Lammers earns Gov. Thone award

HARTINGTON — Two graduating high school seniors are being honored for their excellent leadership and communication skills.

Hartington-Newcastle’s Alexa Lammers became just the fourth recipient of the Gov. Charles Thone Cedar County News Leadership award. The award was presented Tuesday night during the annual Activities Night at the HNS Gym.

The winner of the Joan Rossiter Burney Cedar County News Outstanding Communicator award will be announced at next week’s Cedar Catholic Activities Ceremonies night.

The awards are presented to honor two of Hartington’s most famous former residents. 

Thone, a Bow Valley native and Hartington High School grad,  was elected to serve Nebraska in Congress in 1970, a position he held until 1978, when he ran for and won the Nebraska governorship. He served as Nebraska’s Governor from 1978-1982.

He died earlier this year at the age of 94, 

While both Thone and Burney were widely known across the state and country, they always made sure to tell people that they hail from Hartington, Neb., — giving much of the credit for their accomplishments to the town, the people, that helped to raise them.

The awards focus on the outstanding leadership qualities of the recipients — qualities that are exemplified by the namesakes of these awards.

This year’s Gov. Thone award winner has been an impressive leader and communicator.

Lammers is the daughter of  Bret and Kristie Lammers. 

Teachers say she stands out because of her respect for authority, determination and strong desire to succeed at whatever challenge she undertakes.

She has been on Student Council all throughout high school and currently serves as the Student Council President.

She has been awarded Academic All State all four years of herhigh school career.

She has also been involved in speech, one-act, pep band and jazz band all four years of her high school career.