(KLZA)-- U.S. Bank and the Nebraska School Activities Association have announced the 2016 –17 Believers and Achievers honorees.

The statewide program recognizes Nebraska’s future leaders. From October through March, 48 Nebraska high school seniors will be honored. From the 48 finalists, eight, will received $500 scholarships from U.S. Bank to the college or university of their choice.

Among the 48 finalists this year is Falls City Sacred Heart senior Jade Hill. 
Other finalists from the area include Micah Erickson from Sterling and Kyle Otto from Freeman High School.

To be considered a student must have a 3.75 or better grade point average. Judging will also be on academic honors and awards, NSAA sanctioned activities including athletics, debate speech, play production, music and journalism. Community and School involvement and a citizenship essay will also be included in the judging.

Other nominees for consideration form other schools included:
From Falls City High School: Megan Eickhoff and Aaron Kurpegweit.
Sacred Heart – Haylee Heits
Johnson County Central – Keaton Kleespies and Marissa Borenpohl.
Johnson-Brock – Kacie Hahn
Pawnee City – Sara Smyth and Kellen Habegger
Sterling – Micah Erickson
HTRS – John Kanel and Trenton Plager.