Congratulations to Reinke Manufacturing Co., Inc., who is the 2026 Friends of Education Award winner through the Nebraska Association of Secondary School Principals (NSASSP).
Reinke Manufacturing was nominated by Deshler Public Schools' secondary principal Dana Epley in recognition of their extraordinary partnership and commitment to preparing students for successful futures. On April 15, 2026, Reinke Manufacturing President Chris Roth and Deshler Public Schools' administrators will be at Juno Winery in Seward, NE, to receive this award.
For well over a decade, Deshler Public Schools has maintained an elite Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, made possible in large part through our strong and longstanding collaboration with Reinke Manufacturing. Their support has gone far beyond traditional business partnerships, creating meaningful opportunities for students to develop technical skills, earn industry credentials, and explore high-demand career pathways.
Through this partnership, Reinke Manufacturing has played a pivotal role in developing our welding and manufacturing programs. They have furnished our welding shop with industry-level equipment, including robotic welders, a commercial-grade robotic arm, and a metal CNC lathe. Access to this type of advanced technology allows our students to gain hands-on experience with the same equipment used in modern manufacturing facilities, ensuring they graduate with relevant and competitive skills.
Even more impactful than the equipment itself is the time and expertise Reinke Manufacturing employees have invested in our students. Reinke staff members have volunteered their time to teach welding courses in our school, irrigation and electricity programs, AutoCAD and CNC programs, and have mentored students through our robotics program. Under their guidance, our robotics teams have qualified for national competitions in the past. Their involvement has also helped numerous students graduate with multiple welding certifications, preparing them to be both career- and college-ready.
Reinke Manufacturing continues to demonstrate an exceptional level of commitment by sending up to five employees to teach both student and adult welding classes in our facility. Their willingness to invest their workforce’s expertise into education is truly remarkable. This partnership has also expanded regional opportunities, as we have opened our welding classroom to students from Thayer Central Schools, allowing them to participate in a first-period welding course taught with the support of Reinke Manufacturing.
As our collaboration has grown, so too have the opportunities available to our students. With guidance and industry insight from Reinke Manufacturing, Deshler Public Schools has expanded its programming to include SolidWorks design, hands-on irrigation and electrical exploratory courses for junior high students, small engines classes, and we are looking at offering a class centered around drones in the 26-27 school year.
Additionally, through a reVISION grant, we were able to purchase $69,729 in advanced equipment to support these initiatives, including a CNC plasma table and an Epilogue laser. These additions allow students to further explore metal fabrication while introducing concepts of entrepreneurship and school-based enterprise, preparing them not only for employment but also for innovation and business ownership.
The partnership between Deshler Public Schools and Reinke Manufacturing represents what is possible when industry and education work together toward a shared goal: preparing the next generation for success. Reinke Manufacturing’s generosity, expertise, and commitment to students have transformed educational opportunities for our community and beyond.
For their outstanding support, innovation, and dedication to student success, Deshler Public Schools proudly nominates Reinke Manufacturing for the Friends of Education Award. Congratulations to Reinke Manufacturing on receiving this award and thank you for your continued support of our Deshler Public Schools' students!