Finding Nebo

Spring in Nebo School District means new opportunities—and new leadership across our schools and district.This is Part 2 of a 3-part series highlighting administrative appointments across Nebo.In this episode, we continue the conversation by introducing more incredible leaders stepping into new roles. From elementary principals to district-level support, each guest shares their journey, their “why,” and what they’re most excited about moving forward.Featuring:Kade Jensen – Principal, Brockbank ElementaryJade Andersen – Student Success Coordinator, District OfficeJ.R. Brandon – Assistant Principal, Spanish Fork High SchoolJen Gasser – Assistant Principal, Mt. Nebo Middle SchoolFrom building relationships with students to supporting success across the entire district, this episode highlights the people behind the positions.Stay tuned for Part 3 as we continue introducing more of Nebo’s new leaders.

This is one of the most exciting times of the year in Nebo School District—spring is here, graduation is around the corner, and with retirements come new opportunities.This episode is Part 1 of a 3-part series highlighting administrative appointments across the district.In this episode, we sit down with several administrators who are stepping into new roles across Nebo. From human resources to high school leadership, these individuals bring experience, passion, and a deep love for students and staff.Featuring:Dave Gneiting – Transitioning to Human ResourcesTona Graff – New Principal, Spanish Fork High SchoolRaShel Anderson – New Principal, Springville Junior HighNate Holt – New Principal, Westside ElementaryGet to know their journeys, what excites them most, and what they hope to bring to their new roles.Be sure to check back for Part 2, where we introduce more new leaders across Nebo School District.

Matt Christensen joins the Finding Nebo Podcast to talk about his new appointment as Nebo School District’s Director of Secondary Education. From his roots as a Nebo student to his years at Spanish Fork High, Matt shares his leadership journey, his passion for relationships, and what he’s looking forward to in this next chapter.

Invest Nest is Nebo’s Shark Tank–style competition where students pitch business ideas, work with community mentors, and compete for funding to launch their ventures.Senior Paisley Silva joins us to talk about how the program works, why you don’t need a big idea to participate, and how Invest Nest is helping students build real businesses — and real-world skills.Sign up by March 5 and learn how you can support this incredible opportunity for students.

What are we doing to keep our schools safe?In this episode of Finding Nebo, we sit down with Nebo’s Safety & Security Specialist to talk about the layers of protection in place across the district — including school guardians, SRO partnerships, secure entries, upgraded cameras, emergency drills, and student mental health supports.It’s a transparent, behind-the-scenes look at how safety planning turns into real action in our schools.

In this episode of the Finding Nebo podcast, Lindsey Hughes and Seth Sorenson welcome back Ronda Hair to discuss the Nebo School District Career Center and how it’s helping students explore career options, build workforce skills, and prepare for life after high school. Ronda shares how the Career Center supports students through career nights, industry connections, resume and interview coaching, and early career exploration, while also serving as a valuable resource for families and educators across the district.

In this episode, we sit down with several of our district’s administrative interns as they reflect on Admin Intern Week—what they learned, what surprised them, and how the experience is shaping their leadership journey. They share candid insights about principal meetings, building relationships with staff and students, navigating tough situations, and discovering the real day-to-day of school leadership. It’s an honest, uplifting look at growing as an educator and stepping into new responsibilities.

Lindsey and Seth sit down with Salem Hills coach and National Guard member Jenn Hughes to talk mental toughness, finding purpose through trials, and the power of small acts of service. Jenn shares her journey from a devastating car accident to Olympic trial-level running and becoming the oldest woman to complete basic training, and how those experiences inspired a district-wide effort to unite Nebo athletes through community service and connection.

Hosts Lindsey Hughes and Seth Sorenson sit down with Aryn Kamae from United Way of Utah County to discuss how charitable giving strengthens our community. Aryn shares how United Way supports families through programs in financial stability, childhood literacy, and youth mental health, and highlights the new Payson Community Center, offering free classes and resources for local families. The episode also celebrates Nebo School District’s Month of Giving, encouraging everyone to give back—through donations, service, or simple acts of kindness.

Hey we have a new video format just in time for this year's Ghost Stories episode. In this episode we hear from Sarah Sumsion, our own producer David Wadley, and repeat guests now Ghost Hunters Hollie Hullinger and Kim Adams.

Join Seth and Lindsey as they speak with the coordinators of Elementary and Secondary Curriculum; Celeste Gledhill and Wendy LeFevre. *This was recorded at the end of the 2024-25 school year, so when they say "next year" they are talking about this school year, the 2025-26 school year.

Join Seth and Lindsey as they speak with the Elementary and Secondary Supervisors, Celeste Gledhill and Wendy LeFevre, about all things curriculum in our schools!

Have you ever heard Superintendent Nielsen's PEPPPP Talk? If you haven't, tune in to some great advice for starting a new school year... and really, great advice for life!

The 2025 Utah Legislative session has ended. Listen now as we talk with State Senator Mike McKell about what happened on the Hill this session and what he hopes for in education moving forward! Get up close and personal with Mike!

