For Shawn Wilson, NLC became home.

Shawn grew up in Fort Worth, Texas, graduated in a class of more than 800, and began his teaching career at one of the largest private schools in Oklahoma. After marrying his wife, a 1999 NHHS graduate, he moved to North Lyon County and began teaching social studies at NHHS in 2008.

When Admire closed, Shawn was RIF’d and spent five years teaching at a charter school in Emporia. When an opportunity to return to NLC came in 2016, he jumped at it, even taking a pay cut to come back.

What brought him back?

“The family atmosphere. The small school vibe. The lack of anonymity. It felt like home.”

Today, Shawn says the leadership, staff, and students are what make USD 251 special. He sees a large group of young students and families coming through our elementary school and believes the potential is tremendous.

“I’m excited about the potential, if we can keep them.”

That’s why updated facilities matter to Shawn.

A new high school and athletic facilities would be an investment in ourselves. An investment that tells our students and families that we believe they are worth investing in. An investment that can help us retain great teachers, keep families here, and give students a modern place to learn, compete, and prepare for their future.

And this isn’t an investment he is asking someone else to make.

“This is my future. We intend to retire here. I have a third grader. I live here too. My mill levy increases.”

Shawn wants to see USD 251 remain a place where students can pursue their academic and athletic goals while still experiencing the small-school community that makes NLC special.

“It’s time we take a risk and bet on ourselves.”

Meet Mr. Wilson. One of the people who has chosen USD 251 and continues to believe in its future.