West Omaha's Premier Lifestyle Publication
Oliver Thoene’s life was forever changed when he was diagnosed with Batten disease at age three. Batten disease is a group of fatal rare genetic conditions that prevent the body from removing waste from cells. The waste builds up in the brain, eyes, and heart and causes progressive degeneration to […]
At age 15, Faith Crooks’ grit and determination have made her one of the top technical figure skaters in Omaha. When she began at eight years old, she was nervous to skate. Now she skates at Moylan Premier Skating Club, where she is the youngest Gold medalist in club history […]
Kora Bingham is a people person. At age eight, she loves to volunteer and has a big heart for helping people. Her family has always volunteered, so it’s natural for her to jump in when she gets the chance. Bingham was recently appointed the at-large 2025 Ultimate International Miss Central […]
Lexi Ruiz is a remarkable 8-year-old. When her dad, Gabriel Ruiz, began training for the 50 Mile March in 2023 to raise money for veterans facing mental health challenges and homelessness, Lexi started training with him. The training included walking five miles three times a week. When she asked if […]
What makes Cale Ferrin stand out from other child actors? He’s already had a 10-year career at the age of 17, but he also has Fanconi Anemia (FA), a rare, genetic, and terminal disease that affects bone marrow. Despite having FA, Cale is a high school senior with a big […]
Creighton University GRIT scholarship winner Wilson Munsterman has the passion, perseverance, and initiative toward his goals to make real change in the world. Munsterman, a closed international adoptee from China, was one of four seniors at Westside High School to receive the award, which was previously only available to private […]
Seventeen-year-old Peter Rygg grew up listening to the stories of his grandfathers, Donald Sattem, age 82, and Lester Rygg, age 99. Both served in the military—Rygg in the Navy during World War II, and Sattem in the Airforce during the Vietnam war. Their conversations created important connections for Rygg and […]
Dominika Kouassi is an exceptional Nebraska youth who is making a real difference. The 20 Under 20 Nebraska award winner is the first US-born child of Togolese immigrant parents, and she sees herself as part of a larger community. Deeply involved in her Marian High School community in both leadership […]
“No child should die in the dawn of life.” This quote by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Founder Danny Thomas holds incredible meaning for the family of 12-year-old Ethan Benson. After he was diagnosed in January 2023 with an aggressive brain tumor located on the brain stem, he spent nine […]
Most people don’t expect a 13-year-old to be a champion weightlifter, but Chassity Del Balso isn’t a typical eighth grader at Concordia Junior High School. She recently placed first in her age and weight category in the 2023 USA Weightlifting National Youth Championships. She also finished as the fifth best […]
