While Braden Bean is originally from the small town of Minden, Neb., he has grown up in Atlantic and made a lifetime of friends. Many will remember him for his outrageous sense of humor and social personality. If there’s one thing Bean and his friends know how to do, it’s having fun. Some might say a few of the things he has done were crazy, but to him it’s all about making the most of his high school experience and making those mistakes now, being crazy while he still can. “If you don’t have fun now, you’re going to regret it when you’re an adult,” Bean said.

During high school, Bean has been involved in golf, basketball, football, debate, FFA and National Honor Society. He spent the second semester of his senior year working as an intern at the Capitol, doing various tasks for staff members. He also enjoys hanging with friends, trapping animals, shooting pool, watching Nebraska football and yelling at either one of his sisters. His favorite thing to do with friends is coyote hunting with Josh Rossell and Matt St. John because he enjoys the thrill of “getting ‘yotes in the freezing cold.”

After high school, Bean plans to attend the University of Nebraska Omaha to study aviation because he has “just always loved airplanes and flying them.” After graduating, he would like to become a commercial pilot for UPS.