2014 Year in Review Alumni Newsletter

8/9/2019 2014 Year in Review Alumni Newsletter

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2014 Year in Review

Merle Dandridge, PLHS Class of 199


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Cynthia Buettner, Brenda Carlson, Lee Denker, JErickson, Kristy Feden, Valerie Fisher, Jim GarbiBill Gess, Jim Glover, Jill Govier, Kirk Goodnight,Isaacson, Paul Johnston, Don Kelly, Jeremy KinsKlein, Mike Krzywicki, Marcus Madler, Jason Mat

McCartney, Julie McKeone, Dr. Harlan MetschkeMiller, Jim Paschal, Curtis Rainge, Rita Ramirez,Rikli, Karla Rupiper, Leanne Sotak, Dr. Fred Tafo

Van Ackeren, Tania Woessner

2014 Board of Direc

Ongoing Foundation Programs

Papillion-La VistaSchools FoundationAlumni and friends of Papillion-La Vista Schools,2014 was a great year - a year committed to supporting students,honoring a tradition of educational excellence through ongoingFoundation programs, and fostering the best new ideas from the District,

alumni, and friends. Last year we celebrated one of these new ideas, thePapillion-La Vista Schools Endowment for the Performing Arts, at Gala2014 with Hall of Fame alumna and Broadway and television star MerleDandridge (1993) performing with current students. The Foundation Board and staff are dedicated to connecting you,our alumni, with each other and your schools through reunions, alumnievents, and an online community launching soon. Stay in touch byupdating your contact information at plvschoolsfoundation.org, and sharewhat you are doing with us and your fellow alumni. We cannot do this without you: our alumni, community supporters,and District staff who choose to invest in children though the Papillion-La Vista Schools Foundation. To recognize this partnership and support,

the Foundation will publicize the 2015 Honora Teacheralumni donors and their favoriteteacher on our website, Facebook, andnewsletter. Please consider joining your fellowalumni in recognizing a teacher who made animpact in your life through a gift in their honor.They will receive an acknowledgment card and100 percent of your gift will directly supportstudents. Know that you are part of a proudtradition that lives on in the accomplishmentsof alumni throughout the world. Thank youfor making a difference for children and their

families. Stop by and see us in 2015. Happy NewYear.

Gene Klein, John Erickson,President Executive Director

Kids ClubHeld at each of Papillion-La Vistasfourteen elementary schools, Kids Clubprovides safe, reliable care for studentsbefore and after school, on out-of-school days, and during the summer.Kids Club offers developmentallyappropriate and educational curriculum,on-site activities, special guests, andeld trips. Over 1,000 students wereserved in Kids Club in 2014.

Teacher GrantsThis program is designed to encourageunique and innovative ideas fromteachers that will improve theeducational process and enhance thelearning experience of students inthe district. The Foundation funds$100,000 or more in grants eachyear.

Scholarships for

SeniorsThe Foundation recognizes thevalue of continuing educationfor graduating seniors byoffering nancial supportthrough $1,000 scholarships,available annually for qualiedstudents. Alumni and friendscan choose to honor theirloved ones throughnamed scholarships.

Outdoor EducationAll 6thgrade students spend twand one night at the Eastern N4-H Camp, developing a betteunderstanding of - and apprecfor - nature and the outdoors.participate in nature hikes, gateamwork-building activities. Fsupport makes this program fstudents can engage in experlearning while creating memo

will last a lifetime.

Old Portal SchoolHistory books come to life for students through reenactmentime, and tours of the Old Por

the historic John Sautterand the orig

CoCoal

Mrs. Bev Ruff was my speech coach and teacher all three years at PLHS. had an immeasurable impact on my success as a

journalist and television news broadcaster. Brandi Petersen, PLHS 1999

Our Mission: ThePapillion-La Vista Schools

Foundation strives toenhance educationalopportunities for the

students of the Papillion-La Vista School District byoffering the opportunity

to participate in activitiesand take advantage of

programs that would nototherwise be possible. Bell Elem

Ki

alumni newsletter


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ommunity. The Papillion-La Vistachools Foundation provided funds toevive the historic Portal School, allowingudents to connect to lives of theoneers. Papillion-La Vista teachers,e Papillion Area Historical society, law

nforcement, and community membersolunteer to create this experience.

