Gov. Dave Heineman is emphasizing education in a series of public events and using his position to draw attention to high-achieving Nebraska students.

The governor plans to recognize high school seniors Thursday who earned top scores on their ACT exams. Earlier in the week, he honored middle-school students who have advanced to a national math competition. And last month, he called a press conference to congratulate the regional winners of a science bowl competition.

Heineman has traveled to schools in Lincoln and Fairbury this week, and is expected to visit Millard West High School in Omaha on Thursday.

In several speeches to student groups, he has stressed the importance of earning a two- or four-year college degree.