Ceresco, Nebraska USA Education

The first one-room school in Ceresco was built in the summer of 1872 in the vicinity of 5th and Main Street.  Mrs. John Riddle was the first teacher, followed by Nina Flore and Florence Hillman. 

Mrs. Ira Nelson boarded the teacher until the town was moved. Later, a two-room school was built east of the present Ceresco Elementary School building.   Mrs. Edna Walker was the first teacher in this school. A schoolroom was built at 109 North 2nd Street, used for several years,  moved to 213 West Main, and remodeled for a residence. For a time the school was owned by the Ceresco School District and used as home for the Ceresco School Superintendent.

In 1911, bonds were issued to erect the brick building that now houses the Ceresco Elementary School. The old schoolhouse was sold, moved downtown and now comprises a small part of Ernie's Store.  The first class to graduat from this school in Ceresco received their diplomas in 1918.

In 1928, another bond issue was floated to remodel the brick building and add a gymnasium.  The passage of this bond allowed basketball to be added to the program. E.O. Lindberg was Superintendent at that time.

Ceresco fielded its first eight-man football team in the fall of 1949 with the help of the volunteer fireman. Lawrence Bausch was the Superintendent, and the team was coached by James F. Hunter.

In 1961, bonds were again issued to build a new gymnasium building to the west of the school.  The old gym was remodeled into classrooms

Throughout the years, Ceresco High School became very well-known in a multitude of state activities. Students earned honors in speech, music, football, basketball, wrestling and track. Teams were known as the Ceresco Eagles, and the school colors were orange and black.  The Class of 1967 was the last to graduate from District No. 101. 

A bond issue was presented to remodel the buildings at the former Nike Missile site in rural Raymond and to build a new library, gymnasium and additional classrooms.  This houses grades 7 through 12 in the consolidated high school. Construction was not completed until December, 1969, so for 2 1/2 years Raymond Central's Senior High students attended classes at Ceresco and the Junior High students attended their classes at Valparaiso.

The Ceresco school from that time on, has provided education for children in the grades kindergarten through fifth.  Jerry Mullins was the first Superintendent and Darrell Rosenquist was the first Elementary School Principal.

A major project in 1998 made the Ceresco Elementary handicap accessible.  Sixth grade student  now attend classes, which are held in the Valparaiso Elementary.  A bond issue was recently passed at the end of 1998 to rebuild the Ceresco Elementary School.  

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Page last updated on October 22, 2007