Laureen Riedesel
 |
2019
Laureen Riedesel
Friend of Education
Beatrice students have been learning from Laureen Riedesel since she took over as the director of the Beatrice Public Library in 1977. Countless teachers have asked for her help on projects ranging from Nebraska authors to creating the Prairie Visions Writing Workshop for high school students at the Homestead National Monument of America.
Mark Metcalf worked closely with Laureen as a high school English and Creative Writing teacher. He appreciated her help during his years at BHS. “Laureen Riedesel enhanced my students' education in several ways, and she did so consistently over a period of 17 years. Many Research and Composition students turned to Laureen for help with their local history and favorite author projects, and they could not help but be caught up in the whirlwind of her enthusiasm. It didn't hurt that she knows everything, and I'm using the word "everything" judiciously.
“Laureen also made dozens of visits to my creative writing classes to share her knowledge of a local miscarriage of justice; I knew her presentation would inspire students as they worked on their creative nonfiction assignment. She also initiated a poetry workshop held at the Homestead National Monument, inviting such luminaries as State Poet William Kloefkorn, Twila Hansen, and Marge Saiser to lead the workshops. Laureen's workshop drew high school students from all parts of eastern Nebraska. Laureen Riedesel is without question one of the best friends education in Nebraska has ever had,” said Metcalf.
In addition, under her leadership, Beatrice built a state of the art library in the 1990s which continues to evolve to meet the needs of a changing society.
She is commonly known as the town historian and has given countless hours of time answering questions about Beatrice history, organizing events to honor famous Beatrice citizens, and creating walking tours for all ages to help them explore their hometown’s history. She organized salutes to Robert Taylor and Weldon Kees. Both are Beatrice High School graduates.
Her interest in education is not limited to youth. She has been a member of the Adult Basic Education Advisory Council since 1980.