Congratulations to the 2025 PLCS Hall of Fame Honorees!
Each year, the PLCS Foundation recognizes outstanding graduates, educators, and community boosters for their many contributions to the Papillion La Vista community. The following honorees will be recognized at the 16th Annual Back to School Soiree on August 16, 2025:
Legendary Educator: Barb Berg
Barb Berg served as a math teacher at Papillion La Vista High School for nearly 20 years, with breaks to support her husband’s Air Force service. Known for her clear instruction, patience, and deep love of math, Barb made a lasting impact on generations of students. She also led the school’s Pom Squad for six years, emphasizing not just performance, but the social and emotional growth of her students. Beyond school, Barb shared her musical talents as a pianist and organist at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church and for many student weddings. A selfless educator and mentor, Barb is a beloved figure in the PLCS community.
Community Booster: Sherry and Bill Anders
Bill and Sherry Anders have been dedicated community members since moving to Papillion in 1992. In 2010, they founded Nutrient Agri Products from their basement and built it into a thriving family business. After learning from their daughter—an elementary teacher—that some students lacked access to food, they partnered with the PLCS Foundation to create the Anders Food Fund. The fund now provides food for nearly 200 students weekly and keeps every school nurse’s office stocked with shelf-stable items. They also helped launch the PLCS Community Closet in 2021. Quiet and generous, the Anders continue to champion student well-being throughout the district.
Distinguished Alumni – Papillion La Vista South High School: Tyler Gassaway, Class of 2006
While at Papillion La Vista South, Tyler Gassaway was active in DECA, athletics, and student leadership, eventually serving as Nebraska DECA State President. He went on to study marketing and social entrepreneurship at Creighton University and earned his MBA from UNO. Tyler built a successful marketing career with roles at Target, Gallup, Yahoo, and Yelp. After facing end-stage liver failure in 2017, Tyler underwent two liver transplants—first from his mother, then from an anonymous donor. He now uses his story to advocate for organ donation through Live On Nebraska, teaches marketing at Creighton, and mentors future leaders. He and his wife Kelsey live in Omaha with their sons, Graham and Griffin.
Distinguished Alumni – Papillion La Vista High School: Brandi Paul, Class of 1999
Known to local viewers as Brandi Peterson during her time at KETV NewsWatch 7, Brandi Paul began her storytelling journey as a standout student in drama, Speech, and Mock Trial at Papillion La Vista High School. After graduating from UNL with a journalism degree, she rose from intern to lead anchor at KETV, covering major stories across the U.S. and Mexico. She later led communications for Westside Community Schools and now serves as a Senior Corporate Communications Strategist at HDR. Brandi has earned numerous awards for her service to nonprofits, education, athletics, and law enforcement, including the 2024 Omaha Inspire Award and HDR’s Gold Pathfinder Award. She lives in Gretna with her husband, Brian, and their two sons, Easton and Evan.
“These outstanding honorees help PLCS be known for greatness,” said Lee Denker, PLCS Foundation Executive Director. “We look forward to celebrating them and bringing the community together to support PLCS students at the Back to School Soiree.”
