Kearney High School (Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today)
KEARNEY — Kearney High School (KHS) is thrilled to announce that two of its students, Kally Ostermeyer and Shayne Brown, have been selected to participate in the 27th Annual National K-12 Ceramic Exhibition.
This prestigious event, set to take place from March 20th to March 22nd, 2024, at the Greater Richmond Convention Center in Richmond, VA, is a testament to the outstanding creativity and skill of students from across the United States.
This year, the exhibition saw a remarkable 1,169 entries from 152 teachers nationwide, showcasing the immense talent and passion for ceramics within the K-12 educational system. Despite the competitive selection process and the limited space available at the NCECA Conference venue, artwork from Kally Ostermeyer (11th grade) titled “Rustic” and Shayne Brown (10th grade) titled “Little Sable Point” were among the 150 pieces chosen for display.
Katrina Olmstead, the ceramics teacher at Kearney High School, expressed her immense pride in her students’ achievements, marking the fifth consecutive year that KHS students have been recognized at this national level. “I am so proud of my students! Working with and supporting the talented students at Kearney High School has always been a privilege,” Olmstead stated. “Being recognized on a national platform underscores the dedication, creativity, and hard work of our students. It’s a profound honor for our school and the ceramics program.”
The National K-12 Ceramic Exhibition is an annual juried competition that highlights the best ceramic work made by Kindergarten through Grade 12 students in the country. This event coincides with the annual conference of The National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA), making the host city a focal point for ceramic arts each year.
The breakdown of entries across different grade levels illustrates the wide interest and participation in ceramic arts, with grades 11-12 contributing the most entries. This year’s selection process was particularly challenging due to the high volume of outstanding submissions.
Kearney High School extends their congratulations to Kally Ostermeyer, Shayne Brown, and Katrina Olmstead for their exceptional representation at a national level. This achievement not only highlights the talent of KHS students but also the quality of arts education and support provided by the school.