Villa Marie School teacher Anena Rolofson has been recognized with the 2025 St. Catherine of Alexandria Award, an honor given to educators who serve students with special needs or those in underserved communities.

Villa Marie Home and School for Exceptional Children, located in Waverly, offers a supportive environment for both day students and boarders who require special education services.

Rolofson’s career in education began after she was inspired by a high school English teacher while growing up in Indiana. Initially considering social work or speech therapy, she shifted her focus after realizing that a disability limiting her use of both hands would make teaching Deaf education challenging. “I briefly thought about becoming a Deaf education teacher,” she said, “but because of a slight disability that limits my ability to use both hands for sign language, I chose speech language pathology instead.”

Her first role as a speech language therapist in Hastings led to further studies and eventually a master’s degree in learning disabilities. Over 34 years, Rolofson worked as a teacher, administrator, and district special education director. In these positions, she managed programs, mentored teachers, and trained as a mediator to help families and schools navigate Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings.

She recalled the determination of her students over the years. One former student named Stephanie overcame significant challenges related to her learning disability. “She has an incredible sense of humor about her learning disability,” Rolofson said, “and she has found ways to compensate so she can live fully.”

Three years ago, Rolofson returned to Nebraska with her husband Ken and joined Villa Marie School where she collaborates with the Marian Sisters to support students with special needs. She also works with Pius X High School in Lincoln so that Villa Marie students can participate in specialized classes there while continuing to provide speech therapy services.

Rolofson values the mission of Catholic schools: “Catholic education integrates faith with academics and prepares students not just for careers, but for lives rooted in compassion,” she said. She also acknowledged the importance of public education based on her experience working within both systems.

Receiving the St. Catherine of Alexandria Award is meaningful for Rolofson not only personally but also because it highlights Catholic education’s mission and supports students with disabilities academically and spiritually. She expressed appreciation for those who have supported her throughout her career including the Marian Sisters at Villa Marie, Msgr. John Perkinton, Sasha Kelly who nominated her, colleagues and staff members, as well as her husband Ken.

Though retired from administration roles, Rolofson will begin this fall as part-time student services coordinator at Blessed Sacrament School in Lincoln—a return to the school where she previously provided speech services during the 1980s.

For new teachers entering the field, Rolofson advised focusing on flexibility, humor, and building community: “Lesson plans are important,” she said,“but you must be ready for the unexpected. Humor lightens difficult days, and colleagues make the work joyful. If you can’t have fun with the people you work with, you won’t be very fulfilled.”

Reflecting on her ongoing commitment to education after decades of service Rolofson added,“I’m still not done yet.”

The St. Catherine of Alexandria Award recognizes Rolofson’s long-standing dedication to helping students realize their potential while fostering independence and compassion through faith.