Adam Whitmore has been named the 2025 The Air and Space Force Association Nebraska State Teacher of The Year.
Whitmore, in his 18th year at Columbus Public Schools, preaches the importance of opportunities and the impact those have on his students.
During a small presentation, Diane Bartels, the Aerospace Education Vice President for the AFA Lincoln Chapter 187, was emotional when describing the impact of good teachers on students.
“A former student wrote she had never taken an electronics class, but with (Whitmore’s) encouragement in her interests, she was inspired to take six more of his classes,” Bartels shared. Today, Sarah Kwapnoiski is an electrical engineer. “She represents a legacy to his teaching,” Bartels said, holding back tears.
“In all my endeavors Mr. Whitmore inspired me to work harder and always strive to do better,” Kwapnoiski wrote in her nomination letter. “The lessons he taught me stay with me. My career … would not be possible without the foundations and encouragement he gave me.”
Bartels brought attention to nominations telling of Whitmore’s professionalism, technical knowledge and support of students on their journeys and discoveries.
Whitmore, himself, stressed the importance of opportunities for his students.
“I grew up in a small town. I didn’t always get these opportunities,” he said. “This is what we do here. We prepare these for the future. We show them these chances and give them the skills to go into a career, the world, and hopefully succeed.”’
Columbus High School Principal Dave Hiebner emphasized Whitmore’s oversized impact.
“He is a leader in the Columbus community,” he said. “Mr Whitmore is making sure our CTE (Career and Technical Education) programs are related to student needs as well as the (needs of our) local community and industry.”
“He prepares students for the next chapter of their educational journey and puts them in a position to be successful in college and careers,” Hiebner added.
During the presentation, Whitmore was also recognized as 2025 AFA Lincoln Chapter 187 Teacher of the Year.
“The votes start small and grow based on that nominee's body of work,” Chris Canada, AFA state level president, said of the selection process. “Adam really stood out for his outstanding work with students.”
Adam’s nomination packet will be expanded and he will represent Nebraska in the 2026 National Teacher of the Award contest, Canada said.
Bartels and Canada were joined by AFA Chapter 187 Secretary Marek Musick for the presentation.
Following Mr. Whitmore’s recognition, Bartels took a moment to admire Whitmore’s classroom and observe students working.
“These kids, they’re learning and it means something. It’s really impactul, a good teacher. Columbus is fortunate to have one like Mr. Whitmore.”