Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

The fourth annual Saints & Scholars Dinner was held on October 12 at the Embassy Suites in Lincoln, gathering educators, administrators, and supporters of Catholic education from across the Diocese of Lincoln. The event aimed to recognize the work of teachers and staff while raising funds for the Good Shepherd Scholarship Fund.

Father Lawrence Stoley, Ph.D., diocesan director of Catholic schools, welcomed attendees. Jake Tawney, chief academic officer for Great Hearts Academies, addressed the audience: “The world today might have us believe that the entirety of the purpose of education is the production of a work force. That’s not the whole picture,” Tawney said. “The purpose of education is the formation of the human person, and moreover for that soul to be Christ-like.”

Michael Nevrivy of Hastings, serving as Distinguished Sponsor for the evening, shared his perspective on the scholarship fund: “The Good Shepherd Scholarship Fund is very special in how it assists a lot of students who don’t get assisted by other programs.” He added: “One of the other major advantages is that it allows us to pay our teachers and administrators a commensurate amount to their public school peers. They’re the ones that make the big difference.” Nevrivy also stated, “We all have to sacrifice to get to the point that we can make Catholic education available to all the kids. We can all do our part to fund our children so they have the opportunity to become educated in a Catholic environment.”

Since its creation in 2018, more than $14.5 million has been distributed through the Good Shepherd Scholarship Fund to families within the diocese. For 2024-2025 alone, 1,417 scholarships were awarded—benefiting about one-quarter of all students enrolled in diocesan schools—with total funding reaching $2,659,200. Scholarships are based on family income and size; eligibility extends up to 225% of federal poverty guidelines with average recipient household incomes below $45,700.

Tuition at diocesan schools covers only a portion (25%-45%) of actual educational costs per student—about $6,500 annually—while public school costs statewide average over $13,000 per student each year.

A pre-recorded message from Representative Adrian Smith (R-Nebraska-3) highlighted legislative support for private school scholarships through federal tax credits established by recent legislation known as the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA). Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen opted into this program on September 29.

Governor Pillen attended with his wife Suzanne; Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly and his wife Susan were also present. During remarks at the awards ceremony segment Governor Pillen said: “I’m simply in awe of the life of holiness that you live and the leadership that you give all of us in growing our Church and growing our faith.”

Awards recognized several individuals:

- Ashley Rockey (St. Michael School in Lincoln), Administrator of the Year

- Rachel Wisnieski (Aquinas Elementary in David City), Elementary Educator of the Year

- Kris Lien (Lourdes Central Catholic in Nebraska City), Secondary Educator of the Year

- Anena Rolofson (Villa Marie in Waverly), Educator Serving Students with Special Needs or Underserved Communities

- Danielle Wagoner (Hastings Catholic Schools), Support Staff Member of the Year

Bishop James D. Conley closed with thanks: “All of our honorees were so amazing,” he said, “and I know that they are just an indication of many, many more of our teachers throughout the diocese who are so dedicated to mission of Catholic education.” He added: “Catholic education plays such a key role in transforming our students and transforming our culture as well.”

Donations supporting scholarships may be made through various means including cash gifts or assets such as real estate or stocks; applications for next year’s scholarships will open online January 1 through March 31.