Crystal Kjar
Lincoln Southwest High School
Head Athletic Trainer
Nominated By: Principal Mike Gillotti
Crystal has made protecting and advocating for the health and safety of others her life's work. Crystal has been a leader in the area of concussion awareness, including testifying before the state legislature in support of the Nebraska Concussion Awareness Act - Return to Learn. Crystal's work and expertise has been invaluable as schools work to support students who have sustained concussion in their efforts to return to activities AND to the classroom, safely and with the appropriate supports. On top of all of her normal work as an athletic trainer, Crystal has also worked to help carry out contact tracing and establish proper COVID protocols to help students and coaches safely continue athletic programming during the pandemic. Crystal has worked tirelessly to help support the safety, health and well-being of students at both the local and state level and represents what it means to be a servant leader.