Vikings of Distinction

Fellow Vikings and supporters,

Presenting the video that highlights the lives and careers of the 2026 Vikings of Distinction. Special thanks to Arlo Grafton for putting the video together.

Here's how the video breaks down:

Kimberly C. Sherrod Barnes, Class of 1991, starts at 2:00

Ka’ Ron Johnson, Class of 1996, 8:42

Dr. James Q. Simmons, Class of 1996, 15:06

Sen. Ashlei Spivey, Class of 2004, 21:16

Dr. Mark Wilson, Class of 1973, 27:16

Adam Wright, Class of 1996, 33:30

Congrats, and V-Up!!

Here is the link:

https://youtu.be/iLQxdPr2SAo?si=mr8aG_BoaEbutTlc

North High North High Vikings Athletics Omaha North High Class of 1997 Omaha North Class of 1992 Omaha North High Alumni North High Alumni Kimberly Sherrod James Simmons Ka' Ron Johnson

VOD 2026 Final Omaha North High Vikings of Distinction 2026

Photos from the 2026 Vikings of Distinction events on Friday. Congratulations and V-Up! Photos by Vikings of Distinction committee member Chris VanKat.

North High Vikings Athletics North High Omaha North High School Foundation Omaha North High Alumni North High Alumni Kimberly Sherrod James Simmons Ka' Ron Johnson Omaha North High Class of 1997 Omaha North Class of 1992

Fellow Vikings and supporters:

Today is the day!!

It's time to honor our best and brightest!! The 2026 Vikings of Distinction induction ceremony will start at 9:50 a.m. If you want to watch, you can click on the link: https://striv.tv/channel/omaha-north/ .

The honorees will speak, and a video highlighting their lives will be shown. Once again, North High students will aid in producing the broadcast.

Here are the honorees:

Kimberly C. Sherrod Barnes, Class of 1991

Ka’ Ron Johnson, Class of 1996

Dr. James Q. Simmons, Class of 1996

Ashlei Spivey, Class of 2004

Dr. Mark Wilson, Class of 1973

Adam Wright, Class of 1996

Thank you, and V-Up!!

Omaha North High School Foundation North High North High Vikings Athletics Omaha North High Alumni North High Alumni Kimberly Sherrod James Simmons Ashlei Spivey for Nebraska Ka' Ron Johnson

Omaha North on Striv Live streaming high school sports for Omaha North

V-Up!!

As we count down to the 2026 Vikings of Distinction on tomorrow, May 8th, we’ll be highlighting fun facts about past inductees each day this week. 💙💛

Fact #4:
In 2017, the Vikings of Distinction Committee announced the creation of a new designation: The North Star. Deceased former Vikings who have distinguished themselves and brought honor and recognition to Omaha North High Magnet School are honored for their outstanding accomplishments. Holding these former North students in high regard, the Vikings of Distinction Committee determined that these Vikings’ accomplishments should be shared with students, faculty, and alumni. “Their Light Shines On" in the halls of Omaha North High on a plaque displayed in their honor in the Vikings of Distinction showcase.

Since it's creation in 2017, 5 Alumni has been honored with Award including, Miguel Keith (Class of 1970) who was the first honory in 2018, Scott Bostwick (Class of 1979) who was honored in 2019, Rick Davis (Class of 1962) who was honored in 2020-2022, Neil Welch (Class of 1944), and Neal Hefti (Class of 1941) who honored in 2025. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🕊🕊🕊

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V-Up!!

As we count down to the 2026 Vikings of Distinction on Friday, May 8th, we’ll be highlighting fun facts about past inductees each day this week. 💙💛

Fact #3:
Since its founding in 1982, the Vikings of Distinction Hall of Fame Program has not only honored our incredible alumni, but also recognized individuals and organizations as “Friends of North High” for their support and dedication to Omaha North High School. 💙💛

These honorees include alumni such as Niles Paul (Class of 2007), Babs Hansen Weinberg (Class of 1966), and John Carter (Class of 1957), who have given back in many ways—whether it’s donating new uniforms and classroom supplies, speaking to students about their goals, or helping document North’s rich history.

Organizations have also played a major role. Partners like Outback Steakhouse, Union Pacific Railroad, and Mutual of Omaha have been recognized as “Friends of North High” for their continued support—from providing food for events and celebrations, to offering internships for students, to contributing funds that help improve and upgrade the school.

These partnerships and contributions continue to make a lasting impact on the Viking community. 🛡⚔️

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V-Up!!

As we count down to the 2026 Vikings of Distinction on Friday, May 8th, we’ll be highlighting fun facts about past inductees each day this week. 💙💛📚📚

Fact #2:
Since its founding in 1982, the Vikings of Distinction Hall of Fame Program has not only honored our incredible alumni, but also the amazing educators who helped shape generations of Vikings.

Honorees have included dedicated teachers such as Ruth Seeley (P.E.), Lee "Doc" Kallstrom (Engineering), Sam Thomas (Music), James Dorsey (Science), and Nona Robinson (English), among many others.

Thank you all for everything you’ve done to help shape Omaha North High School over the years. Your impact and legacy continue to inspire. 🛡⚔️

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