Randolph native earns news industry award

LINCOLN – A Randolph native will receive a state award for leadership in the newspaper industry.

Jennifer Higgins, formerly of Randolph, will be given the 2024 Leadership Nebraska Award by the Nebraska Press Association. The award is given in memory of Don Harpst Sr., a Nebraska newspaperman who had a passion for developing leaders.

Higgins, daughter of Joe and Janet Groen, Randolph, graduated from Randolph High School in 1992. She earned a journalism degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1996 with concentrations in news/ editorial and advertising, and minors in English, economics and history. After writing for the Daily Nebraskan college newspaper, she began her career at the Holt County Independent. She later worked at the Neligh News & Leader. She joined the Antelope County News as managing editor in 2014. Higgins oversees news and sports content, and assists with the company’s other publications.

Higgins was nominated for the award by a member of the Neligh City Council, who recognized her many contributions to the Antelope County area.

The award comes with a $500 gift for the recipient, as well as a $1,000 prize that will go to a community organization of the recipient’s choice.