Walking into Hemingford Public Schools Red Zone, the commons area connecting the high school and elementary school, on any given morning, you will see kids aged 5 to 18 bustling to get to their lockers, maybe taking a moment to socialize, and teachers getting to their classrooms. The diversity in ages, a blended school ecosystem, and overall positive feeling at Hemingford Public Schools are what many say makes Hemingford a desirable place to live and raise a family. Behind the scenes at the school district is Superintendent Dr. Travis Miller.
Miller will complete his third year living in Hemingford and working with Hemingford Public Schools in June. Moving to Hemingford is something that came naturally for him.
“I’m a western Nebraskan by birth and by choice,” Miller said as we spoke late in the afternoon after a busy school day. “I grew up in Dix, Nebraska. Potter-Dix is where I spent my formative high school years.”
At 18, he was elected to the Potter-Dix school board, proving to be another set of formative years. Serving as a school board member while majoring in education at the University of Nebraska Kearney, Miller got a first-hand, behind-the-scenes look at the impact of quality education.
“I learned the positive impact that school administrators can have on school districts and the lives of kids and teachers and parents,” said Miller.
Miller subsequently earned a master’s degree in education and a doctoral degree, served in a role with ESU 13, was Principal at Banner County Schools, and most recently, was superintendent of Bayard Public Schools for 11 years before accepting the role in Hemingford.
“The Hemingford community has a lot to offer,” Miller said as he spoke about taking on his role. He said the school district is the right size. For example, he shared that kids can get involved with activities meaningfully, with enough students to have various teams, but not so large that children are lost and just a number.
“I want those kinds of opportunities for my kids,” the father of five said. “And professionally, it was an opportunity to take on new opportunities and challenges, and it’s been very rewarding.”
During the time Miller and his family have been in the community, he has built pride outside of the school and in the business amenities. Miller made note of the restaurant options with quality meals at the American Legion, Treasured Grounds’ chicken fried steak, and the options at Village Pizza. The flexible hours at Raben’s Market are a highlight for Miller, noting that getting a loaf of bread or a gallon of milk at 9 p.m. is not an option for all towns the same size as Hemingford. In that same breath, Miller mentioned that the service found at all the businesses in town is of top quality. Going on to praise the park with its pool and splash pad, the Village of Hemingford staff, and all the volunteers that help put on annual events, including the Box Butte County Fair, Miller said that this all adds to an amazing quality of life.
“In so many facets of life, we’re incredibly blessed,” said Miller. “We have all the benefits of being a small community where people know and care for one another, but also a thriving business community where you can actively participate and do things as a consumer or a businessperson.”
Another benefit of the community is the school system. Ask around the community, and residents will agree. Miller himself agrees with this affirmation, too. And not just because he serves as superintendent, but because it has been obvious since beginning his job. He said it is not just the school system but the parents, the teachers, and the staff.
When asked what he loves most about Hemingford, Miller answered without hesitation, “The people, for sure.” And continued to explain how the people ensure quality education for students.
“Parents also want to be partners to us in the effort for quality education,” said Miller. “And I really appreciate that our teachers are hardworking, dedicated professionals. They show up day in, day out.”
He said he has seen the parents and teachers working together but that another ingredient for a quality school system is the students themselves.
“I also admire the work ethic, dedication, friendliness, and character of our students,” said Miller. “Their parents have raised them to be people of integrity.”
These commonalities among teachers, parents, and students provide cohesion.
“It’s a lot of fun when we have common goals that we’re working toward,” said Miller, “and we remember that we’re all on the same team. I think folks of Hemingford are really good at realizing that we’re all part of Bobcat Nation.”
Also, a part of Bobcat Nation is the support staff. Miller praised the quality and commitment of the paraeducators who help support teachers and students throughout the school district. Miller said transportation staff does a top-notch job covering the school district’s 1000 square miles of territory, getting kids from their doorstep to school and back again. The kitchen staff make great quality meals. He also noted that visitors regularly compliment the work of the custodial and maintenance staff.
Though he may be biased with his connection to the school, it is not uncommon to hear these same sentiments from others in the Hemingford community. A community that gives Miller hope for the future.
“The character of the people. The people who live here are hardworking, value-driven, committed, purposeful people who believe in their neighbors,” said Miller. “And we’re a community of faith, as well. That faith-based approach to life gives us a community of resilience and strength, a common bond…that makes me hopeful for the future of our community.”
He said this hope also comes from knowing that kids growing up in the community will become future leaders of Hemingford.