for 3 years, Golf for 3 years, Journalism for 2 years, Yearbook for 2 years, and Basketball for 1 year. Her favorite memory from Crofton High School would be when she brought her chickens into the school to record a news piece for Warrior Way News in Journalism. Advice that Nielsen would give to underclassmen is, “ Don’t wait to take a jump towards something but if the chance comes, take it.” Nielsen plans after graduation to continue working at the hog facility.
Vanessa Ann Sprakel
Vanessa is the daughter of Armand and Niki Sprakel and the sister of Lacey, Addison, Armana, and Elly. Throughout high school, Sprakel was involved in Basketball for 4 years, FFA for 4 years, and Volleyball for 2 years. Her favorite memory from Crofton High School was winning the State Championship in Basketball her sophomore year. Advice that Sprakel would give to underclassmen is, “Don’t stress so much and that it flies by so have fun!” Sprakel plans on getting her Associates Degree to become a crop adjuster.
Kendall Thoene
Kendall Thoene is the son of Todd and Bridget Thoene and the brother of Brady. While in high school, Kendall has been a student manager for basketball for two years, while also supporting all the sporting events the Crofton Warriors participate in. Thoene has also been involved in Journalism for one year. Kendall’s favorite memory from high school is when he started the March Madness tournament. A piece of advice that Thoene would give to the underclassmen is, “Take one day at a time.” After graduation, Thoene plans to attend Northeast Community College to become a para educator while eventually becoming a basketball coach on the side.
Kayden Acuff
Kayden Acuff is the daughter of Alanna and Joel Tramp, and Anthony Acuff. She is the sister to Nadalee, Halee, and Morgan Acuff, and Eli Tramp. Throughout high school, Acuff participated in volleyball for four years, softball and band for two years, and basketball for one year. Her favorite memory throughout high school was decorating for homecoming and going to football games. Kayden’s advice to underclassmen would be, “Live it up while you can in high school, because it’s over fast.” After high school, Acuff plans on attending Northeast Community College for two years then transferring to Wayne State College to become a physical therapist.
Jeffrey Dean Birger Jr.
Jeffrey is the son to Jeff and Shannon Birger, and a big brother to Sam and Emma. Birger has participated in Basketball, Choir, HAL, and One-Act for four years, NHS for three years, Class Government for two, and Quiz Bowl for one year. His favorite memory of high school was when he got put in a straight jacket for One-Act. Jeffrey’s advice to the underclassmen would be, “Whatever you do, give your best effort.” After high school, Birger plans to attend Wayne State College while majoring in Psychology.
Thomas Roman Burbach
Tom is the son of Dale and Mary Burbach, and a brother to Paul. While in high school, Burbach has participated in FFA for three years and Student Council for two. His favorite memory in high school was building and fixing a variety of things in welding and manufacturing class. If Tom could give the underclassmen one piece of advice, he would say, “Do your homework and don’t think you will get by. You’re not done until the diploma is in your hands.” After graduating high school, Tom plans to work full time and take over the family farm some day.