Bishops named 2026 Good Neighbors

For Jayson and Deanne Bishop, giving back to the community has never been about recognition. Whether they’re mentoring students, serving through their church, supporting local events or volunteering behind the scenes, they simply see it as part of being good neighbors.

Now, that quiet commitment has earned the couple one of Perkins County’s highest community honors.

Jayson and Deanne Bishop have been named the 2026 Perkins County Good Neighbors, recognizing decades of volunteerism, leadership and service throughout Perkins County.

One nomination described the Bishops as “good neighbors by their humble generosity in our communities.”

“Jayson announces all home football games and organizes the men’s league (along with other tournaments) at the golf course,” the nomination continued. “They can often be seen supporting local activities.”

The nominator also highlighted Deanne’s willingness to step in when the community needed help most.

“During COVID, Deanne helped Hatch’s create an online ordering system to keep the local business operating during trying times,” the nomination read. “They are excellent pillars in our communities that set a great example and deserve our recognition.”

The Bishops said they were surprised to learn they had been selected for the award.

“We were surprised to find out we were chosen as Good Neighbors,” they said.

Although Jayson grew up in Grant and Deanne was raised on a farm near Henderson, the couple’s journey together began at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Both graduated from high school in 1997 before attending UNL. Jayson earned a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering while Deanne completed both undergraduate and graduate degrees in education. They met while playing and officiating intramural sports and through Lincoln Berean Church’s college ministry.

After marrying in December 2001, the couple lived briefly in Ogallala, where Jayson worked in technical support for Prophet Systems while Deanne completed her student teaching at South Platte Public Schools in Big Springs.

In the fall of 2002, a teaching opportunity brought them to Grant.

“Although we never necessarily intended to live in one of our respective hometowns, we always hoped to be able to put down roots and raise our kids in a similar setting,” they said. “God made things pretty simple for us when jobs opened up in Grant.”

Today, nearly 25 years later, the Bishops have become familiar faces throughout the community.

Jayson serves as general manager of Midwest Electric Cooperative Corporation and volunteers in numerous civic organizations. He serves on the Perkins County Schools Board of Education, is active in Rotary and the Southwest Nebraska Community Betterment Corporation, coordinates the men’s golf league at Pheasant Run Golf Course and manages the timing systems for Perkins County cross country and track meets, as well as meets in neighboring communities.

Deanne serves Perkins County Schools as a high school science teacher, curriculum director, High Ability Learner director and district social media manager. She also coaches girls basketball and sponsors Quiz Bowl and National Honor Society. Outside the classroom, she has served as president of the local TeamMates Mentoring Board, represented Nebraska on the state Gifted Education Board and volunteers as a photographer for Prep Running Nerd.

Faith remains central to the Bishops’ lives. They attend Grant Evangelical Free Church, where Jayson serves as financial secretary. Deanne sings with the worship team as needed and coordinates the church’s College and Military Care Package Ministry.

While many of their volunteer efforts overlap, the couple said they appreciate being able to pursue individual interests while sharing the same desire to serve.

“Although we often serve together, we are grateful we have opportunities to volunteer in additional areas that interest us,” they said.

This winter, the Bishops will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary.

Their community involvement, however, has touched far more than the past quarter century. Through education, church, civic leadership and countless hours of volunteer service, they have quietly invested in Perkins County and the people who call it home.

As one nominator noted, “This doesn’t even begin to cover how much the Bishops do.”