Annual dance to benefit school for special needs students
WAVERLY (SNR) – The annual Villa Marie dance will be held Jan. 24 at the Rococo Theatre, 140 N. 13th St., Lincoln.
Doors open at 6 p.m. and the event starts at 7 p.m., featuring musical entertainment by Malpractice, a silent auction and raffle. Tickets range from $20-40, and are available online at rococotheatre.com or by calling the Rococo Theatre Box Office at 402-476-4467, Monday-Thursday from 12 to 4 p.m..
Dinner from Valentino’s is included in the ticket price.
Proceeds from the event will benefit Villa Marie School, a boarding and day school founded by Msgr. James D. Dawson in 1964 and run by the Marian Sisters.
The school serves children ages 6-18 who, due to autism, Down Syndrome or other multiple neurodiversity, find learning difficult and need a personalized education plan. Class sizes are small, and students work in small groups or one to one with their teachers throughout the day.
In addition to academics, students are exposed to programs developed to help with social and life skills, nutrition and cooking, sewing and art classes, healthy habits and physical education. Different strategies are developed to reach each child.
Jenny Allamby, executive director of development and advancement, spoke about students who received specialized verbal behavior strategy sessions.
“Two years ago, these students were non-verbal or struggling to find words,” she explained. “Now they can carry on a conversation, they are starting to get ‘humor’ and are expressive, funny, and willing to try new things. It’s like where they were once trapped, their minds have been set free.”
“It’s a robust program,” said principal Sister Jeanette Rerucha. “Each child is focused on their individual academic goals, and with our personal guidance, they thrive.”
Students also have various jobs each day, from helping with dishes, to vacuuming, emptying trash, preparing the recycling, and cleaning the bathroom sinks and mirrors.
“But most important is the spiritual aspect of Villa Marie,” she said. “Students and staff get to know and experience the love and acceptance of Jesus.”
The students and staff attend Mass together each day through the generosity of the many priests who volunteer to celebrate Mass. Students learn about Jesus and saints during their daily theology class.
Students come from all denominations; about half are Catholic.
“We help develop their faith and love for Jesus and give them the foundation to take their next steps,” Sister Jeanette said. “We are excited that our student, Rosalyiah, has decided to be baptized and receive her first Communion, which will take place on her 10th birthday.” She added that a staff member was asked to be the girl’s godmother.
Another student and his family are also preparing to enter the Catholic Church, and Sister Loretta is preparing another young lady for her first confession and first Communion.
“We are truly one big family,” Sister Jeanette said.
Through the example set forth by the Marian Sisters, Allamby said, Villa Marie is a place of peace, forgiveness, mercy and healing. Villa Marie is a safe haven for the brokenness, which many of the students have experienced.
“It is such a huge blessing to work in a place where everyone’s talents are appreciated,” she said. “You get multiple hugs and encouragement throughout the day and you can openly pray and witness for Jesus.”
She added that the staff at Villa Marie support and help each other, pray for each other, and love each and every child at Villa Marie.
“We want to see them succeed and grow into the best version of themselves,” she said.
Student Delaney reiterated this on her second day of school at Villa Marie: “I know I am always loved at Villa Marie.”
The school is always an option for parents with children who have special needs.
“We optimize parental choice,” said Msgr. John Perkinton, chief administrative officer. “Parents are the ultimate educators of their child. They determine what environment is best for the growth of their child. While you can get academic instruction in a public school environment, Villa Marie offers a much different approach. We partner with the parents and focus on developing the child academically, spiritually, physically and emotionally.”
Volunteer Pam Murray said the students are “lovingly helped through their challenges, celebrated for their achievements, and through the example of the Marian Sisters, taught that God’s love and acceptance are for everyone.”
Local band Malpractice, listed in August of 2019 as one of the “Top Ten” live Lincoln bands, will provide musical entertainment at the dance Jan. 24. Band members are Jamie Cox on bass, manager of the Guitar Center; and doctors Phil Essay on vocals, Todd Sorensen on guitar, Jeff Tomjack on drums and Rich Caruso on keyboard. They play rock and pop from the 70’s through today.
“Two of the greatest, most tangible demonstrations of the fact that God is Love come in the form of music and service to others,” said Dr. Essay. “Many thanks to Villa Marie School for allowing Malpractice to share in such a rich expression of love.”
Proceeds from the dance will go towards operational costs at the school. This school year, Villa Marie has added an additional staff member and welcomed five new students; two more are expected this semester.
“Money is required for salaries, supplies, and utilities and such, but being a boarding school we also have expenses other schools don’t have,” Allamby said. “Plus, with the special education strategies we implement, we need several options tailored to different ability levels to teach a specific academic subject.”
All are welcome at the Jan. 24 dance themed “Anchored in Hope.” The evening also includes a cash bar, merchandise table and silent auction. Public parking is available within a block of the Rococo.
For more information, visit www.villamarieschool.com. If you have further questions, contact Jenny at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call her mobile line at 402-874-0577. Donations can be sent to Villa Marie School, 7205 N 112th St., Waverly, NE 68462 or online at www.villamarieschool.com.
Those interested in volunteering at Villa Marie or helping in another way may call the school at 402-786-3625 and talk with Sister Jeanette or Jenny.
Finally, Allamby encouraged, “tell others about Villa Marie.”
“It’s mostly through word of mouth that parents find out about Villa Marie. You never know whom you might come in contact with that knows a family with a child who could be helped at Villa Marie.”
