Every year, Nebraska graduates thousands of students who go on to find success in their field – and that number grows every year as the state continues to support and love our public schools.

Today, we share a list of nine famous Nebraska public school graduates to know. Take a look at this snapshot of the rich history of Nebraska’s public schools. 

After graduating from Millard South High School, Adam found success in the entertainment industry. He is an actor, comedian, producer, screenwriter, and more. He is a proud Nebraska graduate and references his time in Omaha often in his shows.

Scott found post-graduation success on the field at Memorial Stadium. After leading his team to the national championship as quarterback in 1997, Scott was drafted into the NFL. After playing for the New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he eventually found his way back to Nebraska as the Cornhusker head coach. 

Johnny Carson became known for his 30-year stint as the host of ​“The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” which earned him the moniker of ​“The King of Late Night Television.” His legacy lives on in his home state and his alma maters. 

After graduating from Hastings High School, Tom Osborne stayed in his home town and attended Hastings College. After playing wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers and the Washington Redskins, he went on to be one of the most successful college football coaches, coaching the Huskers to three national championship titles. Off the field, he was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Nebraska’s 3rd district and founder of TeamMates Mentoring Program, one of the most successful mentoring organizations impacting Nebraska public school students today. 

At the age of 20, Omaha Central graduate, Henry Fonda, began his stage career at the Omaha Community Playhouse. He then moved to Broadway and, ultimately, to the big-screen making more than 56 movies in Hollywood.

American novelist, Pulitzer Prize winner, school teacher, and public school graduate are just a few of impressive titles Willa Cather earned over the course of her life and career.

Before becoming a professor at the University of Chicago, this Grand Island graduate was a teacher turned nationally known child social worker. Revered in her field, she paved the way for immigrant rights and the advancement of child welfare.

Clayton Anderson graduated from Ashland-Greenwood High School in 1977. He continued his education at Hastings College and finished his Masters program at Iowa State University. Upon graduation, he became an astronaut for NASA, spending more than 166 days in space over the course of his career. Now, Anderson inspires students and adults alike with his talks about his experience and the importance of STEAM education. 

After graduating from the former Tech High School in Omaha, Bob Boozer played basketball for Kansas State University, playing in the Final Four in 1958. In 1960, he played on the Olympic team and helped the US go on to win gold. He then went on to play for the NBA, contributing to the successes of the Cincinnati Royals, the New York Knicks, the Los Angeles Lakers, the Chicago Bulls, the Seattle SuperSonics, and the Milwaukee Bucks. In 2010, he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.