ummer Libraryour or more elementary school librariesay open during the summer to offer all-6thgrade Papillion-La Vista students thepportunity to take their own summeracation through the pages of books.tudents can participate in activitiesthe library and are invited to check

ut books. Summer Library expandsementary students horizons throughducation and reading, providing anpportunity to families who do not haveose access to a another library or thenancial ability to buy new books.

unior High Tutoringhe Foundation provides funding foraching staff to work with junior highudents after school, four days a week,roviding extra help necessary forudents to succeed.

Career Academieschool-to-Career Academies allow highchool students the chance to receive-depth exploration, hands-on careerxperience, and on-the-job training.oundation scholarships and tuition

eimbursement assist students innancial need to earn both high schoolnd Metropolitan Community Collegeedit, giving them a jump-start to theirture and a strong advantage as theyunch their career.

Post Promhe Papillion-La Vista Schools Foundationartners with parents and communityaders to provide resources to keepapillion-La Vista South High Schooludents safe at a drug and alcohol-

ee event for after Prom. Eveningctivities include a lock-in with food,ntertainment, and prizes to keepundreds of students up all night withn. Parents know their children are safe

nd well-chaperoned while studentsel at ease in an environment free ofegative peer pressure.

GraduateSafeGraduate Safeis drug andalcohol-free eventfor Papillion-La Vista HighSchool Seniorsafter graduation.The Foundation

partners withparents andcommunityleaders to givegraduates asafe opportunityto celebratewith food andentertainment. Parents, staff, andcommunity members make this eventsucceed through donations, volunteertime, and nancial support. Graduateshave a safe, memorable, and excitingclose to their high school career.

Cooperation BESTCooperation BEST (Better EducateStudents for Tomorrow) connectscommunity businesses to schools inthe Papillion-La Vista School District toenhance the educational experienceof each student. Schools and businesspartners work together to provideunique learning experiences, connectingstudents to the community and providingthem the opportunity to explore careersand industries.

Student EmergencyFunds

A resource to provide for emergencybasic needs such as food, shelter, andtransportation, students and familiescan count on the Student EmergencyFund when there is no other place toturn. The fund provides a hand to helpfamilies in need and allow students tocontinue to benet from the outstandinglearning environment of Papillion-La

Vista Schools. This program is supported

by the La Vista CommunityFoundation and throughthe District 2014Teacher Givingcampaign.

VehicleDayEachyear, over900 rst

grade students explore different carethrough vehicles used by businessesin the community. Businesses arerepresented by a vehicle that studenare able to touch, feel, and climbthrough while learning from professiin the business world.

Elementary ArtsArt is an essential element of thecurriculum for all students in the DisThe Papillion-La Vista Schools Foundprovides funds for all K-6thgradestudents to participate in the OmahaTheater Companys Every Single Chprogram. The program is modied towith District curriculum through activdevelopmentally appropriate for eacgrade. Fine arts organizations includThe Rose Theater and Omaha Theat

Company contribute to the ElementaArts experience.

More than just a teacher she was a mentor, a friend, someone for us to look up to and aspire to be. Shirley Minton had s

a positive impact on her students lives. Jim Frederick, PLHS 1996

Old Portal School

Vehicle D

alumni newsle


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When Papillion-La Vistas fteenthelementary school opens in thel of 2015, many may recognize theme. Others may even say I wentthat school! The Papillion-La Vistahools board of education approved theme Prairie Queen, after a one-roomhoolhouse that stood in the same

ea. The new elementary school willlocated just north of Werner Parkseball eld in Papillion. The originalairie Queen sat near what is now4th & Highway 370 on land donatedthe grandfather of Prairie Queend Papillion High School alum Elaine

aug Moore. Elaines father went on toild the swing set and it still sits on theoperty of Elaine and her husband Bob.e school opened in 1884 and operatedtil 1957 when it was purchased andnverted into Papillion Grange Hall.The name may be the same, but

e two schools will be vastly different.e new Papillion-La Vista elementaryhool will house kindergarten throughh grade students all with their ownassroom, a library, a cafeteria andm, ofces for school administration,d even indoor bathrooms. The originalairie Queen housed students throughh grade all in one room! Papilliongh School graduates Becky Seiboldofoot (1960), Harold Eurich (1949),chard Eurich (1953), Elaine Haugoore (1953), and Joyce Schobertepelmeier (1951) shared some

emories of their time at Prairieueen with the Foundation:

