Gering, Nebraska – When the Gering Preschool on the Northfield Elementary campus holds its ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, it will celebrate more than just a new educational facility. The preschool, built by Gering High School students as part of their construction pathway program, is already making waves across the state and nation. It has captured the attention of educators, families, and communities, earning praise from the Stanford Center on Early Childhood and being featured in a Nebraska Public Media commercial.
The ribbon-cutting event on Monday, November 11, at 4:15 p.m., will not only mark the opening of the new preschool but will also highlight the collaboration and dedication of Gering’s high school students. These students, stepping beyond the classroom, have created a lasting impact that goes far beyond the walls of their school.
Dr. Nicole Regan, Gering’s Superintendent, expressed the pride the community feels in this achievement. “This project is a love letter to what public education can accomplish,” Regan said. “It’s a legacy of learning, teamwork, and community spirit that will affect future generations. Our students have not only built a preschool—they’ve built hope, opportunity, and a powerful example of what can happen when young people are trusted with meaningful work.”
The preschool’s expansion is part of Gering’s efforts to address a growing demand for early childhood education. Over the last four years, the district has expanded its preschool offerings from two classrooms to eight. This new facility will further serve the youngest residents of Gering.
Tanner Gartner, a 2024 Gering High School graduate who worked on the project, reflected on the significance of the experience. “Knowing that we’re part of something bigger is really rewarding. It’s not every day you get to look at a building and say, ‘I helped create that.’”
The project has received widespread admiration, both locally and statewide. Gering High School Principal Mario Chavez recalled a phone call from Byron Brogan, a former Gering resident now living in Madison, Nebraska. Brogan shared his pride after seeing a commercial about the project while watching Wheel of Fortune. “It was then I understood the reach and impact of this project,” Chavez said. “He was so proud.”
The ribbon-cutting ceremony will be a moment for the entire Gering community to celebrate not only the new preschool but also the hardworking students who made it possible. Families, community members, and education advocates are invited to attend the event, which will take place at 1900 Flaten Avenue in Gering.
The Gering Preschool is a testament to the power of collaboration, education, and community spirit, and its opening will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.
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