HUMPHREY, Neb. -- A local Humphrey teacher is being celebrated for her dedication to students as a librarian for over three decades.

In the spring of 2025, Kim Bender of Humphrey Public Schools was awarded both the Nebraska Rural Community Teacher of the Year Award and the state's Librarian of the Year Award. "It was a total surprise," Bender said.

Superintendent Brice King praised Bender's impact: "She pours into the students and the school community as a whole. She has a big heart for all of our kids or anybody, whether it's staff or students that have good news, they want to come share it with Mrs. Bender."

Bender, who has 35 years of teaching experience said. "I find my work most rewarding when I can help children discover and share their love of reading with others."