When it was time for studentsass, you would pull your chair upthe teachers desk to have your

sson, and then go back to yoursk while another grade level hadeir lesson.There was no homeworkcause when you wentme to the farm youd chores to do.

Lunch was whatever

om packed!For our Christmasogram we made a

stage of foot-tall boxes and hung a sheetto make the stage curtain. The school was warmed by a woodburning stove. The teacher had to getthere early to start it up. Students wererequired to haul coal inside to fuel there. The fun time was when we lockedthe teacher in the coal house! saidRichard Eurich. We took a eld trip to the city - Omaha and visited Omar Bakery, RobertsDairy, and Armour Packing plant. Themeat packing plant was operating while

we visited. Water was hand-pumped outside, thenput in a ceramic jug inside the school forstudents to ll their cups. We had to run outside to use therestrooms, even when it was cold asheck.

A special thank you to these alumni forsharing their time, stories, and photos.

Past Meets Present

Prairie Queen Elementary Renderibcdm Architec

Harold Eurich, Richard Eurich,Joyce Siepelmeier, and Elaine Moore

Courtesy of Sarpy CouHistorical Muse

1942-43 School Year

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Prairie Queen swing s

Above: Back row, Teacher Ethel Lee, Harold Eurich, HerbertMayer, Maxine Arp, Dorothy Shobert, Patricia Seibold, JoyceShobertFront row, Danny Seibold, Dick Eurich, Kathryn BabeSeibold, Elaine Haug, Bobby Haug

194

Mr. Mike Logans energy and enthusiasm was contagious. My role as DECA State President sparked my interested in media. I

ECA as a pivotal moment in my life, and Mr. Logan was a big part of that. Brittany Jones-Cooper, PLHS 2004

alumni newsletter


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apillion-La Vistaonarchs

Papillion-La VistaSouth Titans 2014 Girls Cross Country nished 1stin State Competition, wthe Boys qualied for State. Chris Dean won 2014 state championship for #1 singles inBoys Tennis. Colin Stock won 2014 State Champion Wrestling at 195 lbs.

The 2013-2014 Softball and Baseball teams both qualied fthe State Tournament. Marching band placed 1stin 3 competitions and 2ndin State 2014, all with Superior ratings.

apillion-La Vista High School received 3rdplace in 2013-14 Class A NSAA US Cellular Cup, representing activitiesd athletics.

Girls Golf was 2014 state runner-up, the best nish inhool history.olleyball entered the 2014 State Tournament undefeatedthe season,shing as runner-

Marching bandceived a Superioring in 2014 statempetition.Girls Softball wentState for the 22ndar, nishing 3rd.

The Papillion-La Vista SchoolsFoundation celebrated homecomingh two all-class celebrations!The Monarchs defeated Lincolnutheast on October 3. After theme, alumni gathered at Liberty Socialll to continue the celebration. Ammittee chaired by Ellen and Darrel

mith helped plan the fun evening.erty Social Hall donated the use of

eir facilty.The Titans took on Omaha

rthwest on October 9, winning theme 54-22.Alumni were invited to

visit the Foundation table before thegame to win prizes and receive a

discounted meal courtesy of the TitanDefenders. Alumni were invited to signa poster with the graduation year. TheClass of 2014 was the best represented! Wed love your help to make 2015homecoming celebrations bigger andbetter! Contact Alumni Manager ErinBurke at [email protected] with anysuggestions or to join the fun by servingon a planning committee.

