Sandra (Shoup) Meissner SPS Foundation Distinguished Alumni 2023

May 23, 2023

Sandra (Shoup) Meissner

The Sutherland Public School Foundation has announced that Sandra (Shoup) Meissner has been selected as the Distinguished Alumni for 2023. Sandra was born in Sutherland, NE and graduated with the Sutherland Class of 1955 as co-Valedictorian. She obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Zoology with minors in Chemistry and German language studies from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln in 1959. She also served as President of her sorority, Alpha Phi. Sandra’s education included studying in Norway during the summer of 1957. She was named Ak-Sar-Ben Countess in 1958, and met her future husband, Herb Meissner, who was an Ak-Sar-Ben Escort. The two were married in 1959 and moved to Sutherland in 1960. Herb and Sandra’s children, Ann and John are graduates of Sutherland High School. The Meissners also enjoyed hosting a Norwegian exchange student who attended Sutherland High School in 1976.

Sandra's many contributions to Sutherland Schools and the community have included support of vocal music programs, accompanying students and giving piano lessons, sponsoring music trips and attending activities. Sandra worked at the family grain elevators as a bookkeeper, served her church congregation as an organist and Church Treasurer, held a lifetime membership with the Sutherland Chamber of Commerce, supported the swimming pool and the Veteran's Memorial projects, served on the Sandy Acres board, and the Maxine White Library Board.

Sandra is humbled and thankful for having been chosen for the 2023 Alumni Award, and thanks the person who nominated her as well as the Sutherland School Foundation Board. The community of Sutherland and the Sutherland School have been her passion for her lifetime.