South High School

Here are some photos from Friday’s graduation ceremony celebrating the South High Class of 2026.

Last night (5/22), we celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2026 at Baxter Arena. Here are some of the sights and scenes from a memorable evening.

Unable to attend the graduation, check out the livestream below.👇

South High School's graduation is today at 7 p.m. at Baxter Arena. Watch the livestream here: https://go.ops.org/south2026

The Class of 2026 is getting ready for the processional! 🎓

Today (5/22), on the last staff day of the year, we held our annual staff awards breakfast. During the breakfast, we recognized exemplary staff members and initiatives that help elevate South High.

𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫: Kimberly Synowiecki
𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐟𝐟 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫: Gloria Sarellano-Vaca
𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫: South High Spotlight
𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫: South High PTO
𝐑𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫: Jerry Saab
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡: Tyler Gruttemeyer

We also honored retirees and celebrated milestone years for teachers and staff members. This year’s retirees are Shawn Hoschar, Mary Espinosa, and Angie Rodenbarger.

Shoutout to the South High National Honor Society for helping welcome staff and serve breakfast!

This week’s 𝟑𝟎 𝐖𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐚𝐲 𝐘𝐚𝐲! winner is Assistant Principal Julie Johnson. She is always celebrating staff and students for their successes and today we want to celebrate her! Congratulations and thanks for all you do at South High!

We are so proud of these Packers!

Our 2026 story comes to a close.

Final score: Lincoln Southwest defeats South 1-0. We are so proud of our Packers and the heart and determination they showed throughout the season and tournament. Thank you seniors for your blood, sweat, and tears you dedicated to the athletics program and school. And lastly, thank you to the South High community for showing up in a big way!

⚽️ State Soccer Final Thread

Tonight’s state tournament final against Lincoln Southwest kicks off at 8 p.m. here, at Morrison Stadium

Follow this thread throughout the match for minute-by-minute updates, highlights, and score changes. Drop a comment below to show your support as the Packers aim for their 5th state title.

For our Packer alums that have moved out of state, you can follow the game at https://youtube.com/?si=hJc_8pn9paxpJH4k

South High athletes 𝐀𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫 and 𝐒𝐨𝐟𝐢𝐚 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐳 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐥 are representing the Packers today at the Nebraska State Track and Field Championships!

Alicia is competing in three events this week: long jump, shot put, and the 100m hurdles. She is the first South High athlete since Anita Jenkins in 2016 to qualify for state in three events. Even more impressive, coaches believe Alicia may be the first girl in Nebraska state history, or at least in very rare company, to qualify in that exact combination of events. Earlier today, Alicia advanced to the long jump finals with a jump of 16'11.5".

Sofia is competing in the 3200m later this afternoon after qualifying for both the state track and state cross country meets this school year, an accomplishment achieved by only a small group of Packer distance runners.

Good luck to both of these outstanding Packer athletes!

Congratulations to South High senior Alicia Hermer, who advanced to the long jump finals at the state track meet with a jump of 16’11.5”!

Congratulations to Alicia on making finals in the Class A Girls Long Jump!