In MemoryCelebrating the lives of those alumni aneducators who have passed away in 201

Kay Appel, Portal & G. Stanley Hall custoGladys Blum (Carlson), 1951Dorothy Brasch (Arp), 1945Patricia Denker (Seibold), 1947Brian Downey, 1969Carol Fairfax, PLHS nutrition teacherSteve Knott, 1971Robert Mass, 1969Deborah Nichols (Fisher), 1969Shirlee Nance, LVJH English teacherRobert Ostransky, 1969Ross Riepl, 1994

Harry Rudolph, 1947LeRoy Stuehm, 1946Joan Timmerman, 1953Bob Ward, 1944

*Please accept our apologies for those wwere unintentionally omitted.

High School Highlights

All-Class Homecoming

Titan HomecomingMonarch Homecoming

photo by Matt Stoss, PLSHSphoto by Emi Lesser, PLSHS

Anna MiltonChris Dean

photo by Laura Kramer, PLHS

PLHS

alumni newsle

Ms. Ann Danner was a teacher with real passion for her profession and students. Whatever it took was what Ann would dohelp a child succeed. Kris Zey, Tara Heights 5thGrade Teacher


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Ann Danner LT JenniferMalandra(Rubin)

Brig GenPeter

Gersten

MichaelLogan,

posthumous

Dr. Gib Willett

Gala is an opportunity to celebrateour school/community partnershipand publicly recognize individualsand organizations who have madea lasting impression on the District.The Papillion-La Vista Schools Hall ofFame honors graduates, educators,

and boosters. Eight individuals and onecommunity organization were inductedinto the Hall of Fame in 2014: Distinguished Alumni,acknowledging alumni who havedistinguished themselves in theircareers through exemplary publicservice. LT Jennifer Malandra(Rubin), Papillion-La Vista South, 2006,now serves in the United States Navyas a Reactor Controls Division Ofcer onthe USS Ronald Reagan off the coast ofSan Diego.

Brig Gen. Peter Gersten, Papillion-La Vista, 1984. An Air Force pilot, Gen.Gersten now serves as Deputy Directorfor Politico-Military Affairs at thePentagon. Dr. Gib Willett, Papillion-La Vista, 1982, physical therapist,lecturer, and published research author.Dr. Willett taught at UNMCs PhysicalTherapy Program from 1990-2014. Legendary Educators,for teachers

and staff members who have madea positive impact students and thePapillion-La VIsta School District. JeanBrownbuilt a structure of businesssupport for our schools, known asCooperation BEST.Ann Dannerwas instrumental in the creation andongoing success of student-favoriteOutdoor Education. Before he passed in2007, Michael Loganwas an engagingbusiness teacher and DECA leaderat Papillion-La Vista High School. His

golden voice was recognized from

announcing football and basketballgames. Community Booster,for thosewho have shown outstanding supporof the District through private suppoor service. Dr. Jeffry and LisaStrohmyerhave been active leaderin parent organizations across all schlevels. Lisa previously served on theFoundation board. The Optimist Cl

of Papillion-La Vistahas shownoutstanding support for all Papillion-Vista schools, particularly La Vista WElementary.

For a list of all Papillion-La VistaSchools Hall of Fame Members, visitplvschoolsfoundation.org/alumni/hall_of_fame. Nominations for the 20Hall of Fame are now being acceptedDownload the application form atplvschoolsfoundation.org/alumni/hall_of_fame. Applications are due M1, 2014.

Hall of Fame

Jean BrownDr. Jeffry &Lisa

Strohmyer

Optimist Club

Op

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istClub

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The Papillion-La Vista SchoolsFoundation extended their effortsto connect alumni with eachother and with their schoolsthrough the hiring of an alumnimanager, Erin Burke, 2005.

In 2014, the Foundationprovided support for sevenhigh school reunions: 1954,1964, 1969, 1979, 1984, 1994,and 2004. Alumni can turn tothe Foundation for a classmate

contact list, school tours, venue,catering, and lodging options(with discount opportunities!),and so much more. In 2015, alumni can expect tosee more frequent communicationfrom the Foundation ofce, thedebut of an online networking site designed just for Papillion-La Vista alumni,and a simplied online reunion registration. Planning a reunion? Contact Erin at [email protected] to nd out how theFoundation can help.

