Thanks to its many supporters, Catholic education is thriving in northeast Nebraska

Nearly 1,000 people came together Sept. 12 to celebrate and support Catholic education in northeast Nebraska at the 47th annual Archbishop’s Dinner for Education at the CHI Health Center in Omaha.

The event raised money for need-based scholarships for families who wish to send their children to Catholic schools. This year’s goal was to raise $900,000 for the Children’s Scholarship Fund for elementary school scholarships and high school tuition assistance.

High school ambassadors volunteer their time to greet guests at the dinner.

The dinner also honored educational excellence, with eight teachers and administrators recognized for their service and contributions to Catholic education, each receiving a $5,000 award.

Jeff Ohnoutka, executive director of Columbus Catholic Schools, was honored as an Administrator of the Year. He called the dinner a highlight of the year.

“Each year we get to recognize the wonderful work of the honorees, but most importantly, we raise important scholarship dollars for families in need,” Ohnoutka said. “Catholic education requires an investment from all who value it. The nearly 1,000 people in attendance showed that Catholic education is thriving in the Archdiocese of Omaha.”

Archbishop George J. Lucas thanked attendees for supporting Catholic education, specifically their support of parents who wish to send their children to Catholic schools.

Archbishop George J. Lucas speaks to dinner attendees.

“Thanks for all your efforts to let parents know that with all the many pressures on them, including often financial pressures, that we’re on their side,” Archbishop Lucas said. “We’re on their side for the flourishing of their families and of their children.”

In addition to Ohnoutka, Susie Sullivan of Marian High School in Omaha was named an Administrator of the Year. Other honorees were Maginn Family Foundation Educator of the Year Awards for service to inner-city and under-served schools, Jon Burt, Madonna School, and Jodie Sibbernsen, St. Bernard School, both in Omaha; Secondary Educators of the Year, Michele Sweetmon, Gross Catholic in Omaha, and Kim Knobbe, Guardian Angels Central Catholic in West Point; and Elementary Educators of the Year, Christy Vogel, St. Pius/St. Leo in Omaha, and Carole Willis, St. Mary in O’Neill.

Jeanie and Lance Jones of Christ the King Parish-Omaha chaired this year’s dinner. Honorary chairpersons were Erv and Elaine Eisenmenger of St. Mary Parish-West Point.

Jeanie and Lance Jones (right) chaired this year’s dinner. They are pictured here with honorary chairpersons Erv and Elaine Eisenmenger.

While the dinner is over, the opportunity to support Catholic education in the archdiocese is not. Donations are still being accepted here.

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