GIPS Celebrates 2026 PathBack Winners as Next Generation Teachers
GRAND ISLAND (Neb.) — For two Islander Graduates, the future includes college, becoming educators, and now job security. Grand Island Public Schools (GIPS) is pleased to announce Adriana Behrens and Hailey Lewandowski as the 2026 PathBack Program winners with the hope that they will return to the district and lead their own classrooms one day.
GIPS hosted their ninth annual PathBack Reception Thursday night, before the June 2026 Board Meeting, to honor this year’s recipients. The PathBack Program awards students who have graduated from the Academies of Grand Island Senior High Education Pathway offering the two recipients the opportunity to come back and teach at GIPS after completing their degree and credentials.
The 2026 GIPS PathBack Award recipients are:
Adriana Behrens
Hailey Lewandowski
Adriana Behrens (GISH Class of 2026) has been active both in the Education Pathway and on the GISH stage through Fine Arts. She was active in show choir for all four years alongside participating in band, vocal music, and National Honors Society. For the Education Pathway, she served as a member of the ‘Educators Rising’ program for two years and served as the GISH Chapter President as a Senior. Behrens plans to attend Wayne State College to major in Secondary Education with an endorsement in Math.
“Through my [Education Pathway] practicum experience in high school, I've learned that while every student faces different challenges and learns in their own unique way, they all thrive when they feel supported and can collaborate with their peers.” Behrens reflected. “Having moved through 11 different schools myself, I understand firsthand how important it is for teachers to create welcoming, stable learning environments where every student can feel they belong. This drive to support young people has led me to pursue a major in secondary education with a mathematics endorsement at Wayne State College. My career goal is to be the stable, encouraging teacher I needed during my own educational journey.”
Hailey Lewandowski (GISH Class of 2026) has been a positive student leader in the Education Pathway and has a passion for Fine Arts. Throughout her time at GISH, she was a four year member of show choir and vocal music, a two year member of band, and a one year member of the GISH Educators Rising chapter. Lewandowski plans to attend Wayne State to major in Elementary Education and earn an endorsement in Early Childhood Education.
“I have known for a very long time that I have wanted to be an elementary school teacher. Since I was little when asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, my answer has always been a teacher.” Lewandowski shared. “The education pathway at Grand Island Senior High has continued to fuel that passion. I want to come back to Grand Island and teach with GIPS after I get my bachelors degree in elementary education. I have already enjoyed my practicum time at Stolley Park Elementary so I know the Wayne State Program is a good fit for me and I am excited for this opportunity.”
The PathBack program was launched at GIPS nine years ago. Each year since, the district has presented this award to two students heading into the education field. Interested students must be graduates from the Education Pathway and submit an application. A team of district educators along with the Grand Island Public Schools Foundation review the applications and select two recipients.
Each PathBack student is connected to an education mentor within the district. Mentors are typically a teacher the student had during their time in GIPS. Mentors stay connected with the PathBack-ers throughout their collegiate careers and grant them opportunities to visit classrooms in the district when back on breaks or looking to complete observation hours towards their degrees.
PathBack is just one way GIPS seeks to support and inspire the future generation of teachers. Matt Fisher, GIPS Superintendent, affirmed both the program and the recognized future educators.
“We are pleased to be able to recognize deserving students like Hailey and Adriana with this award.” Fisher said. “Setting a path for outstanding students to come back to our school district and keep our schools strong is a win for everyone. We look forward to following their progress as they become the educators of the future.”