Skip to main content

Blog

April Mission Moment: Foundation for LPS Celebrates Inspiring Individuals with 2025 Inspire Awards

A student and teacher posing with their Inspire Award goodie bags in a school hallway, with cubbies behind them.

The Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools is thrilled to announce the remarkable recipients of the 2025 Inspire Awards, recognizing the shining stars within each of Lincoln Public Schools' programs and schools. These prestigious awards celebrate the individuals – one student and one staff member from every corner of the district – who serve as an inspiration and make a profound difference in their school communities.

The Inspire Awards are a district-wide celebration dedicated to honoring the hope and excellence radiating from every school. This year's honorees have demonstrated exceptional leadership, unwavering commitment, and a powerful ability to positively shape their schools and the wider Lincoln community.

"It is an immense honor to recognize these exceptional students and staff members," said Natalia Wiita, Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools president. "Their dedication and passion are a powerful inspiration to us all, and they embody the very heart of what makes Lincoln Public Schools so special."

This year, winners were surprised with celebratory goodie bags, generously provided in partnership with Runza, Triple B Printing, and Sunflower House Cookies. Foundation staff and board members personally delivered these tokens of appreciation to each school on Thursday, March 20th, allowing each school community to celebrate their well-deserved winners.

Kaleah Latenser, an Inspire Staff winner and behavior teacher at the Don Sherrill Education Center, shared her heartfelt sentiments: “I love what we do. I love how we serve students. The students are my biggest inspiration. The things they’ve gone through in life require so much strength and grit. And they show up every single day, giving us their best.”

Noah Sothan, a fifth grader from Rousseau Elementary and an Inspire Student winner, expressed his gratitude: “I’m just super happy and super honored that I was the lucky one to get it.”

Discover the complete list of inspiring staff and student winners and learn more about their contributions here! 

The Numbers

  • Schools Served

    74

  • Focus & Specialty Programs Served

    15

  • Students Empowered

    42,282

  • Teachers & Staff Supported

    6,625

  • Funds Received This Year

    $4.30M

© 2025 Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools

Powered By Firespring