Kids Korner: Lifelong friends teaching the next generation

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (KSNB) - Sadie Martens and Hanna Dehart grew up in York, becoming friends very quickly.

Though they went to separate high schools, they came together to compete on the track team at York College, where they also were roommates.

Sadie graduated a year ahead of Hannah, and began her career at West Lawn Elementary in Grand Island. Hannah joined her shortly after as a student teacher, with the same mentor, named Sarah Dramse.

“I don’t know what I’d have done without her and I look up to her so much. We couldn’t have been blessed with a more perfect person to guide us,” said Sadie.

“I was a student teacher in 5th grade so we were right across the hall from each other and I learned so much from her, shout out to her, love her,” explained Hannah.

“I still call her. She’s still there for us,” added Sadie.

Both girls receive advice from their parents, who are also educators, with Hannah being a 4th generation teacher.

“Lots of support, lots of people that have been here for me,’” said Hannah. “That support system is so crucial and I’ve been blessed to have it right there with my family.”

For Sadie, seeing her best friend every day brings a smile to her face.

“I walked in to work, and I saw Hannah talking to a little kid and I was like ‘It feels like home.’ It feels like, I lived with this girl so long. I know your family history or the roots of your family. I know your parents so well that it’s like an extension of my family. It’s comforting,” Sadie explained.

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