Contributor-2019
He’s known as “Mr. North High,” Gene Haynes” larger-than-life presence as Principle of the school has emerged from his dedication to helping young people. Using a humble, friendly demeanor and an infectious smile, Haynes has been a positive influence on Omaha Public Schools for more than 50 years. “I just want to be someone to say, ‘I made a difference in the lives of the young people,” he told one news outlet. A teacher, coach and administrator Haynes started at Omaha Technical High School in 1967. Nebraska’s first African-American basketball coach, he coached the Trojans from 1972 until the school closed in 1984, winning the Metro Conference championships and nearly 60 percent of their games. The Mississippi native has been honored with awards from many civic, community, educational and athletic organizations in the metropolitan area, and a portion of the street leading to Omaha North High School is named “Gene R. Haynes Street.”
