[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 214 (Thursday, December 18, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1232]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE INDUCTEES OF OMAHA CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL 2025 HALL OF 
                                  FAME

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. DON BACON

                              of nebraska

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 18, 2025

  Mr. BACON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the twelve 
distinguished inductees of the Omaha Central High School Hall of Fame. 
On October 9, 2025, the Central High School Alumni Association and 
Foundation honored alumni for their outstanding accomplishments in the 
realms of business, education, and public service. In honoring them I 
hope to inspire students across Omaha to excel in a similar way by 
building a legacy of excellence and community leadership.
  I include in the Record, the names of the inductees who embody such 
dedication:

       Hazel Hempel Abel, the first woman elected to the U.S. 
     Senate from Nebraska; Stuart Oberman, for technological 
     advancement as a computer engineer; Pete Festersen, the 
     longest-serving Omaha City Council member who has 
     demonstrated decades of dedication to public service; Joel 
     Rogers, a courageous veteran and international affairs 
     specialist who is a dedicated volunteer, continuously 
     supporting JROTC students and veterans; Donald Goldstein, who 
     has tirelessly promoted human rights and Holocaust education; 
     Quatesha Kern, who was recognized as Texas Teacher of the 
     Year and is a prominent advocate of inclusion and civic 
     engagement; Gary and Cheryl Marks Willis, who have shown 
     astounding commitment to Central High's alumni association 
     and advancing nonprofit organizations; the late Paul Semrad, 
     a distinguished educator at Central High for 32 years who 
     mentored students and led his teams to record setting 
     victories; Jeannene Rice Mason and Jeannette Rice Johnson who 
     worked to preserve Central High's history; and Patricia 
     Wright Brown, a renowned civil rights activist.

  I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the recipients of this 
year's Hall of Fame class and thank the Central High School Foundation, 
faculty, and students who made these awards possible. I am excited to 
see howthese deserving Nebraskans can continue to make a positive 
impact on our wonderful community.

                          ____________________