Palmyra Bennet High School Alumni

03/24/2026

The 15th Annual Palmyra High School Golf Scramble is May 29th!

Reconnect with old friends, enjoy a great day on the course, and support the students and programs of the District OR-1 Foundation.

We hope to see you there!

03/05/2026

We are saddened to learn of the passing of alumna Callie Stall, Class of 2017, who passed away on February 27, 2026. Callie lived with remarkable strength and resilience while facing lifelong health challenges of living with Cystic Fibrosis.

Our thoughts are with Callie’s family, friends, and all who knew her.

https://www.nebraskacremation.com/obituaries/Callie-Ann-Stall?obId=47480455&fbclid=IwdGRleAQWigNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEevPrGM_Iu7hcwtceggLoe0ClRYpqc-CPFJ9fuPUrvAeeQVXc3UNn5USufhvM_aem_glsObwUYwo3KNhyrWmUSPg

View Callie Ann Stall's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

02/13/2026

We are saddened to share that Matthew Schrader, Class of 2007, has passed away. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and fellow classmates during this difficult time. https://aspenaftercare.com/obituary/matthew-scott-schrader/?fbclid=IwdGRjcAP7ewRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEesiYVWqz8cXgCAL_QkZ3bVN6H6PZLCNQo5K6gAtZby-u5mVJyI5QFPicoB_g_aem_LD5wyepK30qsUtq3_m_a3A

Passed away on February 5, 2026. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. Click on name for more information.

01/22/2026

We are saddened to share that April Stanley Murphey, Class of 1991, has passed away. April will be remembered by her classmates and fellow alumni for the friendships and memories she shared during her years at PHS.

Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and the Class of 1991 during this difficult time.

https://www.fusselmanallenharvey.com/obituaries/april-stanley-murphey?fbclid=IwdGRleAPfE9dleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeTyqjyxIVwOZ9pQ9u2GFt43ikAcr3AmG8R5yMZpm7f4sztsqpkL2UaIBy4pc_aem_NIpguCOdfh4oKK4-8uVW6A

View April Ann Stanley-Murphey's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/09/2026

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Mrs. Carole Lashley. Mrs. Lashley was an educator in our district for 32 years, serving as a librarian, Spanish and English teacher, golf coach, and choir accompanist. She touched countless lives with her passion for learning, kindness, and dedication to her students and community. https://www.fusselmanallenharvey.com/obituaries/carole-lashley?fbclid=IwdGRleAPNTU5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeLZcHOPVZNwBPTxJT_RdVvq4bwzQi_0c1ZL38Ti77MGuUCZGtRzwR38edhGY_aem_YSkvsQz2tm1dYCUF3xu9jg

View Carole A. Lashley's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

06/18/2025

We are saddened to share the passing of Russ Hicks. Russ had a long and impactful career in education, serving as a teacher, coach, and administrator for over 41 years. He spent part of that time with District OR-1, Palmyra/Bennet. His dedication to students and education left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

We are sad to learn of the passing of Russell Earl “Russ” Hicks, 84 years of age, of Lincoln, formerly of Beatrice. Russ passed away Monday morning, June 16, 2025.

After college, Russ was involved in the field of secondary education; 4 years as a teacher/coach, 27 years as a secondary principal, and 10 years as a superintendent. During his 41 years as a full-time educator, he served 4 school systems: Waco Public Schools, District OR-1 at Palmyra and Bennet, Tri County Public Schools, and Johnson-Brock Public Schools. He received his master’s degree in 1974 and his specialist degree in 1981, both from the University of Nebraska- Lincoln.

After serving as president of the Nebraska State Association of Secondary School Principals in 1984, he was chair of the Nebraska Council of School Administrators in 1985. In 1985 the U.S. Office of Education named the Tri-County Secondary School as one of the best 200 schools in America. In 1986, Russ received the Administrator Distinguished Service Award from the Nebraska Counselor’s Association as well as named as the Secondary Principal of the Year in Nebraska. He also received the Distinguished Service Award from the Nebraska Council of School Administrators. In 1989, Russ received the Distinguished Service Award from the Nebraska State Association of Secondary School Principals. In 2003, he was named the Outstanding Administrator by the Nebraska Rural Community School Association.

Russ would admit that none of these awards would be possible if not for the great students, dedicated school personnel, loyal community support, and his understanding family.

