Each week leading up to graduation, Omaha Public Schools is celebrating a senior from each of our nine high schools, showcasing their journey toward a bright future. The Senior Heroes: Achieving Excellence stories highlight outstanding students who are making a difference in their schools and communities.
Giselle Sanchez Morales is part of the first senior class to graduate from Buena Vista High. She looks forward to walking across the stage in her school colors this May.
"It's something that I take pride in because we're setting the stage for future generations of students at Buena Vista, leaving our footprints behind in hopes they follow them," she said.
When Sanchez Morales started kindergarten at Walnut Hill Elementary in 2012, her first language was Spanish. She credits her elementary teachers for helping her learn a new language.
Inspired by the support she received, Sanchez Morales later pursued Buena Vista High's Teaching as a Profession Pathway. She plans to attend the University of Nebraska Omaha and major in elementary education so she can help young learners have similar outcomes.
"I believe that every student should have the opportunity to be successful in a positive, safe and welcoming school environment," said Sanchez Morales. "I'm grateful for all the teachers I had in elementary school because, without them, everything would have been much different."
Senior Alexis Cervantes Mendoza discovered a love for the technology behind performing arts through courses in South High's Performing Arts Pathway. Over the past four years, he developed his skills in stage production and theater technology and learned to play guitar. He credits his music teacher, Joshua Austin, with helping him find his way.
"Mr. Austin is probably my favorite teacher," said Cervantes Mendoza. "It's cool to have that support, especially when you're young and trying to experience high school."
As Cervantes Mendoza prepares to graduate, he looks forward to seeing how he can build upon the skills he's learned to succeed in another field of study. He hopes to become an orthodontist.
"I want to pursue something to give the Hispanic community the comfort and reliability of someone that came from the same place," said Cervantes Mendoza.
In the fall, North High's Tyson Terry will attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and play defensive lineman for the Cornhuskers. He says Omaha Public Schools helped shape him into a leader on and off the field.
"I tell other students, 'If you need help in the classroom, help on the field, I'm always a person here to talk,'" Terry said.
A multi-sport athlete, this year, Terry accomplished something never done before in Nebraska high school wrestling: winning four consecutive state championships in the heavyweight class.
"It's my last year, so I wanted to leave everything out on the mat," said Terry. "I'm always trying to reach a new level, a new potential."
His connection to North High runs deep—he is the fourth generation in his family to attend the school. His pride in the school and community is evident.
"I've been with Omaha Public Schools my whole life," said Terry. "I've had a good journey and been around a lot of good teachers and people."
Omaha Public Schools is proud of the entire graduating Class of 2025. The Senior Heroes: Achieving Excellence videos are on the Omaha Public Schools YouTube page and social media.
April 2025
