Archbishop's Dinner For Education
The Archbishop’s Dinner for Education, which takes place each September, is a celebration of Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Omaha. Currently in its 41st year, the event provides an opportunity to publicly recognize the dedication of our Catholic school educators, to thank those who support our schools, and to raise scholarship funds for low-income students to attend Catholic schools.
Each year eight outstanding teachers and administrators who demonstrate a strong personal commitment to Catholic education and give service above and beyond the ordinary are honored as “Educators of the Year” at the Archbishop’s Dinner for Education. Each honoree receives a $5,000 award.
Proceeds from the event are used to fund scholarships which enable a greater number of children to attend Catholic schools throughout the archdiocese. Scholarship dollars raised are administered through the Children’s Scholarship Fund of Omaha.
Below is Archbishop Lucas along with the 2018 honorees and chairpersons for this year's event:
For more information about the Archbishop’s Dinner, please contact:
Kara Wesely
402.557.5650 ext. 1905
2018 Archbishop's Dinner for Education Honorees
Meet this year's award-winning educators.
Honoree Speech by Stacey Fanciullo
Administrators of the Year
One Administrator of the Year award funded by the Past Chair Endowment
“There is no greater joy or blessing than being able to work in a Catholic School. Coming to work every day and seeing these little ones and sharing their love of Jesus makes every day a gift from God.“
– William Huben
“It’s important for school administrators to look at every aspect of the school and see if there are areas for improvement and if it’s within our means to make the improvements. It’s the same philosophy for taking care of kids – are they improving, do they need additional help or services or do they need new programs or curriculum?”
– Andy Bishop
Educators of the Year
Elementary
“Mrs. Fanciullo is more than our music and art teacher, she is the heart of our school community. Her
talents and presence bring joy to our students, teachers and staff. Her words and action reflect her Christian character and her heart is clearly at the center of everything she does.”
– Christian and Angela Davenport, St. Bernadette parents
“One of Jan’s wonderful qualities is that she sees each child as an individual who needs direction. Each student is educated and challenged in a way that is best suited for the student. She is creative and innovative in her teaching approach. She sets high standards for herself and her students and then works hard to see that they are met. She is constantly broadening her knowledge, improving her skills and sharing with her peers what she has learned.”
– Betty Getzfred, St. Boniface principal
Educators of the Year
Secondary
“Fr. Stephen is a superb educator because of his intense preparation of his students. My ability to study in France and Mount Michael’s stellar test scores in the national French exam are testaments to his superior teaching and dedication.”
– Paul Hotovy, former student and current Mount Michael faculty member
“I have never thought of teaching or coaching as a job. I really enjoy being around young people and having a small role in helping them achieve and grow. I try to instill in my students a strong work ethic, confidence that they can accomplish anything they set their mind to and a positive attitude, as life is not necessarily about what happens to you but how you react to those things.”
– Eric Kessler
Educators of the Year
Special Education & Inner City
Funded by the Maginn Family Foundation
"Mrs. Bradley is a gentle builder, leader and bridge maker. Every child in her class is special and
deeply loved. Her work touches and transforms families in our neighborhood. Our diverse and
multicultural representation requires unique skills and devotion. She does not discriminate;
she treats her students with love, dignity and with the utmost attention. She empowers them
to dream and seek their God-given potential.”
– Rev. Vitalis Anyanike, Holy Name pastor
“Cheryl has so much love in her heart for her students! She consistently finds ways for her students to engage in service learning. She has impacted the lives of so many students who have passed through her classroom.”
– Rev. David Korth, Sacred Heart pastor