Gothenburg High School graduates are reporting back about their life since taking flight in the big world outside of the 69138 zip code.
Trudy Miller - Ecoffey graduated with the class of 1985.
She is a Wildlife Biologist and Range Ecologist and is enjoying her time after working as the director of a non-profit organization.
Trudy said that her time at GHS taught her a number of things and amongst them are very simple lessons that have taken her through her life.
“Hard work is key,” she said. “I had great teachers and coaches and great friends.”
For the future graduates of GHS, she advised that the sky's the limit, but remember your roots.
“You can go anywhere you want, but remember where you came from,” she said. “There is no place like Gothenburg, NE.”
In the photo above, Trudy says she was tracking mountain lions on the Pine Ridge Reservation.
“This is an immobilized cat that we collared with a tracking device,” she said.
In her free time, Trudy enjoys hiking, horseback riding, spending time with her children and her friends.
Arleigh Costello-Wilke stepped began college at Concordia University after her graduation from GHS in 2018.
She was a member of the Bulldogs’ volleyball team and graduated with a degree in education with an emphasis in middle-school.
She is currently working at Norris Middle School in Hickman, NE as a 7th grade science and english teacher and serves as the middle school volleyball coach.
Arleigh says she will always be thankful for the experiences and opportunities she had at GHS.
“I will treasure so many of the memories I made there - forever!”
She went on to say that as students think about their next steps after high school, they shouldn’t be scared.
“The more you do, the more you learn,” she said. “Don’t be afraid to do a bunch of different things.”
In her free time, Arleigh says she enjoys spending time with her husband, Christian, her family and friends. She also takes time to go on walks with her dog, Jyn, baking and reading.
Costello-Wilke is pictured with her husband Christian on a trip to Yellowstone last summer.
Stacy Saum - Flesner went the healthcare route after her 2002 graduation from GHS, studying at UNMC’s college of nursing.
She is currently the Senior Director of Technology and Adoption and holds her RN and BSN in her position at Gothenburg Health.
She is responsible for helping clinicians use the electronic health record, assists with workflow design and collaborates in implementation of new technology through project management.
She said her time at GHS taught her that hard work will pay off in the end.
“There is life after high school,” she offered to future grads. “Enjoy it while you can, it is hard work being an adult.”
When she’s not at work, Stacy enjoys attending her children’s activities in Gothenburg. She is pictured with her family.
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