Students Discover Nebraska History While Celebrating State’s Birthday

Nebraska trivia became a rapid fire of answers Monday afternoon as the Stanton fourth-graders celebrated the state’s 154th birthday
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Teachers Jamie Frisch and Greg Wegner helped their students dive into their heritage as the learned about Nebraska.

“Do you know about the three sisters,” asked Patrik Cunningham. “It’s corn, squash and ....”

“Beans,” added Arase Wurdinger.

Frisch said her students have learned a great deal about the state, including agricultural aspects.

“The three sisters are the Native American crops they grew. They called them the three sisters,” Frisch explained.

From the state flower (Goldenrod) to the state beverage (milk), the students proudly rattled off dozens of items that Nebraska is known for as they took turns explaining what they’ve learned this year about the state that was once considered “The Great American Dessert.”

“But Nebraska means flat water or is it flat land?” a student asked before settling on flat water, which is correct.
Then another added, “But Nebraska wasn’t part of the Louisiana Purchase.”

A state since 1867 —a fact all of the students answered correctly — Nebraska’s history had the fourth-graders excited to share their knowledge because they were so proud of where they come from.

For Carter Bentz, learning about Nebraska has opened his eyes into so many great things about the state.

“Nebraska isn’t that popular of  a state, but if you really think about it, there’s a lot to learn about it,” Bentz said matter-of-factly. “You’ve got the Kool-Aid (founded in Hastings),  and I just found out they play the College World Series in Omaha. There’s a lot of things that people don’t know about Nebraska that is really cool.”

Frisch said most of the Nebraska knowledge came during this year. When asked what they thought about spending time learning about the state, all of the students raised their hands high in the air.

“Two thumbs up,” one yelled. “It’s been so much fun. I love Nebraska.