KEARNEY, Neb. — After 34 years in education, including seven in Sidney and 19 in Kearney, Meadowlark Elementary Principal Mark Stute is retiring.

Known for his trademark motto — “Make it a great day or not; the choice is yours” — Stute built a career on positivity, connection and leadership. He began as a Little League coach in high school and spent eight years as a business teacher and volleyball coach in Ravenna before becoming a principal.

He served as principal at West Elementary in Sidney before joining Kearney Public Schools, where he helped shape Meadowlark Elementary into a top-performing school in both academics and character development.

“I wanted to make a difference for more students and teachers, and the idea of becoming a positive leader truly inspired me,” Stute said in a press release from Kearney Public Schools.

His proudest moments include watching students return for the Senior Walk and building a culture of belonging and excellence. “The staff, students, and parents—we’re one big Meadowlark family,” he said.

Stute emphasized the importance of visibility, patience and being a strong listener. Though he hasn’t finalized post-retirement plans, he said he intends to stay involved in education and the Kearney community.

Superintendent Jason Mundorf called him “the kind of principal every district hopes to have,” citing his compassion and consistency.

Stute leaves behind advice for future leaders: “Expect the best from yourself and others, and amazing things will happen.”

His daily sign-off will stick with students for years to come: “Make it a great day or not; the choice is yours.”