When a child lacks food and shelter they can’t possibly learn… no one devoted their life’s work to that crystal clear message more than former NEA President Reg Weaver.
Throughout four decades in education, Weaver was committed to “coming out his pocket of compassion” to ensure no student was academically deprived due to poverty.
There could not be a more worthy recipient of this year’s Reg Weaver Memorial Award than Nebraska educator, and a true champion for students… Brian Whitecalf.
As a former student, paraeducator and substitute teacher at Grand Island Senior High, Whitecalf has played a pivotal role in combating economic disparity amongst young people in his hometown.
He currently serves Grand Island Public Schools as a community liaison, directly impacting these issues with innovative solutions, guaranteeing that no young person, or their family, should ever hunger for food… or hunger for knowledge.
In a school district where many young people are navigating housing instability, language barriers, and discriminatory climates, Brian gets to work on all fronts. He was a staunch advocate for the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. This guaranteed 5,000 students statewide financial assistance during the 2023-24 school year. Living in shelters, or on the street does not inspire quality learning… Brian’s efforts helped kids get inspired.
For Brian Whitecalf, these aren’t statistics and numbers, they’re human faces… and Brian makes sure that young people know and see his face. He’ll hold the hand of a student scared her family will be evicted, or she’ll be mocked by other kids because of not having new, clean clothes.
If a young person hasn’t eaten or showered in days, Brian gets them fed, clothed, and cleaned. He works to give out free haircuts… he even took part in a program to recycle soap so that those in need can take care of basic hygiene. Whitecalf works to arrange everything from school supplies, to accessing health care. He provides transportation so that children can get to the classroom.
When the end of school day bell rings, Brian’s day is often just beginning. He’ll stock food pantries for the needy in the middle of the night, testify before the Nebraska Legislature to lobby the state for resources, and address policies that discriminate against immigrant and LGBTQ communities. While it’s inconceivable to think there are those that would target ort threaten Brian over his humanitarian work, Brian is always there… refusing to remain silent.
Brian Whitecalf knows that schools aren’t just buildings, they’re lifelines for society’s most vulnerable. The NEA Human and Civil Rights Awards salute Brian Whitecalf for upholding Reg Weaver’s legacy of giving.
