Jaelyn Dicke named NPCC student commencement speaker

Jaelyn Dicke, of Waverly, attributes much of her growth beyond collegiate athletics to the guidance and opportunities she received at North Platte Community College.

“I chose NPCC because it felt like home,” said Dicke. “They wanted what was best for me and through conversations I knew I was going to be given an opportunity to play collegiate athletics at the next level.” 

Dicke was a two-year starter on the Knights volleyball team. She served as the President of Student Senate, Vice President of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, while also being a resident assistant and tutor on campus. Dicke earned President’s List designation every semester and was named to the Phi Theta Kappa All-Nebraska Team in 2025. 

Her selection was based on academic achievement, extracurricular activities and 
community service among other criteria.

During the 2023-24 campaign, Dicke was chosen for the National Junior College 
Athletic Association’s All-Academic First Team for achieving a 4.0 GPA.

“It really felt like a home away from home,” she said. “I had many opportunities 
at NPCC and it opened my eyes to a lot of diversity. I am so grateful I started my 
journey at NPCC, and I will be forever thankful for the staff and the community 
for helping me feel welcome.”

She is currently taking classes through Chadron State College in pursuit of a 
bachelor’s degree in special education. Dicke serves as a substitute teacher for 
the North Platte Public School system and helps local youth develop love for the 
game of volleyball.

 

NPCC Commencement is May 9 at 3 p.m. in the McDonald-Belton gymnasium.