Join us for Part 2 of "Meet Your New Admin" where we continue our conversations with those who have been newly appointed in the administrator ranks!

We've had an exciting month of new Administrator Appointments! Listen now to hear from our new administrators:-Assistant Principal at Maple Ridge Elementary- Nicole Steiner-Operations Coordinator- Dave Knudsen-Assistant Principal at Maple Mountain High- Josh Jensen-Technical Services Coordinator- Garrett Andersen-Principal at Taylor Elementary- Shami Coley

HEY STUDENTS! Listen now to learn all about a great opportunity to win money and prizes for SERVICE! Yes, you heard that right! Listen to Mrs. Shepherd and Mrs. Maughan tell you all about how to get credit for volunteering and serving!

Did you know that Nebo School District has a competition called Invest Nest, which is similar to the popular TV show Shark Tank? High School Students, do you have a business idea that would take you all the way to the top.... $10,000! Go visit https://www.alc.nebo.edu/page/invest-nest to sign up TODAY!

Part 2 of talking with two of our wonderful School Board Members. We speak with our newly elected Board Member from Payson, Scott Wilson. We also sit down with John Taylor from Springville who was reelected to a second term. Our Board is amazing and we hope you get to know them a little better during these episodes!

Nebo School District has AMAZING Board Members! We have two Board Members who chose not to run for another term and we sadly need to say goodbye. We have two Board Members who are new and are excited to welcome them to Nebo. And we have two Board Members reelected and are happy to have them back! Let's get to know some of our Board Members!

Join us for a little Thanksgiving History. Wishing you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Our new app and website are LIVE and we want you to learn all about what they have to offer. Listen now!

Do you love hearing about ghost encounters? Listen now for spooky ghost stories from our Nebo employees!

Have you ever wondered about Kindergarten in Nebo? What do they do all day? Who can teach these darling 5 and 6 year olds? What should they know before coming to Kindergarten? Listen now to an incredible Kindergarten teacher talking all things Kindergarten!

Did you know that Nebo School District offers a robust Adult Education program? Do you know someone who didn't graduate but wants to finish high school? Look no further and listen now!

Do you have a bucket list? If not, have you thought about creating one? Do you need help accomplishing your bucket list? Listen to hear more about Bucket Lists and the plan for the year! See our bucket lists, and share yours!

Listen now to hear about Superintendent's thoughts on the First Day of School, how he grew up thinking about education and teachers, and Nebo's theme for the 2024-2025 school year.

Listen NOW to hear all about the incredible things that happen in our schools, especially in our high schools, to prepare our students for life after high school! We have INCREDIBLE educators in our buildings to support our students.

Do you know what the Legislative Process is? Do you know what happens during the 45 days of the Legislative Session? Do you know what happened in the Legislative Session this year? Tune in to find out!

Do you know about Nebo Education Foundation? Listen to learn all the things the Nebo Education Foundation does for Nebo students!

Join on us on a journey through time as we explore public education from it's inception to now and into the future.

Have you ever wondered about the Federal Programs in Nebo School District? What about Special Education in Nebo School District? If you have, today is your lucky day! Listen now to hear from our Federal Programs and Special Education experts!

Have you ever wondered about Nebo's Legal Department? Or what a school district's legal counsel actually does? Listen now to learn!

Have you heard the buzz about the Governor's request to ban cellphones in schools? Listen now to Seth, Lindsey, Samantha, and Owen discuss their opinions about this topic.

Have you ever wondered what the district's digital coaches do or how they can help you? LISTEN NOW to learn how they can be an asset to you and your students!

Listen and learn about holiday/Christmas traditions from around the world and from right here in Nebo!

We are so lucky to be working with Dr. David Parker in Nebo. He is helping us ensure our schools are "authentically inclusive". Listen to the episode to see what we're learning!

Get to know your co-hosts Seth Sorensen and Lindsey Hughes. Join Samantha Walker and Owen Nelson, SHHS and ALC senior students as they interview the hosts of Finding Nebo.

Have you heard stories from the mouth of a World War II veteran? If you haven't, take some time and listen now to Gerald Jolley. He is a 98 year old WWII Vet who will give you a newfound appreciation for those who fought and continue to fight for our freedom.

Listen to guests talk about their interactions with the "other side" right here in Nebo.

Take a listen to learn from Eileen Quintana and Analysa Allison all about Title VI: Indian Education in Nebo School District!

Do you know about the ALC? If you don't know what the Advanced Learning Center is... LISTEN NOW!

Have you ever wondered what wellness resources are available for students and parents in Nebo School District? Listen now!

Grab a seat and listen to a captivating interview with our very own Nebo student, Jaylynn Lindley. When she isn't attending school, dancing, or spending time with her family, she is promoting her incredible community service initiative Find Your F.I.R.E. You WANT to hear this interview!

Listen to Matt Gledhill, Nebo School District's Operations Director and Kathy Carling, Nebo School District's Risk Manager on all things School Safety.

Welcome back to another great year in Nebo School District. Listen to our very first podcast episode to get to know our Superintendent and Nebo School Board President.