For Immediate Release
North Platte, NE — Heather French Henry, recognized veterans advocate and Strategic Outreach Director for Global Game Changers Student Empowerment Program, will lead a series of community and leadership-focused events in North Platte, Nebraska, during Crowns for Gowns Weekend, February 6–8, 2026.
French Henry will serve as emcee of the Miss High Plains Scholarship Competition on Friday, February 6, at 7:00 p.m. at the McDonald-Belton Theater, supporting young women competing for scholarships and a chance to compete for Miss Nebraska, an official state competition for Miss America.
On Saturday, February 7, French Henry will lead workshops designed specifically for participants in the Miss Nebraska Organization, focusing on leadership identity, communication, personal branding, and understanding the responsibility that comes with service-driven platforms. The sessions will also introduce elements of the Free Global Game Changers Elementary School Curriculum, which helps students recognize their individual strengths—or “superpowers”—and apply them toward positive community impact through their unique equation MY TALENT + MY HEART = MY SUPERPOWER!®
Later that day, French Henry will serve as keynote speaker at a Community Luncheon, open to the public, from 1:00–3:00 p.m. at North 40. Her remarks will center on service, leadership, and the idea that every woman possesses unique “superpowers” that can be used to build their own confidence and strengthen their communities.
“Service is one of the greatest superpowers we can cultivate,” said French Henry. “Whether I’m speaking to the public or mentoring young women within the Miss Nebraska Organization, the message is the same: leadership is not about a title, but about how you choose to show up for others. Nebraska has always embraced that spirit of service, and I’m honored to visit North Platte to share that message.”
French Henry has a long-standing connection to Nebraska, including previous collaborations with The Durham Museum, where she partnered on the beloved White Christmas Collection celebrating American cultural heritage. The collection is scheduled to return to Omaha during the 2026 holiday season.
About Heather French Henry, Miss America 2000
Crowned as Miss America 2000 Heather French Henry has spent more than two decades advancing service-driven leadership at the local, state, and national levels. A nationally recognized advocate for veterans and military families, she previously served as Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs and continues to work with organizations across the country to elevate education, service, and civic engagement. Through her leadership with Global Game Changers, French Henry empowers young people to recognize their potential, develop character, and use their voices to create meaningful change in their communities. For more information about her work, visit https://www.heatherfrenchhenry.com/
About Global Game Changers
Global Game Changers® is a project-based program that provides teacher-tested, evidence-based, FREE Pre-K – 5th grade curriculum and resources that use service learning and talent development as tools to nurture children’s social, emotional, leadership, and academic growth. With a motto to IGNITE GOOD!®, the lessons use a simple equation: MY TALENT + MY HEART = MY SUPERPOWER!® to lay the foundation for nurturing engaged and successful citizens and leaders. Students explore their hearts, uncover their true talents, and develop the self-confidence they need to succeed in life. Global Game Changers is grant funded and free online to educators and parents thanks to the generous support of David Novak Leadership Foundation which believes in developing better leaders at every stage of life. For more information or to get involved with the program, visit https://globalgamechangers.org/
More information about Crowns for Gowns Weekend and scheduled events can be found athttps://www.crownsandgowns.com/events.