Duchesne Academy sports new lighting

Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart in Omaha is shining bright at night thanks to a gift from Scott and Cindy Heider, members of Christ the King Parish in Omaha, whose daughter, Courtney, will be a junior.

Their donation allowed school officials to install exterior lighting to showcase and add another measure of security to the building constructed more than 100 years ago that has become an anchor of its midtown Omaha neighborhood.

"I have been affiliated with Duchesne for more than 30 years of my life, and never did it occur to me to professionally light our building," said Meg Huerter Brudney, head of school and a Duchesne graduate. "It is a gift to Duchesne, our neighborhood and our alumnae."

Neighbors have said they appreciate the change, including Sue Wilwerding, a member of St. Cecilia Parish in Omaha whose daughter, Julie Wilwerding Gortemaker, graduated in 2001 from Duchesne.

"It is so nice to look out and see Duchesne illuminated at night," Wilwerding said. "The lighting really enhances the beauty of the architectural features of the building and the campus landscaping."