JEFF FIELDER Editor
KIMBALL – Stephen Bateman, a senior at Kimball High School, has been named Nspire Today!’s Male Student of the Week, sponsored by First State Bank. He participates in football, wrestling, band, and jazz band. His GPA is around a 3.5. He’s also involved in the youth group at Kimball E-Free Church. His parents are Dan and Laura Bateman.
Q: How has your senior year of school been going overall?
BATEMAN: “It’s been going pretty good. It’s gone by pretty quick. I’m just trying to get through it now. Unfortunately, I haven’t gotten to do much of the senior stuff yet [because of the COVID-19 outbreak].”
Q: How are you handling what’s been happening because of the coronavirus?
BATEMAN: “I’m a little bit discouraged that everything has gotten cancelled, but you can’t do anything about it.”
Q: What have you enjoyed the most about your senior year?
BATEMAN: “Mostly, just hanging out with friends.”
Q: How do you like the way things have gone for you academically this school year?
BATEMAN: “I’m happy with how things have been going. I’ve been doing better.”
Q: What’s your favorite class this school year?
BATEMAN: “Auto mechanics.”
Q: What is your favorite school activity?
BATEMAN: “Wrestling.”
Q: How did the wrestling season go for you?
BATEMAN: “I made it to state [in the heavyweight class], but I broke my leg at state. It happened in my first-round match at state. I got thrown backward, and my leg just didn’t move. I also kind of landed on it.”
Q: Was that the first time you qualified for state wrestling?
BATEMAN: “Yes.”
Q: How thrilling was it to qualify for state and compete at state?
BATEMAN: “I was just glad to go to state. My biggest goal was to make it to state, so I’m glad I accomplished that.”
Q: What are your plans after you graduate from high school?
BATEMAN: “I’m going into diesel mechanics at WyoTech in Laramie.”
Q: What got you interested in going to WyoTech?
BATEMAN: “They reached out to our auto program at school, and it sounded interesting. It’s a nine-month program. After that, I’ll find a job, either working on semis, trains or an oil rig – any of that stuff.”
Q: During your educational career, which teacher do you feel has made the biggest influence on you?
BATEMAN: “Mr. [Wade] Brashear. I’ve had him every year I’ve been at school. He’s also the wrestling coach. He’s helped me deal with some things.”
Q: Who do you think is one of the kindest students at Kimball High School?
BATEMAN: “Beau Hanks. He and I have been friends for a while. He’s always been nice to me.”
Q: Have you always lived in Kimball?
BATEMAN: “Yes.”
Q: How much have you enjoyed living in Kimball?
BATEMAN: “Well, there’s not a lot to do here, but the community is really nice.”
Q: What do you like to do for fun outside of your school activities?
BATEMAN: “We go camping in the summer a lot.”
Q: Where’s your favorite place to go camping?
BATEMAN: “Vedauwoo around Laramie.”
Q: What kind of music do you enjoy listening to?
BATEMAN: “I listen to a lot of rock.”
Q: Do you have a favorite TV show?
BATEMAN: “I don’t watch much TV.”
Q: Do you have a favorite sports team?
BATEMAN: “I watch the Huskers a lot.”
Q: Name one person who you feel is a big difference-maker in your community.
BATEMAN: “Our mayor, Keith Prunty. He’s cleaned up some of the buildings around here and has helped clean up the parks.”
Q: What’s your favorite restaurant in the region?
BATEMAN: “Windbreak just outside of town. It’s one of the nicer restaurants we have here. They have good food.”
Q: What’s the coolest place you’ve ever traveled to?
BATEMAN: “I went to northern Iowa about four years ago. That was pretty cool. We had a family reunion there.”
Q: Do you have any siblings?
BATEMAN: “Yes, I have a sister, Sarinda Bateman. She’s a sophomore.”
If you would like to nominate someone for Nspire Today!’s Student 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.
First State Bank has been a community bank for more than 80 years with locations in Scottsbluff, Gering and Colorado Springs. First State Bank’s new mortgage center has the convenience of applying online without giving up the personalized customer service people have come to expect. Visit www.fsbcentral.com to find out why when First State Bank says, ‘We’re Big on You,’ they mean it. Find First State Bank on Facebook at firststatebank1935.