There will be a public visitation from noon-5:00 PM on Thursday at the Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel in Beatrice with the family greeting friends from 5:30-7:30 PM Thursday at the Centenary United Methodist Church in Beatrice. A family prayer service will be held at 10:45 AM Friday at the Centenary United Methodist Church followed by his Celebration of Life Service at 11:00 AM. Family burial service will take place at a later date at the Oak Grove Cemetery in DeWitt. A memorial has been established to the Diller-Odell, Johnson-Brock, and Palmyra-Bennet School Foundations, and the Tri-County FFA program with the funeral home in charge.

Watch his video tribute on his memorial page at www.ghchapel.com.

03/25/2025

Over a year ago, alumnus Tyler Goodrich Class of 2006 went missing. He was the son of Palmyra-Bennet teachers Lonnie and Pam Goodrich.

Recently, Tyler was found and it was not the outcome family and friends had hoped for. He was laid to rest and the family has planned a memorial celebration. If you'd like to attend or send your condolences, you can find additional information below.

Tyler S. Goodrich Memorial Celebration - March 31st.
Tyler came into this world kicking and screaming on April 2, 1988. He spent the next 35 years making his voice heard and his feet always on the move. Tyler grew up in Bennet, NE as he attended school in Bennet and Palmyra. He stayed busy with basketball, baseball, band and cross country during his high school years. His favorite was cross country.

Tyler took his time settling on a career. He was in the military for 8 years, worked for the department of corrections, became an insurance agent and eventually returned to the DOC where he became a Vocational/Life Skills Program Manager. Tyler knew his life’s goal was to help those who needed it most. This life calling was present in all he did.

Tyler embraced his educational opportunities and received degrees from Doane and Western Governors University where he completed his master’s degree in 14 weeks and 4 days. Tyler was as proud of this achievement as he was of his 8 years of sobriety.
The local running community knew Tyler as an avid runner who made a point to encourage other runners. But he was also well-known for being a story-teller and a man with a kind heart. He loved his family, adored little kids and was especially proud of his two sons.

His memory will live on in all of us that knew and loved him.
We invite the family, friends and loved ones of Tyler to join the Goodrich family for a Memorial Celebration to honor his life on March 31 at 1:30p.m. at the Bennet Community Church. “Tyler treats” will be served in the fellowship hall following the service. Casual attire. Live streaming available: https://www.facebook.com/BennetCommunityChurch

The celebration will continue from 3:00-6:00 p.m. at Glacial Till Vineyard and Winery, 344 S 2nd Rd, Palmyra, NE 68418. This event is open to all who were touched by Tyler’s story and life and are welcome to join us in remembering him.

Memorials will be directed at a later date and can be sent to the Goodrich Family c/o Bennet Community Church PO Box 234, Bennet NE, 68317

03/24/2025

While there is no longer an annual alumni banquet, due to lack of interest; we are happy to support classes celebrating self-organized reunions.

Classes celebrating milestones this year: 2015, 2005, 2000, 1995, 1985, 1975, 1965, 1955 and 1950.

If you plan to organize a reunion this year, you can reach out to [email protected] for class directory information. If you haven't added your name to the directory, click the link in the comments to complete the form.

While there is no longer a banquet, we do have alumni representation that serves the District OR-1 Foundation to help support the district and communities various needs and to ensure the disbursement of the Alumni Scholarship awarded to a legacy each year.

If you and your class are gathering, consider giving back to your alma mater through a class donation to support the Alumni Scholarship.

We hope you are able to connect and reminisce with your classmates this year!

03/21/2025

This a great weekend to support the Foundation and connect with Alumni.

01/31/2025

Alumni, The Foundation for Knowledge Scholarship Application is open for 2025 PHS Graduates. Our Alumni Scholarship supports a legacy! Share with a PHS Senior you know and have them complete the application! The scholarship application is in the comments below.

02/21/2024

Some of you may remember Mr. Kilgore, he was the industrial arts teacher for many years at Palmyra High School.

Willis M. Kilgore, age 80, of Lincoln, NE, passed away on February 16, 2024. He was born on December 29, 1943, in David City, NE, to Fay and Emma Armagost Kilgore. Willis was an Industrial Arts teacher at several schools, including Palmyra, NE for 24 years. He was an avid