AlumniA Tradition of Givin The Papillion-La Vista School District thrived for more than 140 years thanksto dedicated educators and support froalumni and a caring community. Endowed or expendable gifts suppostudents, teachers, technology, programor the specic area of interest to the doOur Planned Giving committee was creato support community members develoa plan to leave a legacy in a manner thfullls all of their wishes. The Papillion-La Vista Schools

Foundation recognizes gifts through theLegacy Society, Annual Giving Societiesthe Superintendents Circle, for those wlifetime gifts and pledges of $10,000.Giving Levels:Platinum - $1,000 (Superintendents Circle for 10-yeaof $1,000/year)Gold - $500Silver - $250Bronze and lifetime alumni - $100Friend and alumni member - $25

1994 20 Year Reunion

1969 45 Year Reunion

alumni newsletter

Calculus was by no means glamorous, but by Mr. Paul Kunes passion for the subject he inspired me to pursue an enginee

degree and challenges me to continue my daily quest to learn more. Jennifer Malandra, PLSHS 2006


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For more than 140 years,students of the Papillion-Vista School District havecelled in drama, vocalusic, and instrumentalusic. The Endowmentr the Performing Artsa breakthrough for the

pillion-La Vista Schoolsundation, marking the

oundations rst Endowedenter of Excellence topport a specic area ofr schoolsforever.This project began

th a simple conversationetween a parent andundation executiverector John Erickson. Johnlewitch, father of twopillion-La Vista alumni,w the profound impacte performing arts had the lives of his childrend wanted to ensureat generations to comed the same opportunities to excel.ith that dream, a pledge was madeestablish the Monarch Endowment

r the Performing Arts. The Papillion-Vista Schools Foundation made a

omise to build on his gift to reach antial goal of $50,000.

Additional leadership gifts have beenceived for the Monarchs, as well as totablish the Titan Endowment for the

erforming Arts.Once fully-funded, interest from

ch Endowment will be awarded toe project or performances that holde greatest opportunity to engage,

evelop, and challenge students. atpillion-La Vista and Papillion-La Vista

South. This could be anything fromying in a special guest conductoror traveling performance group to aworkshop on innovative set design- the sky is the limit. What mattersis that the project does not comefrom the Schools Foundation, itcomes from the educators who work

closely with students and know whatopportunities will help them achieveoutstanding goals. A recommendationwill be made each year by the vocal andinstrumental music and drama leaders,in collaboration with each high schoolprincipal, then to the Superintendent ofSchools for nal approval. At Gala 2014, the Papillion-La Vista Schools Foundation was able to

announce $100,000 had been pledgedto these two funds, which combine tocreate the Papillion-La Vista SchoolsEndowment for the Performing Arts.Broadway and television star MerleDandridge, 1993, was on hand tocelebrate the announcement with avideo featuring some of her friends.

This Endowment is far fromcomplete. Learn how you can joinin at plvschoolsfoundation.org. Youare invited to direct your gift to theMonarchs or the Titans, divide the giftbetween the two schools, or allow theFoundation to utilize it where it is mostneeded.

Endowment for the Performing Arts

photo by Caitlin Brisse, PLphoto by Caitlin Brisse, PLSHS

photo by Kerri Waholtz, Pphoto by Zarina Lehmann, PLHS

Below: Papillion-La Vista district alumni join MerleDandridge and current Papillion-La Vista studentsto perform Seasons of Love at Gala 2014.

alumni newsl

Mrs. Kati Settles taught me to love involvement and how to take risks on doing something totally out of my comfort zone wh

e encouraged me to do big things. She was always patient and caring with students. Jessica DeJong Heineman, PLHS 2


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Save the DateSwing for Kids Golf Tournament

Papillion-La Vista Schools Foundation242 W. Grant St.Papillion, NE 68046

plvschoolsfoundation.org402.829.1340

facebook.com/plvschoolsfoundation

@PLVSchoolsFound

Gala 2015

June 5, 2015

August 22, 2015

Connecting Great Schools

SCHOOLS FOUNDATION

P - L

to a Caring Community

2014 Year in Review Alumni Newsletter

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