Eberly Receives Stanton's Distinguished Alumni Award

J.B. Eberly quickly names who he thinks is more deserving of the Stanton Distinguished Alumni award.

From the first person who donated to the Stanton Community Education Foundation to a large donation they hope to announce soon, Eberly credits those individuals for the improvements at the school.

“I think they overrated me,” Eberly said with a chuckle. “They did this behind my back. We’ve really been successful the last few years.”

Eberly, a 1964 Stanton graduate, was a founding member of the Stanton Community Education Foundation and has served as president since its inception in 1989.

Superintendent Michael Sieh said Eberly has been a great leader over the years and focuses on student achievement.

“He puts the students first,” Sieh. “Before the foundation spends any money, he always asks how it will impact students.”

The foundation gives more than $20,000 per year in scholarships. It also has been key to other high-dollar improvements, such as the track and playground equipment. Among the more recent projects was interactive digital display boards for several classrooms.

Eberly, who was a member of Stanton’s state championship basketball and football teams his senior year, rarely misses any of the Mustang football games. He also attends as many other school events as possible.

“He’s a great guy,” Sieh said. “He’s very active in what the school is doing and really cares about the quality of education, as well as the community and town.”

Eberly is also president and chairman of the board of directors for Stanton State Bank and was recently recognized for 50 years in the banking business. The bank has been in the Eberly family for 140 years.
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Eberly has been active within the Nebraska Bankers Association and a former volunteer firefighter. He’s also a member of the Norfolk Noon Kiwanis Club.