GEHS wins NSAA award, celebrates spring, fall sports at Fall Pep Rally [Photo Gallery]

Madeline Petrick, Editor-in-chief

August 25, 2025

Photos

Students showcased their football throwing and pool noodle dueling skills to the soundtrack of the Griffin Pride Band at the Fall Pep Rally last Friday.

By the end of the night and after two class competitions, the seniors, juniors and freshmen tied for first place with 60 points. The sophomores ended in second with 50 points.

Gretna East also received the Nebraska Department of Transportation Buckle Up Phone Down Cup in the girls’ division, presented by NSAA Assistant Director Ron Higdon.

About the Contributor

Madeline Petrick, Editor-in-chief

Madeline Petrick, otherwise known as Madie, is a senior who started her scholastic journalism career at Gretna High her freshman year, where she wrote for Gretna Media. With the opening of Gretna East, Petrick made the move and became a founding member of The Wingspan and Gretna East Media. That same year, she was appointed Editor-in-Chief and has retained the title ever since. Throughout her time as a student journalist and editor, she has earned numerous individual awards and led her staff to several team awards at the local, state and national levels. Some of her proudest accomplishments on staff include winning a combined eight individual awards in the NSAA State Journalism Championships in her first three years, and The Wingspan being named a 2025 NSPA Online Pacemaker Finalist as a second-year program. Aside from her involvement with Gretna East Media, she is the Student Council President, National Honor Society President, a member of Gretna Live and is on the Gretna varsity swim team. Outside of school, she is a lifeguard and youth swim coach. Due to her love of the field and nearly every aspect of it, Petrick hopes to pursue journalism after high school and eventually become a news anchor. See more awards here.