LINCOLN — Governor Jim Pillen has signed a proclamation declaring March 27-31 as Nebraska Severe Weather Awareness Week....and students are being honored for their efforts in a severe weather awareness annual poster contest.

NEMA Director, Major Gen. Daryl Bohac announced the winners of the annual Severe Weather Awareness Poster Contest. Nebraska third grader’s provided tips for being prepared for disasters that can affect Nebraskan’s during the spring and summer.

Winners include....

First Place: Lucas Rabstejnek, 8, Southern School District, Blue Springs, Gage County, “April Showers Bring May Floods”
Second Place: Gunnar Fernau, 9, Valentine Elementary School, Valentine, Cherry County, “Stay Inside During a Storm”
Third Place: Barrett Boynton, 9, Ruth Hill Elementary School, Lancaster County, “Tornado: Take Shelter Immediately”
Fourth Place: Allison Jerri Johnson, 9, Adams Elementary School, Lincoln, Lancaster County,

Ceremony at State /Capitol
Ceremony at State /Capitol  

Honorable Mention awards were also presented....

Karyss Carufel, 8, Isanti Community School, Niobrara, Knox County
Elianna Clay, 8, Southern School District, Blue Springs, Gage County
Natalie Dolezal, 8, Gordon- Rushville Elementary School, Rushville, Sheridan County
Jeanette Vizcay Martinez, 9, Chandler View Elementary School, Sarpy County
Brooklyn Pavelka, 9, Adams Central School, Hastings, Adams County
Lilly Pracheil, 9, Dorchester Public Schools, Dorchester, Saline County
Capri Rodriquez, 8, Gordon-Rushville Public Schools, Rushville, Sheridan, County
Heidi Rutt, 9, Lourdes, Central Catholic School, Nebraska City, Otoe County
Josie Zagozda, 8, Westmont Elementary School, Bellevue, Sarpy County

The first-place winner in the poster contest received a $125 gift card. The second-place winner received a $100 gift card and the third-place winner received a $75 gift card. The fourth-place winner received a $50 gift card.

The winning and honorable mention posters will be featured in NEMA’s 2022 Severe Weather Awareness Calendar.