The GIPS Cast

Making Poetry Accessible to All w/ Nebraska State Poet Jewel Rodgers & Tessa Bockoven, GISH Senior

There’s power in the written and the spoken word.  That’s certainly the message our current state poet, Jewel Rodgers, is taking with her to call corners of Nebraska.  For those that don’t know, Jewel Rodgers is a creative force.  She fills a room with laughter, with dynamic spoken word gravitas, and spend 10 minutes with her and you’ll know beyond a doubt that she is driven by not only sharing her creative work but championing the power of voice in others.  Jewel served as the Nebraska State Poet since 2025 and is the first African American to hold the role.  She has been a spoken word poet for more than a decade, performing in schools, festivals, community settings, conferences, public events, and other venues. Recently, Jewel visited Grand Island Senior High to lead a student writers workshop and host a Poetry Reading & Open Mic Night event.  GISH Senior Tessa Bockoven sat down with Jewel, on the mic, to dish on poetry, the creative process, the effects of A.I., and so, so much more.  Their conversation is an authentic journey of two creatives — one in high school venturing soon to college; and the other a statewide ambassador for all things poetry. Jewel even performs one of her favorite personal pieces.  --  GUESTS:  Jewel Rodgers - Nebraska State Poet Tessa Bockoven - GISH Senior  HOST: Mitchell Roush - GIPS Communications Director -- FB: facebook.com/GrandIslandPublicSchools https://www.gips.org/

Life as a Middle School Social Studies Teacher w/ Ms. Jen Kramer

"Trying to put kids into history helps make those connections and makes it [learning] fun for them... There's endless possibilities and opportunities." Jen Kramer is more than a Middle School Social Studies Teacher — she is a cheerleader for all Middle School students.  11 years into teaching at the Middle School level, you’ll find an incredible blend of learning, laughter, fun, and insight in her classroom.  Sometimes she’ll be dressed-up in a George Washington costume — and all of it driven by connecting with students and helping them connect with the power of other people’s stories. Ms. Kramer joins 'The GIPS Cast' to dish on social studies, the fun found in teaching Middle School, and the lasting impact of public education. Because she believes every student can do great things, and that history has a way of sparking inspiration. --  GUEST:  Jen Kramer - 8th Grade Social Studies Teacher, Westridge Middle Schools  HOST: Mitchell Roush - GIPS Communications Director -- FB: facebook.com/GrandIslandPublicSchools https://www.gips.org/

Student Voice & Leading the Mentoring Movement w/ Angie, Reagan, & Zuri and Mentor Nebraska

"Young people have the voice — we just need to pass the mic."  For 25 years, Mentor Nebraska has been a leader in honoring the past and empowering the next generation. This year, Mentor Nebraska launched something really cool; something that’s been on their vision board for a while.  This year, Mentor Nebraska established its first ever Youth Advisory Board.  Made up of nine high school students from across Nebraska, the Youth Advisory Board exists to amplify youth voices and to give student leaders the opportunity to shape the vision and impact of mentoring for both the present and the future.  As if that wasn’t cool enough, Grand Island Senior High has three student representatives serving on this landmark Youth Advisory Board.  Angie, Reagan, & Zuri are more than just high school students — they’re leaders with passion. Angie, Reagan, & Zuri join the podcast alongside Melissa Westbrook, Mentor Nebraska Associate Director of Member Engagement & Learning, to chat about why mentoring for youth matters, and how students are saving the world.  --  GUESTS:  Angie De Orta - GISH Junior  Zuri Gomez Cotom - GISH Senior  Reagan Kort - GISH Senior  Melissa Westbrook - Mentor Nebraska Associate Director of Engagement & Learning HOST: Mitchell Roush - GIPS Communications Director -- FB: facebook.com/GrandIslandPublicSchools https://www.gips.org/

Public Schools, The Trades, & Community Impact w/ Brian Levander

“Education at its core is the essence of upward mobility… So if you have a great foundation of exploring in life and trying new things, that life will never lose its luster.”  As a proud Islander alum of the class of 1995, Brian Levander knew he wanted a future in the trades.  And that’s where his passion led him.  Nearly 30 years later, Brian is the proud Owner & CEO of Levander’s Automotive.  Operating shops in numerous states and all across Nebraska, he was intentional in building his foundation in the community that raised him… Grand Island.  Levander joins ‘The GIPS Cast’ to share his story of working hard and finding his passion, and how communities are only as strong as their public schools and vice versa.  Because it’s not just about working hard; it’s about building something that you’re proud of.  --  GUEST:  Brian Levander - Owner & CEO of Levander's Automotive  HOST: Mitchell Roush - GIPS Communications Director -- FB: facebook.com/GrandIslandPublicSchools https://www.gips.org/

SkillsUSA, Robotics, & The Power of CTE at Senior High w/ Max Mendez, GISH Senior

Max Mendez is a busy student. A Senior at Grand Island Senior High, he’s taking AP and gaining hands-on learning experiences with community partners through Senior Capstone.  Max is also a leader in the GISH SkillsUSA chapter, the Nebraska State Treasurer for SkillsUSA after serving as a State Parliamentarian last year, he's in HOSA for future healthcare workers, and he’s a team leader for the Islander Robotics team.  And that’s what makes Max’s story a meaningful one, because his story is like many others at Grand Island Senior High and at public schools across the country.  It all started by him saying “yes” to get involved in a few things as a Freshman.  From there he met friends, found confidence in classes, shared his ideas, and speaks in front of students and delegates (even when he's afraid). Because it's not just about learning; it's about empowering students to discover who they want to be.  --  GUEST:  Max Mendez - Senior at GISH  HOST: Mitchell Roush - GIPS Communications Director -- FB: facebook.com/GrandIslandPublicSchools https://www.gips.org/