JEFF FIELDER Editor
CHADRON – Madisyn Hamar, a senior at Chadron High School, is this week’s Nspire Today! Female Student of the Week, sponsored by First State Bank. Hamar is one of the top softball players in western Nebraska, and she’s also been a big contributor on Chadron High School’s varsity girls basketball team, which will compete in this week’s Nebraska Class C-1 state tournament in Lincoln. The No. 2-seeded Cardinals play No. 7 Adams Central on Thursday at 1 p.m. at the Devaney Center. Hamar was a four-year starter in softball at shortstop. In basketball, she’s a guard. Other activities that Hamar is involved in are Cardinals Committed, National Honor Society, and FCA. Her grade-point average is 3.8. Her parents are Matthew and Kim Hamar.
Q: Let’s start by talking about basketball. How excited are you to compete in this week’s state tournament at Lincoln?
HAMAR: “I’m super excited. Ending my high school athletic career at the biggest tournament is incredible. It’s awesome.”
Q: Coming into the season, did you feel pretty good about Chadron’s chances of qualifying for state?
HAMAR: “Our goal has been to make it to state. We felt like we had a good chance this year. We’ve had Mitchell in our sub-district, and they’ve been super good the last few years, but this year we felt like we worked super hard, and we felt like this could be our year to go to the state tournament.”
Q: How much fun have you had this season, especially being a senior?
HAMAR: “I’ve had so much fun. It’s been a great, last high school athletic season for me. I’ve really enjoyed playing on this team. Everyone works hard, and we play well as a team.”
Q: How would you describe the way your softball career went?
HAMAR: “I had a great softball career. My sophomore year we made it to the state tournament, and we had a lot of good leaders on that team. I had a lot of fun, too, these last two seasons. I felt like I learned a lot and got better as a player.”
Q: What is your favorite non-sports activity?
HAMAR: “I probably enjoy FCA the most because we meet every week, and there’s always something new to learn each week.”
Q: What’s the biggest thing you’ve gained from FCA?
HAMAR: “I’ve learned that it’s about a lot more than just yourself or the game. Whatever you do, if you do it for God, it will work out in the end.”
Q: Describe what Cardinals Committed is.
HAMAR: “It’s a group where you promise to stay drug and alcohol free through everything, and you’re a leader so you try to spread positivity to other students.”
Q: What does it mean to you to be involved in National Honor Society?
HAMAR: “It’s a great accomplishment for me. School is a big deal to me. I work hard to try to get really good grades. Plus, I like that school teaches you things like responsibility and how to get stuff done.”
Q: Has it been tough keeping a high GPA while being involved in several different activities?
HAMAR: “Sometimes it has been with my tougher classes, like trig or advanced biology. But the teachers at Chadron will always help you if you go in and ask.”
Q: What is your favorite class this year?
HAMAR: “Woods class. I’ve never really been one to like that stuff, but the teacher – Mr. [Clete] Budler – is a super good guy and is nice, and he helps everyone in that class. He makes the environment fun.”
Q: During your educational career, which teacher has made the biggest influence on you?
HAMAR: “Brenda Lanphear. She was my sophomore and junior English teacher. She’s so nice, and she welcomes everyone. I’ve learned a lot in her classes, and she helps everyone out when they need it.”
Q: What are your plans after you graduate from high school?
HAMAR: “I’m going to North Platte Community College to play softball and study criminal justice.”
Q: How exciting is it to be able to continue your softball career in college?
HAMAR: “It’s super exciting. I’ve played softball since I was a little kid. I’ve loved it for so many years, so it will be fun to play it a little longer.”
Q: What factors led you to choosing North Platte Community College?
HAMAR: “They offered me a great scholarship, and it’s kind of close to home. I thought it was a good fit for me.”
Q: Which coach has made the biggest impact on you?
HAMAR: “Definitely Katie O’Boyle. She’s a basketball coach. She’s always been there for each one of us. Outside of coaching, she’s always there for you and knows what to say. She makes everybody laugh.”
Q: What got you interested in criminal justice?
HAMAR: “As a kid, there was a close family friend [Joni Behrends] who was a police officer, and I looked up to her. I guess that’s why I wanted to become a police officer. I hope to build my way up to being a criminal investigator.”
Q: Do you ever watch any of the police shows on TV?
HAMAR: “Yes, I do. That’s what I watch the most on TV.”
Q: Which ones do you watch the most?
HAMAR: “Anything on Investigation Discovery. Joe Kenda is probably my favorite.”
Q: What about Live PD?
HAMAR: “Yes. Those are funny to watch sometimes.”
Q: What do you like to do for fun outside of your school activities?
HAMAR: “I like to be around friends and family.”
Q: Who do you think is one of the kindest students at Chadron High School?
HAMAR: “Definitely Olivia Reed. She is nice to everyone and never has a bad thing to say about anyone.”
Q: Which student at Chadron High makes people laugh the most?
HAMAR: “Probably Maddie Sandstrom. She’s a senior, too. She likes to joke around with people. She’s so bubbly and happy all the time. She’s a good person to be around.”
Q: What is one thing you wish people would do more of?
HAMAR: “I wish people would work more as a team instead of being out there for themselves.”
Q: What is your favorite type of music?
HAMAR: “I like pop and country – today’s hits.”
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Chadron?
HAMAR: “Either Wild’s Bar and Grill or China House.”
Q: What do you like to order at Wild’s Bar and Grill?
HAMAR: “I usually get either chicken strips and French fries, or popcorn chicken and French fries.”
Q: What’s the most exciting place you’ve ever traveled to?
HAMAR: “I’ve traveled to Washington, D.C. We went there the summer going into my sophomore year.”
Q: Name one person who you think is a big difference-maker in your community.
HAMAR: “Nadene Huffman has made a great impact on me and the community with her involvement in FCA and the schools. She has helped a lot of people with church and school activities. She has also been a huge part of both softball and basketball support over the last four years.”
Q: Have you always lived in Chadron?
HAMAR: “Yes.”
Q: What’s the best part about living in Chadron?
HAMAR: “I think the small town atmosphere is great. Everyone knows everyone, and if you ever need anything, people will always be there for you.”
Q: What are your three favorite apps on your cell phone?
HAMAR: “Twitter, Snapchat, and TikTok.”
Q: What is something about you that most people don’t know?
HAMAR: “If I don’t know you, I’m pretty shy at first.”
Q: Do you have any siblings?
HAMAR: “I have one older brother, Tyler. He’s 23.”
If you would like to nominate someone for Nspire Today!’s Students of the Week, sponsored by First State Bank, you may do so by sending an email to jeff.fielder@nspiretoday.com or by mailing a letter to Nspire Today!, P.O. Box 454, Scottsbluff, NE 69363. Nominations may also be submitted by sending a text to 308-220-8865.
In addition to being recognized online, students of the week will also be recognized in Nspire Today! magazine. To sign up for a one-year subscription (12 issues) to the magazine, please send $15 to Nspire Today!, P.O. Box 454, Scottsbluff, NE 69363. To pay with a credit card, please call 308-220-8865.
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