SCCSD Alumni Link

Hosted by talented students and guided by principal Mr. Eric Kilburn—Students On is a brand‑new student‑led podcast from the Sioux City Community School District showcasing a fresh, authentic window into our schools and community.

What to Expect on the Podcast:

• Authentic student voices: From conversations with incoming Superintendent Dr. Juan Córdova in Episode 1 to thoughtful discussions on student leadership, middle school life, and more.

• Community spotlights: Highlights include a deep dive into the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program and a touching chat with teacher Amy Baker and her son Tim during Staff Appreciation Week.

• Inspiring and informative: Each episode brings us closer to the people shaping SCCSD—from students to educators to community partners.

Whether you're a student, family member, or community supporter, Students On is your front-row seat to the voices and stories that bring our district to life. Don’t miss out—click on your favorite podcast platform below and be inspired by the next generation of leaders in Sioux City!

Hannah Rens' career has been out of this world - literally.

A fourth-generation East High School alum, Rens' passion for space, a passion that began with the Sioux City Community School District's sponsorship of the Space Settlement Design Competitions, has fueled her life since graduating from East High in 2016. As a freshman at East High, Rens had the opportunity to design a 10,000 person settlement in orbit as part of a trip to NASA. The experience led Rens to pursue a career in aerospace engineering and human spaceflight after high school.

Rens spent four years at the University of Texas - Austin where she earned a degree in aerospace engineering. While attending college, she interned with Boeing in Oklahoma City, working on defense aircraft modernization and modification. After graduating in 2020, she continued her work with Boeing in San Antonio. By 2021, Rens was working at the Kennedy Space Center on Boeing's CST-100 Starliner, the commercial crew and cargo vehicle that travels to and from the International Space Station. Today, she works full-time for Boeing on projects such as landing parachutes to battery testing while also working on a master's degree in Astronautical Engineering from the University of Southern California.

In 2024, Rens served in the Boeing Mission Control Center as an Anomaly Manager, working around-the-clock to support astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams during their time at the International Space Station.

When she's not working, Rens volunteers with various organizations, including the National Space Society Board of Directors, Space Settlement Design Competitions which helped inspire her love for space as a high school student, and First Tee. Recently, she received the Trailblazer Award from NASA's Space Flight Awareness program, an honor presented to individuals in the first seven years of their career who demonstrate a significant contribution in support of NASA's mission and goals.

Records are meant to be broken. Just ask North High School alum Abbabiya Simbassa. This spring, Simbassa shattered a 40-year-old American record for the 10km run, crossing the finish line in a remarkable 27 minutes, 32 seconds.

After graduating from North High School in 2011, Simbassa attended Iowa Central College before transferring to the University of Oklahoma where he ran for the Sooners' track and cross country teams while majoring in business administration. He pursued a running career post-college, joining Team USA. In 2019, he moved to Flagstaff, and his career took off. Today, Simbassa runs professionally for ASICS, logging up to 120 miles per week during marathon training.

Simbassa remains grateful for the teachers and coaches who encouraged him to try cross country and track during his time at North High. His message to current student-athletes: learn and listen.

"Believe in what you want to do, and chase your dreams. Put in the work, and surround yourself with good people. It's important to be coachable and figure out how to use the advice of the experts around you."

Take a drive throughout the Midwest, and you will likely see a sign for RTI Threads. West High School alum Dan Lynde is the man behind the marketing for the custom apparel and accessories company.

Lynde started his career at Gateway Computers while attending school at Western Iowa Technical Community College. In 2017, he joined Riverside Technologies Inc. (RTI) as the director of marketing. Today, Lynde's position with RTI and RTI Threads, a division of RTI, has evolved to include both technical and marketing roles. He is responsible for the company's media, app, and website development while also building RTI Threads' promotional products and apparel business.

Lynde's experience in school shaped his future, and for that reason, he supports current Sioux City Community School District students through his role as a board member with the Sioux City Public Schools Foundation. He also volunteers his time with several organizations, including as the local treasurer for a political party, Sanford Center, United Way of Siouxland, and the Gospel Mission.

Each year, the Sioux City Public Schools Foundation works to ensure every senior can walk across the stage with a cap, gown, and tassel — no matter their circumstances.

This year alone, the need grew from 100 students to 150 graduates across East, North, and West High.

If you’d like to pay it forward, you can donate your gently used cap and gown this summer.

Drop it off for Karen Harrison, Foundation Director, at the Educational Service Center (ESC), 627 4th St., anytime Monday–Thursday, 8:00 am–5:00 pm.

Your donation will directly support a future grad, helping them celebrate their hard work with pride just like you did at graduation.

There is still time to get your tickets for Rewrite the Night! Whether you come solo or with a guest, this night is all about YOU. Reconnect with classmates, celebrate your milestone, and finally enjoy everything you missed and more:

• A packed dance floor
• Live music from Decoy
• Photo booth snapshots
• Exciting prizes
• And memories you’ll finally get to make — together

🎟️ Grab your tickets today: givebutter.com/Rewritethenight2020

Mark your calendars — it’s almost tee time! The Golf Fore Education Celebrity Golf Classic is set for Monday, July 28, and this year’s celebrity lineup is one you won’t want to miss, including Savannah Bananas’ Dancing Umpire Vince Chapman.

Gather your friends, co-workers, or favorite golf partners for a day on one of Sioux City’s premier private courses, all while supporting students and schools in the Sioux City Community School District.

📣 Sponsorships Available!

Want to showcase your business to a fantastic crowd? Sponsorship opportunities are still open — reach out to the Sioux City Public Schools Foundation for details. Or simply treat your team to a fun, philanthropic day out of the office.

👉 Register your foursome here: givebutter.com/golfforeeducation2025

A class reunion provides the perfect opportunity for classmates to reconnect. Whether you’re a recent Sioux City high school grad or a longtime alum of our schools, the Sioux City Public Schools Foundation is here to support you as you coordinate your class reunion.

Our Sioux City Class Reunion Planning Guide will walk you through the basics of planning an unforgettable reunion for your class – from booking local Sioux City venues to creating memorable finishing details. The planning guide is an exclusive resource for grads of Sioux City Central High School, Sioux City East High School, Sioux City North High School, and Sioux City West High School. The best part – it’s free!

Contact us today to get your copy of the Sioux City Class Reunion Planning Guide and kick off planning for your next reunion.

As an alum, you have the power to make a lasting impact — whether it’s volunteering your time, mentoring a student, or supporting the Sioux City Public Schools Foundation to help future generations succeed. When alumni stay involved, it strengthens the entire community.

We’d love for you to follow along on social media and check out our website to stay up to date on alumni news, school happenings, and ways to get involved: