Tour of Excellence Ends in Holdrege, Crete

Crete, Neb. - After traveling nearly 1,000 miles over four days, the 2005 University of Nebraska Spring Break Tour of Excellence came to a close with all-school assemblies in Holdrege and Crete.

Middle school students from both schools enjoyed a variety of motivational presentations and demonstrations from student-athlete role models and other dignitaries.

The Holdrege program was held on Thursday morning in a community performing arts center, which provided a terrific venue for the program. Student council members introduced all participants and the middle school stage band opened and closed the program.

Miss Nebraska 2004 Brook Matthews encouraged students to follow their heart and visualize themselves completing their goals. She called upon a member of the audience to reinforce her messages, demonstrating how mental strength and physical strength are connected.

As always Lil’ Red was a crowd favorite with his dancing performance.

The final stop on the Tour of Excellence was at the new Crete Middle School. Not only did the program consist of student-athlete motivational messages, two of Crete’s award-winning dance teams were able to share their special talents.

Throughout the Tour of Excellence a real camaraderie was established by all the participants with new friendships being established. In fact, Miss Nebraska enjoyed calling upon fellow Tour of Excellence speakers to join her on stage as "back-up dancers" during a vocal performance of "Shine it On."

The 2005 Spring Break Tour of Excellence was a huge success. Seven presentations were conducted impacting over 4,000 students throughout the state of Nebraska. All school officials indicated they are hoping for a return appearance of the Tour of Excellence in the coming years.

The University of Nebraska Athletic Department would like to send a special thanks to all site coordinators within each community, as well as to all University participants and Miss Nebraska 2004.