Vikings of Distinction

08/12/2026

Check out this Omaha Magazine article about Edgar Jerins, Class of 1976, who was inducted into the Vikings of Distinction in 2002.

Edgar Jerins’ New York City studio feels crowded, though he’s alone. From nearly every angle, faces of his own making peer over his shoulder, craning to be seen. The faces are somehow not static but seem to react in assent or bemusement at the conversation at hand, less a trick of the viewer’s eye than a testament to the skill of the artist who birthed them. It’s the same skill that has built Jerins’ decades-long reputation for haunting realism.

Read the full story here: https://www.omahamagazine.com/artsculture/artist-edgar-jerins-keeps-his-midwest-roots-close/

08/08/2026

Fellow Vikings,

With school about to start, it's time to start thinking about additions to our Vikings of Distinction Hall of Fame.

Vikings of Distinction annually honors deserving Omaha North High alumni who are outstanding examples of excellence in their professions and communities.

A North High graduate, former faculty member, or friend of North High can be inducted. Any North High graduate, faculty member, or former faculty member may nominate candidates. Alumni must have been graduated for at least 20 years, and faculty members must be retired.

The Vikings of Distinction North Star honor is awarded to a deceased alum or deceased former teacher.

The Vikings of Distinction Committee maintains a permanent record of all nominations and each year chooses those to be honored by a vote of the full committee.

Online or printed nomination forms must be submitted by September 1st to be considered for the May 2027 event.

https://onhsf.org/vikings-of-distinction/nominate/

Omaha North High School Foundation North High North Vikings 1980 - 1990 North High Alumni Omaha North High Alumni

Viking of Distinction nomination. Check out who is eligible and who can nominate, then this is your place to nominate someone to become a Viking of Distinction.

07/14/2026

V-Up!!!

07/10/2026

It’s going to be Gene Haynes Stadium!! V-Up!!!

Edit: This is pending due to an OPS rule against naming buildings for people. There will be a vote on a possible waiver at the board meeting on 7/13.

05/24/2026

Love this message from Glenn Mitchell, Class of 1993.

05/11/2026

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

Omaha North High Vikings of Distinction 2026

05/11/2026

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

05/08/2026

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

Live streaming high school sports for Omaha North

05/08/2026

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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