"The most important thing I have taught my students is that dreams can come true," says Susan McNeil, a social studies high school teacher at Loup County Public School in Taylor. Mrs. McNeil teaches her students that with hard work and cooperation many of their dreams can become reality. Such was the case when, under her guidance, five of her senior students worked to develop and build a much- needed community center for the town. The project was successfully completed in a nine-month period exclusively with the results of her students' fundraising efforts. Mrs. McNeil's students also rallied their efforts to improve the town park and secure a substantial grant for new playground equipment. "The Can Challenge" program she created has successfully brought ecological awareness and action to her school and community. In 1995, the State Department of Education named Mrs. McNeil Nebraska Teacher of the Year.
2012 Lowell Milken Center Fellow
1980 Central Oklahoma University, M.A.
1974 Oklahoma State University, B.A.
